How to Enable or Disable App Location Requests in Windows 11
App location requests in Windows 11 let you control which programs can see where you are. Windows 11 uses Wi-Fi signals, nearby cell towers, and GPS data to find your exact physical location so maps and weather tools work correctly.
Turning off location requests stops apps from tracking you completely. You can also turn on the “Notify when apps request location” setting to get a pop-up warning every single time a program asks Windows for your location.
Go to Settings Privacy & security Location. Click the switch under “Notify when apps request location” to turn it On or Off. This controls whether you see a pop-up when an app needs your location.
Prerequisites
Logging in as an administrator remains a requirement before starting. Creating a system restore point is vital before modifying the Windows Registry, which stores core operating system configurations. Incorrectly changing the registry can lead to system problems.
Turn “Notify when apps request location” on or off
Controlling privacy settings involves telling Windows 11 whether to send notifications whenever apps attempt to use location data. Adjusting this preference helps monitor which software actively requests geographic coordinates.
- Open the Windows Settings app by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings. You can also press the Win+I on your keyboard.
- Click the Privacy & security button on the left side of the window.
- Select the Location tile on the right.
- Look for the “Notify when apps request location” tile.
- Click the switch to turn it On or Off based on your preference.
Closing the Settings app finalizes the configuration.
Global vs. Per-App Settings
| Setting Type | Scope | Control Level |
|---|---|---|
| Global | Entire System | Turns all location requests on or off. |
| Per-App | Individual Apps | Allows specific apps access while blocking others. |
Managing Location History and Privacy
Windows keeps a record of your location history. Navigating to Settings Privacy & security Location and clicking the Clear button next to Location history removes this data. This prevents apps from accessing past location data stored on your device.
Troubleshooting Inaccurate Location
Verifying that Wi-Fi remains turned on resolves inaccurate location readings, as wireless networks help Windows figure out where you are.
Use Windows Registry to change settings
Advanced control requires administrator access and involves changing Windows 11 location settings using the Windows Registry. This method lets you directly adjust specific settings related to app location requests by editing values within the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to this path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CapabilityAccessManager\ConsentStore\location - If you do not see the location key, right-click on ConsentStore and create the subkey folder named location.
- Right-click in the empty space on the right side of the folder. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name this new item
ShowGlobalPrompts. - Double-click
ShowGlobalPrompts. Make sure the Base is set to Decimal. - Change the Value data:
- Type
1to receive notifications when an app asks for your location. - Type
0to stop these notifications.
- Type
Saving changes and restarting the computer applies the new configurations.
Summary
Managing Windows 11 location notifications gives you control over physical visibility while keeping privacy protection active.
Does turning off location services affect Find My Device?
Disabling the master location service prevents the Find My Device feature from accurately tracking your computer's location. Losing your device means forfeiting the ability to view its last known position on a map, which significantly reduces recovery chances.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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