In scenarios where a device lacks GPS capabilities, Windows relies on IP address location, which cannot be changed, resulting in discrepancies between your actual location and the one reported by your device. Other factors contributing to incorrect location reports include system or application corruption, outdated location history, and issues with the Geolocation service. Several users have encountered persistent inaccuracies even after moving to a new location, suggesting that the problem might also be linked to the router’s MAC address or the device’s stored location data. Even after updating their default location settings, their devices continue to report their old locations, affecting all location-dependent services. This article will show you how to accurately represent your location in various Maps services on Windows.
1. Forget Wi-Fi Connection
If you are using an old router at a new location, begin troubleshooting the issue by forgetting your Wi-Fi connection. This will force the Windows Location Service to update the MAC addresses it uses for your location, and could resolve the issue. After forgetting the Wi-Fi connection on your computer, re-establish a new connection with the same access point:
2. Delete Location History
Windows stores your location locally for a limited time to prevent frequent triangulation and save system resources. If the stored location in your location history is incorrect, it will cause the Maps app to display the wrong place. Clear the location history in Windows to fix this:
3. Manually Change Location
You can manually change your computer’s location if it is calculated incorrectly, potentially resolving any inconsistencies caused by the Maps service not detecting a precise location. Set the default location via the Settings app in Windows:
4. Turn Off Location Service
If you receive an incorrect location while using Google Maps or other third-party location services, it could be due to interference from the Windows Location Service. Since Google Maps operates independently from the Location Service in Windows, you can turn it off without concern:
5. Remove Incorrect MAC Address from Windows Location Service
Windows uses MAC addresses of nearby access points to help determine your current location. If the MAC addresses in the Windows database are incorrect, it can lead to inaccurate location readings. To rectify this, delete the incorrect MAC address from the location service database:
6. Renew DNS Cache and IP Address
If the incorrect location issue persists, flush the DNS cache on your computer and renew your IP address. This action can prompt the Windows Location Service to recalculate your location, which may fix the issue: Flush the DNS cache and renew your IP address with the following commands in Command Prompt: These methods should help you resolve any incorrect location issues in Windows. If the problem continues, contact the Microsoft support team for further assistance.
