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How does Windows know my location accurately?
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Starting with Windows 8, Microsoft introduces location services and personalized content, which made a lot of privacy-users angry.
Still, many people wonder how Windows knows their accurate location. It shouldn’t be possible withoutGPS tools, right?
Wrong. Microsoft is smarter than that.
So, how can Windows track my location?
According to Microsoft, your current location is tracked by taking into account all available services: GPS, nearby Wi-Fi hotspots, cell towers, and your IP address.
To determine its accuracy, just take a look at how modern your computer is.
Basically, if it’s new enough to run Windows 10, then it’s good enough to track you down using all supported services.
Is it dangerous?
Not according to Microsoft.
It says that it removes all personal information that can be used to identify you. It does this before receiving your location details.
But a lot of users don’t buy it, not even after disabling location services.
Why should I let Windows know my accurate location?
How do I disable Windows location services?
Using the steps above, you canget rid of theYour location is currently in usemessage.
Alternatively, you can manage permissions for every app you want to use Windows location services.
What else can I do to improve my online privacy?
We recommend using a reliableVPNservice to change your IP address and prevent Microsoft from tracking your true location.
It encrypts your data traffic and helps you bypass firewalls. And we can’t think of a better solution thanPrivate Internet Access.
It’s wrapped in a super-intuitive interface for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can even set it up on your router.
PIAallows 10 simultaneous connections. It supports the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols with up to 256-bit military-grade encryption, private DNS servers, and Shadowsocks proxy.
You can use PIAchange your location with a VPN, unblock Netflix US anywhere in the world and stay safe from tracking services like Microsoft when browsing the web.
By the way, you can alsouse a VPN to change your GPS location, but not on Windows PC.
Conclusion
To sum up, Windows knows your accurate location by taking into account multiple aspects, including your GPS, nearby Wi-Fi towers, and your IP address.
If you’re worried about your privacy, you can turn off the Windows location services but there are no guarantees.
However, you can amp up your security and privacy level by turning to a trustworthy VPN like Private Internet Access. It’s one of thebest tools for stopping online tracking.
More about the topics:All the Windows 10 tips you need to Know
Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. With a firm grasp of software reviewing and content editing, she is always trying new things to improve her skill set.
Once in a blue moon, she steps aside from the desk to play with her bunny and to water her probably dead plants.
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Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. She’s a software reviewer and content editor.
