How to Fix Inaccurate / Wrong Location Detection Issue in Windows?

Windows can sometimes inaccurately detect your location, particularly when using maps and other location-based services or applications. This issue often arises when the geolocation of your IP address is tied to your ISP’s business address rather than your actual physical location.

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 Other factors contributing to incorrect location reports include system or application corruption, outdated location history, and issues with the Geolocation service.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:

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.
2. Right-click on your Wi-Fi network and select Forget.

   

3. Then, click the Connect option and enter the password.
4. Open the maps service again to check if the problem still exists.

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:

1. Open the Settings app with the Win key + I shortcut.
2. Navigate to the Privacy and security > Location menu.

   

3. Click Clear under the Location History section.

   

4. Restart the Maps service afterward to see if there’s any improvement.

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:

1. Press Win key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to the Privacy and security > Location section, as shown previously.
3. Click the Set default option next to Default Location.

   

4. Enter your location in the Maps app that opens.

   

5. This location will be used as the default when Windows cannot detect your real location.

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:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win key + I.
2. Navigate to the Privacy and security > Location menu as shown above.
3. Turn off the Location services using the toggle switch.

   

4. Refresh Google Maps and determine if the issue has been resolved.

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:

1. Search for Command Prompt in the Start Menu and open it.

   

2. Type netsh wlan show networks bssid in the Command Prompt and press Enter.
3. Copy the BSSID address and navigate to the Windows Location Services website here.

   

4. Enter the BSSID address in the provided field.
5. The removal process may take a few days to complete.
6. Turn off your Wi-Fi adapter through the Quick Menu with the Win key + A shortcut.

   

7. Open the Maps app and click the Show my location icon.

   

8. Turn your Wi-Fi adapter back on, and check to see if the problem has been resolved.

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:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt by searching for it in the Start Menu and selecting Run as administrator.

   

2. Enter these commands, pressing Enter after each:

   ipconfig /flushdns 
   ipconfig /registerdns 
   ipconfig /release 
   ipconfig /renew 
   netsh winsock reset

   

3. Restart your computer afterward and verify the accuracy of your location.

These methods should help you resolve any incorrect location issues in Windows. If the problem continues, contact the Microsoft support team for further assistance.