Namespace is already defined as the target namespace GPEDIT error

While opening the Local Group Policy Editor on my Windows computer, I received the following error message:

Namespace ‘Microsoft.Policies.Sensors.WindowsLocationProvider’ is already defined as the target namespace for another file in the store.

Clicking on OK made the box go away and I could continue to work on my Group Policy Editor.

The question is – what is this error and why does this happen?

Namespace is already defined as the target namespace

This happens because the LocationProviderADM.admx file has been renamed to Microsoft-Windows-Geolocation-WLPAdm.admx in Windows. It could also occur similarly if the other files are renamed.

So it is quite possible that you are facing this error on some systems after you upgraded to Windows 11/10.

Microsoft explains that this error is for information purposes only, and clicking on OK and moving forward will make the GPEDIT function normally.

However, if you wish to remove the cause of this happening, then KB3077013 suggests that you delete the LocationProviderADM.admx and LocationProviderADM.adml files, and change the names of Microsoft-Windows-Geolocation-WLPAdm.admx and Microsoft-Windows-Geolocation-WLPAdm.adml files to the correct names.

To do this, create a system restore point first. Next, open an elevated command prompt window and run the following command:

takeown /F " C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\Microsoft-Windows-Geolocation-WLPAdm.admx" /A

Followed by-

takeown /F " C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US\Microsoft-Windows-Geolocation-WLPAdm.adml" /A

Next, grant administrators Full Control permissions to both files. To do this, open C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions and right-click on the Microsoft-Windows-Geolocation-WLPAdm.admx file and select Properties.

Under the Security tab, click the Edit button. Next in the new setting box, select Full Control as shown below. Click Apply, OK, and exit.

Do the same for the C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\en-US\Microsoft-Windows-Geolocation-WLPAdm.adml file too.

Finally, rename both the files with an extension of .old.

Restart your computer and see.

The error messages will go away.

What is targetNamespace in XSD namespace?

The targetNamespace in an XSD schema specifies the namespace that all elements and types defined in that schema belong to. Each schema file can have its own distinct targetNamespace, ensuring clear and organized element definitions within XML documents.

What does namespace mean in Active Directory?

In Active Directory, a namespace is a hierarchical structure used to organize and manage resources such as users, computers, and services. It is similar to DNS namespaces and is essential for directory services and resource management in Windows Server environments.