In this post, we will talk about the best free alternatives to the Windows Maps app. The Windows Maps app by Microsoft has many interesting features like viewing multiple searches together on one map, adding notes, annotations, and drawings to the road-view map, using offline maps, viewing 360-degree panoramas of a place, printing and sharing step-by-step walking directions, and more. However, Microsoft has decided to remove the Maps app from the Microsoft Store. So, for those who are looking for Maps app alternatives on Windows 11/10, this post is helpful.
What happened to Windows Maps?
The Windows Maps app is deprecated and will be removed from the Microsoft Store by July 2025. A final update will be there to make the app non-functional, and you won’t be able to install the app after that date. It also won’t come pre-installed starting with Windows 11 version 24H2. While the personal files or data (like URLs to maps or guided navigation) won’t be removed, such data won’t function any longer in the app past the removal date.
Maps app users are left with no choice other than looking for alternatives. Keeping that in mind, we have covered some best free mapping services or sites, and software. You can install a site or page as an app on your Windows PC to access a map service or site directly without a web browser as a Windows application.
Best alternatives to Windows Maps app
Below is a list of the best free alternatives to the Windows Maps app:
- Bing Maps
- Google Maps
- Apple Maps
- OpenStreetMap
- Marble
- HERE WeGo.
1] Bing Maps
Recommended by Microsoft, Bing Maps is a pretty good option to use as an alternative to the Windows Maps app to get directions, access real-time traffic updates, create custom maps, use the turn-by-turn navigation feature, organize maps, and much more. Those who wish to still use maps powered by the Bing service, Bing Maps is a good option to try. It offers comprehensive mapping services with aerial views, road maps, route planning support, etc.
You can switch to a style (Road, Bird’s eye, Streetside, and Satellite) in Bing Maps pretty easily. In addition, you can log in to save maps, perform a search within your saved maps, and sync maps across all your devices to access and manage your maps. Other features include Search history, Appearance (Light, Dark, or System default), etc.
2] Google Maps
Google Maps needs no introduction as it’s a well-known web mapping service with a larger user base, wider coverage, and interesting features that you won’t find in the Windows Maps app. It has a user-friendly interface and a better mobile experience (Android app) where you can find local businesses, get driving directions, real-time updates for public transportation, view nearby hotels, ATMs, pharmacies, create a custom map, and much more.
Some of the key features include Street View, view and manage Location history, Incognito mode to search for places, navigate, and find information, save screenshots to Google Maps, view your Google Maps timeline, download your Google Maps data, etc., that make it a pretty good alternative to Windows Maps app.
Read: Best Google Maps Tips and Tricks that will make you a Pro at using it
3] Apple Maps
Apple Maps is a default map system for macOS, iOS, and related products. Earlier, there wasn’t an official app or direct way to access and use Apple Maps on a Windows PC. Now we can use Apple Maps on Windows 11/10 devices using its official web app without signing up. And, like other web apps, we can install it as an app on our Windows PC.
Currently, the AppleMaps web app is available in its beta version with limited features. You can access it to get directions, find nearby gas stations, train stations, restaurants, and change the map type to Hybrid, Standard, and Satellite. A Guides feature is also there to discover the best places around the world to explore, eat, etc.
4] OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is a vast mapping service that emphasizes local knowledge. It provides an editable map of the world (built by volunteers) with an open-content license. The GPS devices, low-tech field maps, and aerial imagery are used by contributors to verify the data and make sure it is up-to-date.
You can explore maps without signing in, or you can sign up to contribute. The features provided by OpenStreetMap include Map Layers (Transport Map, Cycle Map, CyclOSM, Trackstrack Topo, Humanitarian, and Standard), export layers, detailed directions guide, download route (JSON file), etc. You can also export an area as an OpenStreetMap XML data file to your Windows 11/10 PC.
5] Marble
Marble is a cross-platform tool available for Windows, Linux, Android, and macOS. It uses data from OpenStreetMap and provides you with real-time traffic information, shows related Wikipedia article links for route planning, places, lets you add bookmarks for favorite places, shows current cloud coverage, regional weather information, sun shadowing based on day time, information about recent/historic earthquakes, and more.
You can look for and choose among alternate routes for a particular way, use turn-by-turn navigation, voice navigation (spoken turn announcements), real-time traffic info in route calculation, etc.
Different view modes or Map Views are supported for map presentation, like Globe View, Street Maps, Satellite Maps, Maps for other planets and the moon, and Atlas View. This software also lets you save or export a track as a *.gpx file and *.kml file. So, this is a nice alternative to the Windows Maps app if you are looking for some different features (other than common options).
You can get this tool from marble.kde.org.
6] HERE WeGo
HERE WeGo (built with HERE technologies) is available as a web app, iOS, and Android app. It provides public transport schedules, real-time journey updates, pedestrian guidance, switch map view from 3D/compass to 2D, lets you enable or disable traffic info, and also comes with the features to save places you like and download maps to navigate offline.
You can also set Route preferences like fastest time or shortest distance, maximum vehicle speed, avoid U-turns, ferries, toll roads, etc., to reach your destination. In between the route, Parking Lots, Gas Stations, and other stops can also be added.
All your searches and destinations are stored for later use, but you can clear your history anytime you want. While this service may collect user data like place information and location data, etc., with user consent, you can withdraw the given consent anytime you want.
That’s all. Hope this helps.
Also read: Specialized Map apps for Windows from the Microsoft Store
What is the Microsoft Alternative to Google Maps?
For Windows users, the Maps app was provided as an answer and alternative to Google Maps. With some good options, the app caught the attention of users. However, it didn’t gain much popularity, and Microsoft has also decided to discontinue the app. Bing Maps is also a good competitor and alternative to Google Maps with features like Autosuggest, Birdseye Imagery, Enhanced Localization, Drawing tools, and faster performance.
Read next: Best Google Maps alternatives for everyday use to secure privacy.
