The Location Tracking service in Windows 11/10 will tell apps where your location is, and you may or may not want this. When any app uses the Location settings to identify your location, you will see a round icon in your taskbar with a message Your location is currently in use.
Alternatively, you can also see a message called Apps using your location: [app name].
Your location has recently been accessed or is currently in use
You can disable this service if you do not want your Windows 11/10 device to reveal your location.
To do so open Settings > Privacy > Location.
In Windows 11, you will see the Locations settings here: Open Windows Settings > Privacy & security > Location.
Disable Location Tracking for each user
On the right side, you will have to toggle the Location services slider from the On position to the Off position.
When you do this, the Location Tracking service for your account will be disabled and apps and services will not be able to request for, your location and location history.
Read: How to set your Default Location in Windows 11
Turn off Location Tracking for the entire device
If you want to totally disable the Location setting, just above this setting, you will see a Change button. Click on it and set the Location for this device as Off.
When you do this, the location for your device is set to Off, and the Location services will be disabled for all the users.
Clear Location History
While there, you may also want to clear the Location history on this device, by clicking on the Clear button.
Choose apps that can use your location
To choose apps that can use your location, you need to follow these steps:
- Open the Windows Settings panel.
- Go to Privacy & security > Location.
- Go to the Let apps access your location.
- Make sure that it is enabled.
- Choose the apps and toggle the respective buttons.
Geofencing
Scroll down further and you will see a Geofencing setting. A Geofence is a geographical boundary. Apps will use your location to see if you are crossing this boundary either way. If any of your apps use this feature, you will be offered a setting to turn it On or Off.
This post will show you how to harden Windows Privacy Settings. You can also use our Ultimate Windows Tweaker to further tighten privacy in Windows 11/10.
Read: How to stop Chrome, Edge or Firefox from accessing my Webcam or Mic
Why am I getting your location is currently in use?
If apps start using your location to locate or personalize your user experience, Windows 11/10 shows a message called Your location is currently in use or Apps using your location. You need to close the app or disable Location services to get rid of this message. For that, open Windows Settings > go to Privacy & security > Location. Toggle the Location services button to turn it off.
What does it mean when an app is using your location?
If Windows 11/10 shows a message something like Apps using your location, it means some running or background apps are using your location at the moment. You can click on the geolocation icon in the system tray to find the name of the apps. Windows lists down all the apps that are currently using your location service.
Read: How to Disable or Turn off Microphone in Windows.
