A number of apps on your Windows 11 PC rely on location services to determine your location. However, you can control which apps have access to this data. App permissionsHowever, if Windows 11 won't let you switch location services, you might want to fix it. Several reasons, from misconfigured services to interference from third-party apps, can cause this issue. This guide has compiled a list of the top 5 ways to fix location services greyed out on Windows 11. So, let's get started.
1. Configure the geolocation service
The Geolocation Service is a small program that needs to run in the background for location services to work. Ideally, the service should start every time your system starts. However, if it doesn't, Location Services may appear grayed out on Windows. Here's what you can do to fix it.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + R To open Run . dialog , And type services.msc , And press Enter.
Step 2: Locate Location Service Location Double click on it in the list.
Step 3: change Startup type To automatic And press Application.
If the service is not running, click Start button. Next, check if you can access location services.
2. Run the system troubleshooting and maintenance.
Windows 11 periodically runs the System Maintenance Troubleshooter on your computer to check and fix any issues with desktop shortcuts, disk size, file paths, and other settings. You can also run this tool manually to fix location services on Windows. Here's how.
Step 1: Click Search code in Taskbar , And type Control Panel , And press Enter.
Step 2: in Control Panel window , switch Display type To big icons From the top right corner, go to find the mistakes and resolve it.
Step 3: within Order and security , Click "Run maintenance tasks."
Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter and then restart your computer. You should then be able to access Location Services.
3. TWEAK Log Files
You can resolve the issue by modifying some registry files if Location Services continues to appear grayed out. This trick has helped many users resolve the issue immediately.
Note that the Registry Editor stores important settings for Windows and its services. Therefore, you should proceed with caution and follow the steps below carefully. Also, be sure to keepBackup all registry files Or Create a restore point Before making any changes.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + S To open Search menu. Write Registry Editor In the box and select First result that appear.
Step 2: in Registry Editor window Paste the following path into address bar At the top, click on Enter.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lfsvc\TriggerInfo
Step 3: Right click on Key 3 , and select delete.
Step 4: Click "Yeah" For confirmation.
Restart your computer For the changes to take effect and to see if the issue persists.
4. Use the Local Group Policy Editor
Like using the Registry Editor, you can also make changes to your computer via the Local Group Policy Editor in Windows. Therefore, you must be running the Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition of Windows. If you are using the Home edition of Windows 11, this method will not work for you.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + R To open Run . dialog. Write gpedit.msc 1. Open And press Enter.
Step 2: in Local Group Policy Editor window Use the right pane to move to the next folder.
Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Location and Sensors
Step 3: On your right, you will see Three policies: Turn off site scripting, turn off site, and turn off sensors.
Step 4: Double click on “Turn off site scripting”, and select broken , And press Application.
Disable location shutdown and turn off sensor policies as well.
Step 5: Next, tap Windows Location Provider folder.
Step 6: Double click “Turn off Windows Location Provider.”
Step 7: Locate The option is disabled And click Application.
Restart your computer You will be able to access the site's services as before.
5. Try a clean boot
Sometimes, third-party apps and services running on your computer can prevent you from accessing some Windows features. To check this, you can restart your computer. Clean boot status.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + R To open Run . dialog , And type msconfig. msc , And press Enter.
Step 2: within Services tab Check the box that reads “Hide all Microsoft services” box And click Disable all button.
Step 3: Next, switch to Startup tab And click Open Task Manager.
Step 4: in Startup tab , disable All third-party applications One by one.
Restart your computer Next, enter a clean boot state and see if you can access location services. If this helps, you'll need to look into any Applications and programs Recently installed and removed.
To boot into normal mode again, follow the steps above to enable all startup applications and services, and then restart your computer.
Important services
Aside from apps, location services are essential for some Windows features like Find My Device. Therefore, it's crucial for the feature to function properly. We hope the solutions above helped you fix the location services not working issue on Windows 11, and you can rest assured.
