Set a Default Location in Windows 10 Without Windows Maps

Windows Maps was previously used to manually set a default location in Windows. Since the Maps application is no longer available, many people wonder how to manually enter a location into Windows 10.

Windows still supports a manually entered fallback location called DefaultGeoposition. This page explains how to set it using Windows PowerShell.

Important:

This setting provides Windows with a fallback location. It may not override more accurate location information obtained through Wi-Fi, GPS, or other Windows location services.

Requirements

PowerShell Command Generator

Enter the latitude and longitude for the location you want Windows to use. The page will automatically generate the PowerShell commands for you.

Latitude:

Longitude:

Altitude (Optional):

About Altitude:
Altitude is optional. Windows BasicGeoposition uses meters. If you enter altitude in feet, this page automatically converts it to meters. If altitude is left blank, the value will be set to 0.

Your Generated PowerShell Command

Important:

The commands below must be run in the exact order shown. The first line creates the Windows BasicGeoposition object. The next three lines add your latitude, longitude, and altitude. Do not change the order of these lines.

Recommended method:
Click Copy My Command, then paste the entire command block into Windows PowerShell at one time and press Enter.

Do not enter the Latitude, Longitude, or Altitude lines before the first line that begins with:

$pos = New-Object Windows.Devices.Geolocation.BasicGeoposition

PowerShell should display the latitude, longitude, and altitude after the command block runs. Verify that the information is correct before continuing.

Important PowerShell Warning:

After running a command, PowerShell should normally return to a prompt similar to:
PS C:\Windows\System32>
If you see:
>>
PowerShell is waiting for additional input because it believes a command has not been completed. Do not continue entering the location commands. Press Ctrl + C to cancel the unfinished command and return to the normal PowerShell prompt before continuing.

Check Your Windows Version

Press Windows Key + R, type the following, and press Enter:

winver

Windows 10 version 1607 or later supports the DefaultGeoposition feature used in this procedure.

Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell

Right-click the Windows Start button and select:

Windows PowerShell

Administrator privileges were not required during testing on Windows 10 22H2.

Step 2: Check That PowerShell Can Access the Windows Geolocation API

Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell:

[Windows.Devices.Geolocation.Geolocator, Windows.Devices.Geolocation, ContentType=WindowsRuntime]

If successful, PowerShell should display information showing the Geolocator class.

IsPublic IsSerial Name BaseType -------- -------- ---- -------- True False Geolocator System.Runtime.InteropServices.WindowsRuntime.RuntimeClass

Step 3: Check Your Current Default Location

Enter the following command:

[Windows.Devices.Geolocation.Geolocator, Windows.Devices.Geolocation, ContentType=WindowsRuntime]::DefaultGeoposition

If nothing is displayed, you probably do not currently have a manually configured default location.

Step 4: Find Your Latitude and Longitude

You will need the latitude and longitude for the location you want Windows to use.

Example: Latitude: 35.4 Longitude: -83.07

Step 5: Create Your New Location

Important:

Copy and paste the entire five-line command block into PowerShell at one time. The first line creates the BasicGeoposition object. Do not enter the Latitude, Longitude, or Altitude lines before the first line. Do not change the order of the commands.

Use the PowerShell Command Generator above, or manually enter your coordinates using this format:

$pos = New-Object Windows.Devices.Geolocation.BasicGeoposition $pos.Latitude = YOUR_LATITUDE $pos.Longitude = YOUR_LONGITUDE $pos.Altitude = 0 $pos

After running the command block, PowerShell should display your latitude, longitude, and altitude. Verify that the latitude and longitude are correct before continuing.

Altitude is measured in meters. For normal Windows location services, altitude generally is not important, and leaving it set to 0 is appropriate for most users.

Important PowerShell Warning:

After running a command, PowerShell should normally return to a prompt similar to:
PS C:\Windows\System32>
If you see:
>>
PowerShell is waiting for additional input because it believes a command has not been completed. Do not continue entering the location commands. Press Ctrl + C to cancel the unfinished command and return to the normal PowerShell prompt before continuing.

Step 6: Set the Windows Default Location

Once you have confirmed your coordinates, enter:

[Windows.Devices.Geolocation.Geolocator, Windows.Devices.Geolocation, ContentType=WindowsRuntime]::DefaultGeoposition = $pos

If successful, PowerShell may simply return to the command prompt without displaying anything.

Step 7: Verify That Windows Saved Your Location

Enter:

[Windows.Devices.Geolocation.Geolocator, Windows.Devices.Geolocation, ContentType=WindowsRuntime]::DefaultGeoposition

You should see your latitude, longitude, and altitude displayed.

Success!

If PowerShell displays the latitude and longitude you entered, Windows has successfully stored your manually entered DefaultGeoposition.

What Does DefaultGeoposition Do?

DefaultGeoposition provides Windows with a manually entered fallback location when Windows cannot determine your location automatically.

Windows may still use more accurate location information when it is available.

About Altitude

The altitude value used by Windows BasicGeoposition is measured in meters.

If you know your elevation in feet, the PowerShell Command Generator above will automatically convert it to meters.

1,000 feet = 304.8 meters 1,500 feet = 457.2 meters 2,000 feet = 609.6 meters 3,000 feet = 914.4 meters

For most typical Windows location services, altitude is not important. Leaving the altitude value at 0 is normally appropriate.

How to Change the Location Later

Simply repeat Steps 5 through 7 using your new latitude and longitude.

Technical Information

This procedure uses the Windows Runtime Geolocation API:

Windows.Devices.Geolocation.Geolocator.DefaultGeoposition

The DefaultGeoposition feature is available in Windows 10 version 1607 and later.

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