Serious Discussion Windows 11 24H2 "Location" Settings

[rashmi]

It appears the "Location" settings under Privacy & Security have changed in 24H2. If I remember well, you could allow location permissions to individual apps, but it's not possible in 24H2. Instead, you can allow approximate or precise location permissions for apps. There is also a new setting to notify when apps request location.

I used to disable the "Location" setting. In 24H2, Windscribe and Windows 11 show a message to enable the location setting for Windscribe. I don't get the location message if I turn on the primary setting for location but turn off the two settings below it. How is it with your VPN? Is it a privacy issue?

 

[harlan4096]

I used to disable the "Location" setting. In 24H2, Windscribe and Windows 11 show a message to enable the location setting for Windscribe.

I recently (a few days ago) updated to 24H2, and got the same warning with Kaspersky VPN.

About Your 1st question:



I can allow Location to individual apps.

 

[rashmi]

I cannot allow "Location" permissions to individual apps.

Edition: Windows 11 Pro
Version: 24H2
OS build: 26100.3476
Experience: Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.54.0

 

[harlan4096]

Yours is 26100.3476

 

[rashmi]

Yours is 26100.3476

There is no pending Windows Update, except a preview update, KB5053656.

 

[Jonny Quest]

There is no pending Windows Update, except a preview update, KB5053656.

Mine is on .3476 with the same pending preview update as well.

Proton is not asking for a location.

 

[harlan4096]

Releasing Windows 11 Build 26100.3624 to the Release Preview Channel

Hello Windows Insiders, today we’re releasing Windows 11 Build 26100.3624 (KB5053656) to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel on Windows 11, version 24H2 (Build 26100). This up

blogs.windows.com

But I have Release Preview Channel disabled, the article says gradual rollout...

 

[Marko :)]

It appears the "Location" settings under Privacy & Security have changed in 24H2. If I remember well, you could allow location permissions to individual apps, but it's not possible in 24H2. Instead, you can allow approximate or precise location permissions for apps. There is also a new setting to notify when apps request location.

I used to disable the "Location" setting. In 24H2, Windscribe and Windows 11 show a message to enable the location setting for Windscribe. I don't get the location message if I turn on the primary setting for location but turn off the two settings below it. How is it with your VPN? Is it a privacy issue?

You don't need location enabled for Windscribe. I have it turned off and when Windscribe asked me for it, I just said no and it never bothered me again. I don't see why would Windscribe need my location; they already got my from the IP address anyway.

 

[rashmi]

Here is the Windscribe message.

 

[lokamoka820]

Try the following fixes:

Fix 1. Restart the Geolocation Service​

If the service is disabled, the “location services disabled and greyed out in Windows 11 24H2” issue will appear:

1. Press the Windows + R keys together to open Run. Type services.msc and press Enter.

2. Find Geolocation Service, right-click it, and select Properties.

3. Set Startup type to Automatic and click Start.

4. Click Apply > OK, then restart your PC.

Fix 2. Modify Group Policy Settings​

If Location Services is restricted by Group Policy, follow the guide:

1. Press the Windows + R keys together to open Run. Type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Location and Sensors > Location

3. Double-click Turn off location and set it to Disabled.

4. Click Apply > OK, then restart your PC.

Fix 3. Edit Registry Settings​

If Group Policy doesn’t apply, try modifying the registry:

1. Press the Windows + R keys together to open Run. Type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CapabilityAccessManager\ConsentStore\location

3. Ensure the Value key is set to Allow.

4. Then, go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\LocationAndSensors

5. If DisableLocation exists, set its value to 0.