Apps Enable or Disable Automatically Update Offline Maps in Windows 11

  • Thread starter Thread starter Brink
  • Start date Published: Start date Updated Updated:
  • Tags Tags
    maps

Maps_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable automatically update offline maps for all users in Windows 11.

Whether you’re driving, walking, or taking the bus, Maps for Windows 11 gets you there. Get directions and choose from alternate routes, or plan a longer trip with multiple stops.

You can download maps, and use the Maps app to search for and get directions, even when you are offline.

By default, Windows will automatically update maps when plugged in and not on a metered connection.

Reference:

By the end of 2023, offline maps will no longer be available in the Maps app. After that date you will not be able to view offline maps in the app.



Contents

  • Option One: Turn On or Off Automatically Update Offline Maps in Settings
  • Option Two: Turn On or Off Automatically Update Offline Maps using REG file
  • Option Three: Enable or Disable Automatically Update Offline Maps in Local Group Policy Editor
  • Option Four: Enable or Disable Automatically Update Offline Maps using REG file




Option One

Turn On or Off Automatically Update Offline Maps in Settings


1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on Apps on the left side, and click/tap on Offline maps on the right side. (see screenshot below)


Offline_Maps_Settings-1.png

3 Click/tap on Map updates to expand it open. (see screenshot below step 4)

4 Check (on - default) or uncheck (off) Update automatically when plugged in and on Wi-Fi for what you want. (see screenshot below)

Offline_Maps_Settings-2.png

5 You can now close Settings if you like.




Option Two

Turn On or Off Automatically Update Offline Maps using REG file


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.


1 Do step 2 (on) or step 3 (off) below for what you would like to do.

2 Turn On Automatically Update Offline Maps

This is the default setting


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Turn_On_automatically_update_Offline_Maps.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Maps]
"AutoUpdateEnabled"=dword:00000001

3 Turn Off Automatically Update Offline Maps

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.​

Turn_Off_automatically_update_Offline_Maps.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Maps]
"AutoUpdateEnabled"=dword:00000000

4 Save the REG file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded REG file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 You can now delete the downloaded REG file if you like.




Option Three

Enable or Disable Automatically Update Offline Maps in Local Group Policy Editor


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.

The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

All editions can use Option Four for the same policy.


1 Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).

2 Navigate to the policy location below in the left pane of the Local Group Policy Editor. (see screenshot below)

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Maps

Offline_Maps_gpedit-1.png

3 In the right pane of Standard Profile in the Local Group Policy Editor, double click/tap on the Turn off Automatic Download and Update of Map Data policy to edit it. (see screenshot above)

4 Do step 5 (always enable), step 6 (always disable), or step 7 (default) below for what you would like to do.

5 Always Enable Automatically Update Offline Maps

This will override and prevent using Option One and Option Two.


A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below)​

B) Click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below.​

Offline_Maps_gpedit-3.png

6 Always Disable Automatically Update Offline Maps

This will override and prevent using Option One and Option Two.


A) Select (dot) Disabled. (see screenshot below)​

B) Click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below.​

Offline_Maps_gpedit-4.png

7 Default User Choice Automatically Update Offline Maps

This is the default setting to allow using Option One and Option Two.


A) Select (dot) Not Configured. (see screenshot below)​

B) Click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below.​

Offline_Maps_gpedit-2.png

8 You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor if you like.




Option Four

Enable or Disable Automatically Update Offline Maps using REG file


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.


1 Do step 2 (always enable), step 3 (always disable), or step 4 (default) below for what you would like to do.


 2. Always Enable Automatically Update Offline Maps

This will override and prevent using Option One and Option Two.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.​

Always_enable_automatic_download_and_update_offline_maps.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Maps]
"AutoDownloadAndUpdateMapData"=dword:00000001


 3. Always Disable Automatically Update Offline Maps

This will override and prevent using Option One and Option Two.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.​

Always_disable_automatic_download_and_update_offline_maps.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Maps]
"AutoDownloadAndUpdateMapData"=dword:00000000


 4. Default User Choice Automatically Update Offline Maps

This is the default setting to allow using Option One and Option Two.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.​

Default_user_choice_automatic_download_and_update_offline_maps.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Maps]
"AutoDownloadAndUpdateMapData"=-

5 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

6 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

7 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

Last edited:
Thanks for this. :) I did option 3.

Is there also a way to prevent windows from even checking to see if there are map updates? We don't use maps on this computer, so I don't know why it has to check for updates so often (let alone at all), when no maps have been downloaded and I turned off the ability to update maps shortly after installing windows. (Or maybe it doesn't matter and I can just ignore that?)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Retail)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12600K
    Motherboard
    ASRock B760M PG Riptide
    Memory
    Crucial Classic DDR5-4800 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 good old Benq model
    Hard Drives
    Kingston KC3000 SSD 512GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 NVMe
    PSU
    Seasonic G12 GM 750Watt
    Case
    metal, 15+ years old, ATX/mATX
    Cooling
    Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120
    Keyboard
    Lenovo, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    First time DIY build.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2, Build: 22631.4751 (OEM)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire XC-1760
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12400
    Motherboard
    Acer Andrew H610 (PCIe Gen 4)
    Memory
    8 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 730
    Sound Card
    Integrated, HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    old Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080, 60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (WD or Kingston, not sure), 512GB, partitioned into C & D drives.
    PSU
    Brand unknown. 180W. (80 Plus Gold certification)
    Case
    Slim, DTX
    Cooling
    Brand unknown. Air cooling.
    Mouse
    Logitech (wired)
    Keyboard
    Lenovo (wired)
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    Extra CPU details:
    Intel UHD Graphics, 6 cores, 12 threads, 2.5 GHz, LGA1700, Intel H610 Chipset.
This setting is moot. MS killed the server API, so you can't download offline maps to your PC. This forces the Maps app to always need a network connection to access any maps.

@Brink, nice typo :whistle:
By the end of 2023, offline maps will no longer be available in the Maps app. After that date you will now be able to view offline maps in the app.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
This setting is moot. MS killed the server API, so you can't download offline maps to your PC. This forces the Maps app to always need a network connection to access any maps.
Sorry, what setting is moot? You mean the setting that has our system still checking to see if there are updates?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Retail)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12600K
    Motherboard
    ASRock B760M PG Riptide
    Memory
    Crucial Classic DDR5-4800 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 good old Benq model
    Hard Drives
    Kingston KC3000 SSD 512GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 NVMe
    PSU
    Seasonic G12 GM 750Watt
    Case
    metal, 15+ years old, ATX/mATX
    Cooling
    Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120
    Keyboard
    Lenovo, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    First time DIY build.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2, Build: 22631.4751 (OEM)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire XC-1760
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12400
    Motherboard
    Acer Andrew H610 (PCIe Gen 4)
    Memory
    8 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 730
    Sound Card
    Integrated, HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    old Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080, 60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (WD or Kingston, not sure), 512GB, partitioned into C & D drives.
    PSU
    Brand unknown. 180W. (80 Plus Gold certification)
    Case
    Slim, DTX
    Cooling
    Brand unknown. Air cooling.
    Mouse
    Logitech (wired)
    Keyboard
    Lenovo (wired)
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    Extra CPU details:
    Intel UHD Graphics, 6 cores, 12 threads, 2.5 GHz, LGA1700, Intel H610 Chipset.
I don't even see a Maps app anywhere on the system. Only this 'Offline maps' section listed in the Apps section of Settings.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Retail)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12600K
    Motherboard
    ASRock B760M PG Riptide
    Memory
    Crucial Classic DDR5-4800 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 good old Benq model
    Hard Drives
    Kingston KC3000 SSD 512GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 NVMe
    PSU
    Seasonic G12 GM 750Watt
    Case
    metal, 15+ years old, ATX/mATX
    Cooling
    Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120
    Keyboard
    Lenovo, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    First time DIY build.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2, Build: 22631.4751 (OEM)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire XC-1760
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12400
    Motherboard
    Acer Andrew H610 (PCIe Gen 4)
    Memory
    8 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 730
    Sound Card
    Integrated, HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    old Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080, 60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (WD or Kingston, not sure), 512GB, partitioned into C & D drives.
    PSU
    Brand unknown. 180W. (80 Plus Gold certification)
    Case
    Slim, DTX
    Cooling
    Brand unknown. Air cooling.
    Mouse
    Logitech (wired)
    Keyboard
    Lenovo (wired)
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    Extra CPU details:
    Intel UHD Graphics, 6 cores, 12 threads, 2.5 GHz, LGA1700, Intel H610 Chipset.
MS is killing the Maps app entirely in July 2025, so it will stop working even if you have it installed. So you don't really need to care about this setting.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Retail)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12600K
    Motherboard
    ASRock B760M PG Riptide
    Memory
    Crucial Classic DDR5-4800 16GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 good old Benq model
    Hard Drives
    Kingston KC3000 SSD 512GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 NVMe
    PSU
    Seasonic G12 GM 750Watt
    Case
    metal, 15+ years old, ATX/mATX
    Cooling
    Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120
    Keyboard
    Lenovo, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    First time DIY build.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home 23H2, Build: 22631.4751 (OEM)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire XC-1760
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-12400
    Motherboard
    Acer Andrew H610 (PCIe Gen 4)
    Memory
    8 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 730
    Sound Card
    Integrated, HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    old Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080, 60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (WD or Kingston, not sure), 512GB, partitioned into C & D drives.
    PSU
    Brand unknown. 180W. (80 Plus Gold certification)
    Case
    Slim, DTX
    Cooling
    Brand unknown. Air cooling.
    Mouse
    Logitech (wired)
    Keyboard
    Lenovo (wired)
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    Extra CPU details:
    Intel UHD Graphics, 6 cores, 12 threads, 2.5 GHz, LGA1700, Intel H610 Chipset.

Latest Support Threads

Latest Tutorials

Back
Top Bottom