Microsoft Officially Shuts Down Windows Maps in July 2025

The Windows Maps desktop app will become nonfunctional in July 2025, effectively marking its 10 years long existence on Windows devices. Windows Maps debuted in 2014 alongside offline navigation, 3D windows, and step-by-step city driving instructions, which proved to be valuable assets for both travelers and locals alike.

Microsoft designed Windows Maps to offer users navigation, location-based services, and mapping features that are similar to Google Maps. It got popularity among Windows Phone users, serving as a secure and reliable tool for turn-by-turn navigation, route planning, and even offline map access, which was exceptionally good at the time.

Maps is deprecated and will be removed from the Microsoft Store by July 2025. At this time, there will also be a final update to the app from the Store that makes it nonfunctional. If you remove the app before July 2025, you can still reinstall it from the Store, but past July 2025 you won’t be able to reinstall it. You’ll be able to uninstall the app at any time. Any personal data or files you have saved, such as guided navigation or URLs to maps, won’t be removed, but they’ll no longer function in the Maps app past July 2025.

If you wish to still use maps powered by the Bing service, please visit https://www.bing.com/maps. Maps is no longer preinstalled with Windows starting with the Windows 11, version 24H2 release.

(Source :Microsoft )

What is not affected?

This change only applies to the Windows Maps app but you can use Bing Maps (the web-based service) which will continue to work normally.So, if you rely on Windows Maps only, now’s the time to switch to alternatives like Bing Maps, Google Maps, or other navigation tools.

Why Microsoft Is Shutting Down Windows Maps

1) Declining User Engagement

We can find many maps that allow users to search for a location for various places digitally, and some of the maps are still in development. Nowadays, the popularity of mobile-centric maps like Google Maps and Apple Maps continues to grow. As a result, the use of desktop-based maps like Windows Maps has declined. Although Windows Maps, originally designed for desktop and Windows Phone users, struggled to retain a significant user base in an era dominated by mobile devices.

2) Removal from Windows 11 Clean Installations

Microsoft is removing the Windows Maps app from pre-installed versions of Windows 11 24H2 in the coming days. For users who are still using Windows Map for their services, Microsoft recommends moving to Bing Maps, which offers a similar kind of features and can be accessed through any web browser.

3) Removal from the Microsoft Store

Windows Map app will be removed from the Microsoft Store by July 2025. After this date, It will no longer be available for download.

4) Focused on Azure Maps

Microsoft has now completely focused its efforts on Azure Maps for enterprise-grade mapping and spatial analytics. This advanced system offers features such as traffic monitoring in addition to geolocation services and integrations with sister Azure products, which make it ideal for business use.

5) No Offline Support

Windows maps offered support for offline maps, which was ended on January 1, 2024. This changes affected users who could previously use the map to download route for offline access, particularly in areas with no or very weak internet connection. When Microsoft disabled this feature, a segment of users began to stop using Windows maps.

Latest Post

Quick Guide to Customizing Date Format on Windows 11

When you install Windows 11, the date is displayed in a default format either MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY depending on your ...

9 Warning Signs a Hacker Is Spying Through Your Computer’s Webcam

We use webcams on a daily basis for our meetings, online classes, and staying connected with our relatives. In the ...

How to Disable SysMain to Speed Up Windows PC

Is your Windows 11 PC running slower than usual? One commonly overlooked setting that will affect your PC performance is ...

FAQs : Shutting Down Windows Maps

Will Bing Maps continue to be available?

Yes, Bing Maps will continue to operate and offer web-based mapping services.

Is it possible to access Windows Maps after July 2025?

Windows Maps will be discontinued by Microsoft in July 2025.

What are some alternatives to Windows Maps?

Yes, you can use Bing Maps for web-based navigation and also check third-party applications that offer mapping features like Google Maps, HERE We Go, and Sygic or Apple Maps.

What happens to my saved data in Windows Maps?

Your saved data, such as routes and map URLs, will remain on your device but it will no longer function within the app after July 2025.

Conclusion : Shutting Down Windows Maps

The shutdown of the Windows Maps app signals the end of a popular feature in the Windows experience. However, it seems painful for longtime users who relied on the app, but Microsoft’s decision may reflects a broader shift toward cloud-based and cross-platform solutions in future. Windows Maps Users will have to choose alternative mapping services, while business or developers can align with Bing Maps, Azure Maps, or other industry-standard platforms as per their needs. If you engage early in other mapping services, you will learn faster to use the services .

Still confused or stuck about Microsoft Officially Shuts Down Windows Maps in July 2025? Leave your questions in the comments or call me at +1- 844-405-0212. I am here to help!

Stay updated with more at www.365dayson.com !