Your Location Is Currently In Use

paulyjustin · 16 Feb 2018

I use windows 10 on my laptop. I have gotten this quite a bit message on the bottom right of my laptop where the icon comes up. Can someone tell me why im getting this message? And most importantly, does it matter?

And should i be turning it off? I read that its windows wanting to know where your location is? So is it better to have it turned off? I don't see any benefit of it on as i read that if your location service is on, windows, apps and services can use your location. Also is the way to turn it off by going to location and then turning location service off?

Alos there seems that be an option that allows you to clear history on this device for location history. Is there a point of this or not? Also how do i know what program was using my location. I use programs like skype and a few others etc. For security purposes, is it better to have it turned off? Again, i dont know purpose of having it on.

Brink · 16 Feb 2018

Hello Pauly,

The Location service allows Windows and apps to know your location when requested. For example, the Maps and Weather apps so you don't have to manually input your location, and Cortana requires it. If you don't use Cortana and don't mind manually entering your location, then you can just turn it off.

You can turn off the Location service for the computer or just your account, or only turn it off for specific apps.

Turn On or Off Location Services in Windows 10 Windows 10 Tutorials

paulyjustin · 16 Feb 2018

Hi there. But what about other programs though like skype of say a logitech webcam? No i don't use cortana.

But is it better to turn it off for security purposes? Or it has nothing to do with it?

Brink · 16 Feb 2018

I suppose some could consider it a possible invasion of privacy with Windows and apps knowing your location. It wouldn't be a security risk though.

It really depends on what you are comfortable with and if you use it or not. If you are comfortable with some apps knowing your location and not others, then you could just turn on/off location for the apps you want.

It won't hurt anything if you prefer to have location turned off for the device completely. If something requests you location, it'll notify you, and you could then decide if you wanted to turn it back on or not.