Default Zip Code for internet Windows 10

bha19 · 05 Jan 2020

I am not sure if this is a Windows problem or not, but when I do an online shopping search it comes up with the wrong Zip Code.
For example I want to by an item from BB store near me and I want to check if the item is in stock but it tells me the stock for a store 50 miles away and I have to then type in my Zip Code to get the store closer to me. Is there a way to correct this in windows or is this a browser issue or each specific store issue?

dalchina · 05 Jan 2020

Hi, assuming the store location is being detected based on your ip address, then that will give a location based on where your ISP servers are located- which can be quite distant.

Quite how the store's site is detecting your location will be a matter for that company's web site.

Note that some programs you run that display maps may show your location much more accurately if you use Wifi rather than ethernet. I suspect that's different to what's happening in your case. There's also a question as to what information you have allowed to be used regarding your location.

Default Zip Code for internet Windows 10-1.png

..and more below.

Default Zip Code for internet Windows 10-2.png

In particular - are you using Edge?

Have you set your default location?

Default Zip Code for internet Windows 10-13.png

Set, Change, or Clear Default Location for Windows 10 PC

Bree · 05 Jan 2020

bha19 said:

...Is there a way to correct this in windows or is this a browser issue or each specific store issue?

A browser and/or Windows issue. Most browsers have a privacy & security option to block or allow requests from websites for your location. Windows has its own controls in Settings > Privacy > Location.

When location info is not available to a website it will make an informed guess based on you IP address, hence the 50-mile error in your case.

It can be quite informative and/or alarming to see just how accurately you can be pinned down if you type 'Where am I' as a Google search.

margrave55 · 05 Jan 2020

If I select location "off" ... how does my location get blocked?
Every packet contains a "from" IP address. So every connection made gives away my location ... via my IP address.
I don't see how that can be blocked.

Bree · 05 Jan 2020

margrave55 said:

If I select location "off" ... how does my location get blocked?

It's accurate info from things like GPS that will be blocked, but...

Microsoft said:

...Even when you’ve turned off the device location setting, some third-party apps and services could use other technologies (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular modem, etc.) to determine your device’s location with varying degrees of accuracy.

https://support.microsoft.com/help/4...ps-and-privacy

Every packet contains a "from" IP address. So every connection made gives away my location ... via my IP address.
I don't see how that can be blocked.

VPN?

dalchina · 05 Jan 2020

I think you need to distinguish what your ip address says about you from other more precise means of identifying your location. E.g. using Wifi, or a Windows phone with GPS, for example. Some laptops support using a SIM.. mobile connection..maybe that can be used?

Note the emphasis on improving accuracy:

Default Zip Code for internet Windows 10-untitled.png

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...ce-and-privacy

Berton · 05 Jan 2020

My computers either Wired or Wireless/Wi-Fi using Wireless DSL will pick the nearest store such as OfficeDepot at 70 miles to the East [where my ISP is located] or BestBuy at 115 miles to the South depending upon what I am searching for. If I expand the search I'll get the same type stores 170 miles to the North Northwest. BestBuy will even alert as to whether a product is available or not [usually not] within a certain radius of a particular store such as 50 miles or out to 250 miles.