I've turned off "offline maps". I don't want or need this.
I've deleted the offline maps folders.
But it still keeps coming back.
I don't want this zombie folder on my computer. Anywhere. It's my computer and I want to decide what I put on it. Not some low level marketing 'Droid in Microsoft Central.
Is there some way to kill it off properly?
Registry edits welcome.
Win 10 21H1 Home
Do you need the Maps app? Uninstall it an option?
Yeah I've done that. using Powershell getappx (or something like that) command. It's gone as an app. But the folder still rises from the dead after I delete it. The Windows System Settings options allow its location to be changed, but not to have no location. It seems to be hard wired in.
There are tons of registry entries still present. So I assume Microsoft has also planted something in there that resurrects the folder, app or no app. Complete with an Events Log (below) and an empty subfolder called "region"
What I really need is a silver bullet
"
Event: 46799458318 EVENT_REGION_MANAGER_LOAD_CATALOG_BEGIN OperationId:29
Event: 46799591695 EVENT_REGION_MANAGER_LOAD_CATALOG_SUCCESS OperationId:29
Event: 46822510193 EVENT_REGION_MANAGER_LOAD_CATALOG_BEGIN OperationId:59
Event: 46822649285 EVENT_REGION_MANAGER_LOAD_CATALOG_SUCCESS OperationId:59
"
What's the full path of the folder? I'll have to check my PC
This: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\MapData
I have it too.
What did you use to delete the folder? C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\MapData
I have 2nd folder C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsMaps_* still there after uninstalling the app.
With MS Map properly disabled the Directory will persist to exist even if deleted BUT... It will only take 174Kb on your drive and remain at that.
Look at Windows 10 Decrapifier, 18XX/19XX/2XXX - Script Center - Spiceworks This is the one to be used in case you want to totally debloat your installation.
Make sure you read carefully what it does before applying it. There could be things removed you want to keep.
But the script has all needed options to include or exclude all the "features" you want / need.
I used it many times and Windows Updates are working. You may have to run it back when large updates occurs.
But it helps to keep my CPU and HDD activity really low.
Having a full image of your system and a registry backup is advised before applying this for the first time.
Depending on your setup, map are used in conjunction with location, to quickly help finding something near you.
If you travel a lot this directory will grow with added locations. or you can configure it to download the whole world in case you get offline.
I never used it, just took a good peek and it seems like a very powerful feature.
If you don't like stray junk: Windows 10 & 11 create tons of empty folders in System32
But there is a solution in the thread
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