Several reasons from misconfigured services to third-party app interference can cause this issue. This guide has compiled a list of solutions that should help you fix the location services grayed-out issue on Windows 11. So, let’s start.
1. Configure Geolocation Service
Geolocation Service is a small program that needs to run in the background for the location services to work. Ideally, the service should start every time your system boots. However, if that isn’t happening, location services may appear grayed out on Windows. Here’s what you can do to fix it. Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Locate and double-click on Geolocation Service on the list.
Step 3: Change the Startup type to Automatic and hit Apply.
If the service is not running, click on the Start button. After that, see if you can access location services.
2. Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter
Windows 11 periodically runs the System Maintenance Troubleshooter on your PC to scan and fix any issues with desktop shortcuts, disk volume, file paths, and other settings. You can also run this tool manually to fix location services on Windows. Here’s how. Step 1: Click the search icon on the Taskbar, type control panel, and press Enter.
Step 2: In the Control Panel window, switch the view type to Large icons from the top-right corner, and go to Troubleshooting.
Step 3: Under System and Security, click on ‘Run maintenance tasks.’
Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter and then restart your PC. After that, you should be able to access the location services.
3. Tweak Registry Files
You can fix the problem by modifying some registry files if the location services continue to appear grayed out. This trick helped several users fix the issue right away. Note that Registry Editor holds critical settings for Windows and its services. Hence, you should proceed with caution and follow the steps below carefully. Also, make sure you backup all the registry files or create a restore point before making any changes. Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu. Type registry editor in the box and select the first result that appears.
Step 2: In the Registry Editor window, paste the following path in the address bar at the top and press Enter.
Step 3: Right-click on the key named 3, and select Delete.
Step 4: Click Yes to confirm.
Restart your PC for changes to take effect and see if the issue is still there.
4. Use Local Group Policy Editor
Like using the Registry Editor, you can also make changes to your PC via the Local Group Policy Editor on Windows. For that, you must be running the Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition of the Windows operating system. If you’re using the Home edition of Windows 11, this method won’t work for you. Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type gpedit.msc in the Open field and press Enter.
Step 2: In the Local Group Policy Editor window, use the left pane to navigate to the following folder.
Step 3: On your right, you’ll see three policies: Turn off location scripting, Turn off location, and Turn off sensors.
Step 4: Double click on ‘Turn off location scripting’, select Disabled, and hit Apply.
Disable the Turn off location and Turn off sensors policies as well. Step 5: Next, click on the Windows Location Provider folder.
Step 6: Double click on ‘Turn off Windows Location Provider’.
Step 7: Select the Disabled option and click Apply.
Restart your PC and you should be able to access location services as before.
5. Try Clean Boot
At times, third-party apps and services running on your PC can also prevent you from accessing certain Windows features. To verify this, you can boot your PC in a clean boot state. Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type msconfig.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Under the Services tab, mark the box that reads ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ box and click the Disable all button.
Step 3: Next, switch to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
Step 4: In the Startup tab, disable all the third-party apps one by one.
Restart your PC after this to enter the Clean boot state and see if you can access the location services. If this helps, you’ll need to look through any recently installed apps and programs and remove them. To boot in normal mode again, follow the steps above to enable all Startup apps and services, and then reboot your PC.
Services That Matter
Aside from apps, location services are essential for certain Windows features such as Find my device. Hence, it is critical that the feature function properly. We hope that the above solutions have helped you fix the location services grayed-out issue on Windows 11, and you’re at peace. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
