Windows Maps App Will Be Discontinued
Microsoft has announced that the Windows Maps app will officially be discontinued in July 2025. The app, once a built-in navigation and location tool for Windows devices, will no longer be available or supported after that time.
Windows Maps was introduced to help users navigate, view satellite imagery, and plan routes without needing a separate download. However, Microsoft states that declining usage and the shift toward third-party mapping solutions have led to the decision to shut it down.
What Will Happen to Saved Maps and Favorites?
Users who have saved locations, routes, or favorites inside the Maps app should be aware:
Saved data will not automatically transfer to other services. Microsoft advises users to manually export or back up important location data before the shutdown date.
There will be no direct replacement for the Maps app within the Windows ecosystem. Instead, Microsoft recommends using alternative map services through web browsers or dedicated third-party apps.
Part of a Larger Phase-Out Strategy
The end of Windows Maps is part of a broader move by Microsoft to phase out several older or less-used features. Other tools, like WordPad and Tips, are also being deprecated as the company focuses on streamlining Windows and encouraging the use of cloud-based solutions.
This trend signals a bigger shift in how Microsoft envisions Windows: lighter, cloud-integrated, and more focused on essential core services rather than bundled apps.
Important Dates to Remember
- Shutdown date: July 2025
- What you need to do: Back up or export any saved locations or routes before July.
After that, the app will stop receiving updates and will likely be removed in future Windows updates.
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