Get Offline Maps in Windows 10 – A Step-by-Step Guide
Accessing Maps Offline in Windows 10
If you anticipate using your PC in an area lacking internet connectivity, yet require map access, Windows 10’s “Maps” application allows you to download maps for specific regions for offline use.
Launching the Maps Application
To initiate the “Maps” app, select the Start button and locate “Maps” within the “Most used” list.
Should the “Most used” list be hidden or the “Maps” app removed from it, click “All apps” at the Start menu’s base to reveal a comprehensive list from which you can choose the “Maps” app.
Understanding Windows Maps and its Limitations
It’s important to note that the Windows 10 “Maps” app utilizes Bing as its data source. While its coverage isn’t as extensive as Google Maps, it still encompasses a significant portion of the world.
A key advantage of the “Maps” app is its ability to download entire country maps, enabling exploration even without an internet connection. In contrast, Google Maps restricts downloads to 50km x 50km areas, and these saved areas are automatically cleared from your device after 30 days.
Downloading Offline Maps: Step-by-Step
Begin by clicking the gear icon, designated as the “Settings” button, located in the lower-left corner of the “Maps” window.
Within the “Settings” menu, navigate to the “Offline maps” section and select “Download or update maps”.
This action will direct you to the “Offline maps” section within the “System” screen. From here, click “Download maps” on the screen’s left side.
A selection of six continents (excluding Antarctica) will be displayed on the “Download Maps” screen. Choose the continent containing your desired country.
A list of all supported countries within the selected continent will appear, alongside the estimated storage space required for each download. Select the country for which you wish to download a map; for example, “USA”. It should be noted that complete map coverage for the entire USA may not be available in a single download.
You can choose to download “All regions” if available, or select a specific region. For this example, “California” was chosen.
The download progress will be visually indicated. Multiple maps can be downloaded concurrently.
Map Updates and Management
Offline maps are also updated when you check for updates by clicking “Check now” in the “Map updates” section of the “Maps” screen.
To free up disk space, downloaded maps can be deleted when no longer needed. On the “Maps” screen, click the map you wish to remove and then click “Delete”.
To close the “Settings” dialog box, click the “X” button in the upper-right corner.
Utilizing Offline Maps
When operating in an area without internet access, your downloaded maps will be readily available for use within the “Maps” app.
Offline map functionality provides a valuable resource for navigation and exploration in areas with limited or no connectivity.
