Google Maps is a navigation app that comes pre-installed on all Android devices. Google Maps has more features than any other navigation app and is backed by Google. How to Use Google Maps on Windows 11/10 comes with a Microsoft-backed Maps app that lets you search for places, get directions, see points of interest, and more.
People still look for ways to run Google Maps on their PC, even though the Maps app in Windows 11 has some great features like saving offline maps, saving favorite places, making collections of places, and more. Even though you can use any Windows PC web browser to get to Google Maps, wouldn’t it be better to have a Google Maps app on your desktop? If you add Google Maps as an app to Windows, you won’t have to open your web browser and go to maps.google.com every time you want to find a place.
What is Google Maps
Google Maps is a digital mapping service that shows accurate maps, satellite photos, street views, and real-time traffic conditions for places all over the world. It was made by Google and is kept up to date by them. It makes it easy to find new places, get directions, and find local businesses and landmarks.
Google Maps has become an important tool for people all over the world who need to get around in unfamiliar places or plan trips. Its easy-to-use interface and powerful features make it a must-have. Google Maps is a powerful and reliable tool that can help you find an address, check traffic conditions, or just explore the world from your computer screen.
How to Download Google Maps on Windows 11/10
Using Google Chrome
- Start using Microsoft Edge.
- Go to https://www.google.com/maps/ to use Google Maps.
- Click the three dots in the window’s top right corner.
- Choose “More tools” and then “Install as Progressive Web App.”
- To make sure, click the Install button.
- As a PWA, Google Maps will be set up. Click on the Google Maps icon in the taskbar to open it.
Use Microsoft Edge
- Open Google Chrome and go to the page for Google Maps.
- Click the menu with three dots in the upper right corner.
- Click Create Shortcut under “More Tools.”
- Choose “Open as window” in the Create Shortcut dialog box. This opens the shortcut you made in a new window. You can change the name of the app if you want to, or you can leave it as is.
- Choose Create.
- Once the app is installed, it will open a new windows that has the same features as Google Maps on the web.
How to Use Google Maps on Windows 11/10
- Open the app for Google Maps.
- Type the name of the place you want to find in the search bar.
- If you click on the place, you can find out more about it.
- Click on the “Directions” button to get directions.
- You can also find places nearby by clicking the Explore button.
- Click the Street View button to use Street View.
- Click the Traffic button to use the traffic layer.
- Click on the Satellite button to use the satellite view.
Tips for Efficiently Using Google Maps on Windows 11/10
- Save the places you like best. On the Your Places tab, you can save your favorite places. So, they will be easy to find later.
- Find your way. If you click on the “Directions” button, you can find out how to get from one place to another. You can also get directions by saying “OK Google, tell me how to get to the nearest coffee shop.”
- Check out places close by. If you click on the Explore button, you can find out about places close by. This will show you a list of places in the area, like restaurants, shops, and tourist spots.
- Try out Street View. Street View lets you see a place from all directions. This can help if you’re looking for a specific place or just want to learn more about the area.
- Use the layer for traffic. The traffic layer shows you the current traffic conditions. This can help you avoid traffic or find out how long it will take to get to your destination.
- Use the transport layer. The transit layer shows you how to get around using public transportation. This can help if you don’t have a car and want to get around.
Privacy and Security Settings for Google Maps on Windows 11/10
- Location: Google Maps can find out where you are so it can give you better directions and information. You can choose to let Google Maps know where you are all the time, only when you are using the app, or never.
- History: Google Maps keeps track of where you’ve been and what you’ve searched for. You can delete your history or clear it every now and then.
- Web & App Activity: Even when you aren’t using Google Maps, the company can collect information about the websites and apps you use. You can turn this setting off to keep your privacy safe.
- Ads: Google Maps can show you ads that are tailored to you based on what you’ve searched for and done in the past. You can turn this setting off if you don’t want Google Maps to show you ads that are relevant to you.
- Permissions: For Google Maps to work properly, it needs certain permissions. These permissions give the app access to your location, microphone, and camera. You can choose to let these things happen or not.
FAQs
If Google Maps stops working in your browser, it could be because of problems with your Google account. Most of the time, you can fix these problems by signing out of Google and back in. Open a new tab in your browser and go to Google Maps.
With Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), you can run Android apps natively on Windows 11. However, it has its limits. Only Amazon’s Appstore, not Google Play Store, works right out of the box with the new OS. Even though you can sideload Android apps, anything that needs Google Play Services won’t work.
Bing Maps doesn’t have native controls for iOS and Android like Google Maps does. Instead, native apps can use the Bing Maps v8 JavaScript control. That makes things easier for cross-platform developers who make native apps with tools like Xamarin or Cordoba.