The Hidden Map Updates
Windows 11 includes a built-in Maps application powered by Bing Maps data. To ensure that the map data remains accurate and useful even when your computer is not connected to the internet, Windows is configured by default to automatically download and install map updates in the background. While the map files themselves might only be a few hundred megabytes, these silent background downloads can consume valuable bandwidth if you are on a metered internet connection, a mobile hotspot, or simply have a slow home network.
How to Disable Automatic Map Updates
If you rarely use the built-in Windows Maps application and prefer to use web-based mapping services like Google Maps, you can safely turn off these automatic background downloads to save bandwidth.
1. Click the Start button on your taskbar and select the Settings gear icon.
2. In the left-hand sidebar menu, click on Apps.
3. In the right-hand pane, click on Offline maps.
4. Scroll down until you find the Map updates section.
5. Locate the checkbox labelled Update automatically when plugged in and on Wi-Fi.
6. Untick this checkbox.
Deleting Existing Offline Maps
Disabling the updates prevents future downloads, but it does not remove any map data that Windows has already silently downloaded to your hard drive. If you want to reclaim this storage space, stay on the “Offline maps” settings page and look for the Delete all maps button near the top. Click it, and confirm your choice. This will wipe all locally stored geographical data from your system, freeing up several hundred megabytes of disk space.