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Google Maps does not have an official native desktop app for Windows 10 or Windows 11. On a Windows PC, use Google Maps in a supported browser, or install the site as a Chrome or Edge app-style shortcut. Neither option provides Google’s mobile offline-map downloads on Windows.

How to use Google Maps on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Google lists the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge as supporting the full desktop version of Maps. Windows 7 and later are supported, so Windows 10 and Windows 11 meet the operating-system requirement.

  1. Open Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or another supported browser.
  2. Go to google.com/maps.
  3. Sign in to your Google account if you want access to saved places, lists, Timeline, or other account features.

Google does not provide a separate Windows installer for Maps. Be cautious of third-party sites advertising an “official Google Maps for Windows” installer.

Install Google Maps as an app-style shortcut

Chrome and Edge can install the website as a web app that opens in its own app-like window. This is a convenient shortcut, not a native Windows program, and it does not enable Google Maps offline downloads.

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Install Google Maps with Chrome

  1. Open Google Maps in Chrome.
  2. Select the three-dot More menu in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select Cast, save, and share.
  4. Select Install page as app….
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

On some websites, Chrome may instead show an Install icon at the right side of the address bar. Chrome notes that some web apps may have offline capabilities, but web apps may not work completely without an internet connection. This does not provide Google Maps’ mobile offline-map feature.

Install Google Maps with Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Google Maps in Edge.
  2. Select Settings and more (the three-dot menu).
  3. Select More tools, then Apps.
  4. Select Install this site as an app.
  5. Confirm the app name and select Install.

Manage the installed shortcut at edge://apps. From the app’s Details page, you can create a desktop shortcut or pin it to the taskbar or Start menu.

Can you download Google Maps for offline use on Windows?

Not through Google’s supported desktop Maps service. Google’s offline-map instructions cover its mobile app on Android, iPhone, and iPad, not Windows computers. Google does not provide a Windows download button, offline-map file, or supported method to download an area on a Windows PC and transfer it to a phone.

On a supported mobile device, download an area using these menu paths:

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Device Menu path
Android Google Maps app > profile picture or initial > Offline maps > Select your own map > Download
iPhone or iPad Google Maps app > profile picture or initial > Offline maps > Select your own map > Download

Offline maps have limitations even on supported mobile devices:

  • Driving navigation works when the entire route is within the downloaded area.
  • Walking, cycling, and public-transport directions are unavailable offline.
  • Live traffic information and alternative routes are unavailable offline.
  • Downloaded areas must be updated before they expire.
  • Offline downloads may be unavailable in some countries or regions.

Windows Subsystem for Android is no longer a current workaround

Microsoft states that Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Appstore became unavailable in the Microsoft Store beginning March 5, 2025. Windows 10 did not include Microsoft’s Windows Subsystem for Android. Third-party Android emulators remain unofficial workarounds, and compatibility, Google Play availability, GPS behavior, and offline storage can vary.

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Do not confuse Microsoft Maps with Google Maps

The Microsoft Maps app was a separate Windows application based on Microsoft/Bing mapping services, not Google Maps. Microsoft says the app was removed from the Store by July 2025, a final Store update made it nonfunctional, and it stopped being preinstalled beginning with Windows 11 version 24H2. Microsoft directs users who want Bing-powered maps to Bing Maps in a browser.

Fix common Google Maps problems on Windows

Google Maps shows a blank page

Google Maps requires JavaScript. If it is disabled, Maps may display an empty page. In Chrome, check More > Settings > Advanced > Privacy and security > Content settings > JavaScript > Allowed. Wording may differ in newer Chrome versions. Reload Maps after enabling JavaScript.

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3D imagery or Earth view is missing

Google Maps’ full 3D experience requires a current supported browser and WebGL-capable graphics hardware. Google recommends enabling Chrome hardware acceleration at More > Settings > Advanced > System > Use hardware acceleration when available. Restart Chrome after changing the setting. Some older Intel graphics adapters may not display Maps in 3D.

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Maps loads slowly

Google recommends restarting the computer and browser, updating Windows and the browser, checking that the browser meets Maps requirements, and installing the latest version of DirectX on Windows. Google notes DirectX may improve Maps’ visual performance on Windows.

Google Maps cannot determine your location

Maps relies on available location information and browser permissions. Allow the browser to access your location, verify the internet connection, reload Maps after granting permission, and restart the computer if the issue continues. A desktop computer without GPS may show only an approximate location.

Common claims about Google Maps for Windows that are outdated

Claim What is actually true
“Download Google Maps from the Microsoft Store.” Google does not document an official Google Maps desktop app for Windows 10 or 11. A similarly named Store listing is not proof that Google publishes it.
“Windows Maps is Google Maps.” Windows Maps was Microsoft’s separate Bing-powered app and has been retired.
“Save the Google Maps webpage to use it offline.” Saving the page or installing a browser shortcut does not download Google’s map database.
“Google Maps Go is the Windows version.” Google Maps Go is an Android product, not a Windows application. It does not support downloading areas or offline navigation.
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FAQ

Is there an official Google Maps app for Windows 10?

No. Use Google Maps in a supported browser, or install the website as a Chrome or Edge app-style shortcut.

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Is there an official Google Maps app for Windows 11?

No. Windows 11 users can use the browser version or create a web-app shortcut. Neither is a native offline Google Maps application.

Can I use Google Maps offline on a Windows laptop?

Not through Google’s supported desktop service. Google documents offline-map downloads for Android, iPhone, and iPad, not Windows computers.

Does installing Google Maps from Chrome make it work without internet?

No. Chrome creates a web app or shortcut; it does not provide the mobile Google Maps offline-map database.

Can Windows Subsystem for Android install Google Maps?

It is no longer a current Microsoft-supported option. Microsoft made Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Appstore unavailable in the Microsoft Store beginning March 5, 2025. Android emulators are unofficial alternatives with variable compatibility.

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For Windows 10 and 11, use Google Maps in a browser or install the site as a Chrome or Edge shortcut. For offline areas and offline driving navigation, use the Google Maps mobile app on Android, iPhone, or iPad.

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