Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Google Maps on a computer is especially convenient for planning and comparing: you can edit a multi-stop route, inspect nearby places in Street View, draw approximate measurements, organize saved locations, and prepare links to open elsewhere. That does not make a PC universally better than a phone—these are planning tasks where a larger map and pointer-based controls can help.
1. Build and adjust a multi-stop route before you leave
For a route you want to shape in advance, Google My Maps on a computer lets you add destinations, choose driving, bicycling, or walking, and drag the displayed route to change its path. Each set of directions sits on its own layer, which is useful when keeping a custom plan organized.
- Sign in to Google, then create a map in My Maps or open one you already have.
- Choose Add directions to create a directions layer.
- Enter the starting point and destination. Add stops as needed and select driving, bicycling, or walking.
- Open the step-by-step directions to review the legs, then drag the route on the map if you want to adjust its path.
This workflow is for building and editing a plan. It is distinct from starting turn-by-turn navigation on a phone when you set off.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match2. Search locations and inspect them in Street View
Before choosing a destination, use Google Maps to search for it and check whether Street View imagery is available. Street-level views let you explore the pictured street and surrounding area, which can help you assess the approach or compare several candidate places while keeping the map visible. Availability depends on the location and imagery coverage; a desktop comparison is a practical benefit of the larger view, not a measured advantage established by Google.
#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
Google’s feature guide describes Street View and other ways to explore places. Check the imagery for the area you need rather than assuming every address has a current street-level view.
3. Measure distance between points or outline an area
My Maps on a computer can display a distance for a drawn line or an area for a closed shape. This is useful for rough planning—for example, tracing a route segment or outlining a space on the map—but it is not a land survey or a legal property measurement. Google says the displayed measurements are based on map scale and country.
Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- Open a map in My Maps on your computer.
- Choose the line or shape drawing tool and click the map to place the first point, then click successive points or bends.
- Finish the line to see its distance, or close the shape to see its area.
For the official workflow, see Google’s My Maps computer instructions.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
4. Organize locations you want to revisit
Google Maps lists let you save places for later reference, making them handy for collecting possible stops, restaurants, or destinations. You can create a list and add places as you find them, rather than relying on a set of open tabs or trying to remember each result. Google documents lists in its help for Maps features.
Rank #3
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
Google announced a desktop Recents tab in April 2023, describing a way to group searched places by city and share places or save them to a new list. That announcement is dated; it does not establish that the same tab or layout is available in the current interface. Use the controls you see in your account rather than relying on that older label.
5. Share a search, directions, map, or Street View link
When you have finished planning, a Google Maps URL can open a search, directions, a map view, or a Street View panorama on supported platforms. It is an action link that passes a particular Maps view or task—not proof that every custom My Maps layer, saved list, or measurement will be shared in the same way.
Rank #4
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
Google’s Maps URLs documentation specifies that URLs need the api=1 parameter and do not require an API key. The supported actions include search, directions, map display, and Street View. Use the URL format for the action you want to hand off, then open the link on the device where you plan to continue.
When the PC is the more convenient choice
| Task | Why a computer can help | What the documentation establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Edit a multi-stop route | A larger map and pointer make it convenient to review stops and drag a route. | My Maps supports driving, bicycling, and walking directions, step-by-step instructions, and drag-to-adjust routing. |
| Inspect places | It is easier to keep a wider area visible while comparing candidate locations. | Street View can show available street-level imagery; coverage varies. |
| Measure a line or area | Clicking points and bends on a larger view can be practical for rough map planning. | My Maps displays distance or area based on map scale and country; it is not a survey. |
| Save locations | Lists can collect places found during desktop browsing. | Google Maps supports saved-place lists; the current status of the desktop Recents interface is not established by the 2023 announcement. |
| Continue elsewhere | A link can hand off a specific Maps view or action. | Maps URLs support search, directions, maps, and Street View across platforms; they do not guarantee identical sharing of every saved map item. |
These are convenience-based reasons to plan on a PC, not evidence that desktop Maps is categorically better than mobile. Google’s help and developer documentation describe features, not comparative performance or usability measurements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
