Windows 11 will soon lose the Maps app forever, affecting dozens of users — RIP a Windows Phone relic

Windows Maps on Windows Phone
Microsoft's Maps app, once essential to Windows Phone users, has been a strange leftover available on Windows 11 for years. Soon, it will be deprecated. (Image credit: Future)

Microsoft will remove its Maps app from the Microsoft Store in July 2025. At that time, the app will receive an "update" that will make it nonfunctional. The tech giant outlines the end of Maps in a support document.

Following the July 2025 cutoff, it will not be possible to reinstall the Maps app even if you've had it installed previously. If you keep the app, it will retain personal data and files, such as saved navigation routes or map URLs, but they will not function within the app after July 2025.

While it's fun to joke about Bing Maps and find any excuse to share the following clip from Family Guy, it's important to note that Bing Maps is not going away. Microsoft is deprecating the Maps app on Windows 11. Bing Maps lives on as a service through bing.com/maps.

Family Guy | Bing Maps car - YouTube Family Guy | Bing Maps car - YouTube
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The Maps app dates back to the days of Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile. I doubt that many used it on a PC for guided navigation, but that's just a guess.

The web version of Bing Maps supports "streetside," which is Microsoft's equivalent to Google Street View. Based on how my own home looks on Bing Maps, I'd say Family Guy's joke is pretty accurate.

Those who want to use a maps app on Windows 11 can use the mostly functional web version of Apple Maps that's still in beta testing or switch to Google Maps.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

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