Microsoft will soon discontinue offline maps in Windows 11

Another service is entering the Microsoft Graveyard. Apparently, the Redmond-based tech giant will soon kill and discontinue offline maps in Windows 11.

When you open the Maps app on Windows 11, you’ll be greeted with a message that says, “By the end of 2023, offline maps will no longer be in the Maps app. After that date, you will not be able to view offline maps in the app.

Check it out:

The decision to discontinue offline maps is likely due to the expiration of an agreement between Nokia, Here, and Microsoft.

Microsoft acquired Nokia’s mapping and navigation business (Here) in 2015, and the two companies have been working together to provide offline maps for Windows ever since.

Officials at Redmond are yet to release a statement about the future of its Maps app, but it seems like it’s in limbo.

If you’re in the market for offline maps on the desktop, you’ll have a lot to choose from, starting from free services like OSMAnd, Sygic, and more. Google Maps does offer an offline mode, but it only works in the mobile version so far.