Whether you’re driving, walking, or taking the bus, Maps for Windows gets you there. Get directions and choose from alternate routes, or plan a longer trip with multiple stops. Traveling? Download offline maps before you go so you can search and get directions, even without Internet access.

For more help with Maps, see Quick start: Maps app (PDF, English only).

Get directions to any address, landmark, or business. Maps will even guide you to your friend’s address if you’ve saved it in the People app. Ready to go? Keep your eyes on the road while Maps tells you where to turn.

  1. Select Start , enter Maps and select Maps .

  2. Select Directions .

  3. If you like, change the transportation mode—for example, Walking or Transit —and select Route options to avoid things like tolls or traffic while driving, or for a transit route with less walking.

  4. In the A (Starting point) and B (Destination) boxes, start typing an address, city, business name, or the name of a contact. Select from the results that appear as you type.

  5. Need to make several stops? Select Add destination . Or, press and hold (or right-click) on the map, and select Add destination from there. Drag destinations up or down to rearrange them in the list.

  6. Select Get directions .

    Note: For driving and transit directions, sometimes you'll get several alternate routes to choose from. Select one to see more details.

  7. To hear step-by-step directions as you travel, select Go . Or, to print them out, select More > Print .

    Getting directions

Tip: Try drawing a line on the map with the inking tools to get directions. For details, see Draw on your maps.

To see a 360-degree view from the street:

  1. Open the Maps app, select Road, and turn on Streetside.

  2. In an area that is shaded blue on the map, double-tap or double-click to jump into Streetside view. Or search for a place, and select Streetside on the info card of that place.

  3. To move around within Streetside, select an arrow on the street, or drag in any direction.

  4. To exit Streetside, tap or select Exit Streetside.

The Windows Map app uses the Downloaded Maps Manager service, also known as MapsBroker. If you download offline maps, this service runs in the background to keep them up to date. Because it only runs occasionally, it consumes very few system resources. The Downloaded Maps Manager service turned on by default, but it might be turned off by your IT department or by system management tools. If it's turned off, the Windows Maps app might stop working, not open, or display maps incorrectly. If this happens, follow these steps to enable this service:

  1. In the search box on the taskbar, enter services, and then select Services in the list of results.

  2. Under Name, find Downloaded Maps Manager, and under Startup Type, see if it's set to Automatic (Delayed Start).

  3. If Startup Type is not set to Automatic (Delayed Start), right-click Downloaded Maps Manager, and then select Properties.

  4. On the General tab, next to Startup type, select Automatic (Delayed Start), and then select OK.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.