Windows location is NOT working

Question

I live in Decatur, IL. My ISP is Xfinity. Whenever I use a program or app that needs my location is seems to think I am in Las Vegas, NV. I have gone into settings and specifically told Windows my location. I am very computer literate and I have googled this and tried everything. There are several programs that only an Illinois resident can use and I have to use my cell phone. This also happens on my Linux machine so I don't think it is a Windows issue. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi Arnold B,

Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Location, Scroll to Default location and click Set default and choose a spot on the map or enter your address manually

Your ISP is probably based in NV.

Answer 2

If this is happening on both Linux and Windows, changing a Windows setting isn't likely to solve the problem. As you probably know, your modem is assigned an IP address by your ISP. There are any number of websites that will provide a location for any given IP address. For example, https://iplocation.com/ or https://tools.keycdn.com/geo

Generally, the IP address assigned by your ISP is related to where your nearest ISP's server is located. It seems a bit odd that Xfinity in Decatur would be based in Las Vegas, but if that's what your IP address shows, the best way for you to access location-specific services is to use a VPN. Just make sure that you sign up with a VPN that has one or more servers in the geographic location where you want to appear to be.

I wouldn't hold out much hope of getting satisfaction from Xfinity customer service, but here's what Google search's AI has to say:

Several factors can contribute to your Xfinity IP address appearing in Las Vegas even if you're not physically located there. The primary reason often lies in how geolocation databases work and how ISPs assign IP addresses.  Here's a breakdown:

• Third-party database issues: Xfinity doesn't directly map your IP address to a specific location. Instead, they rely on third-party geolocation databases (like Google or MaxMind). These databases can sometimes have outdated or inaccurate information, particularly when network infrastructure changes or IP address blocks are reassigned. This can lead to your IP being mistakenly associated with a location like Las Vegas.
• IP address shuffling: Xfinity, like many ISPs, uses dynamic IP addresses, meaning your IP address can change periodically. If you receive a new IP that was previously used in a different region (like Las Vegas), geolocation services might temporarily associate you with that former location.
• VPNs or Proxy Services: If you are using a VPN or proxy service, your IP address will be masked, and your internet traffic will appear to originate from the server location of that service, which could be located in Las Vegas.
• ISP's Network Infrastructure: ISPs structure their networks by assigning blocks of IP addresses to specific regions or points of presence (POPs). Your IP address might be linked to a POP in Las Vegas, even if you are not physically located there, due to how Xfinity routes traffic.
• Outdated Information: The geolocation databases that websites and services use can be slow to update. If Xfinity has recently reassigned your IP address, it might take time for the databases to reflect the accurate location.  In essence, IP addresses provide network topology, not physical locations. Geolocation services use IP address blocks to estimate location, but these estimations can sometimes be inaccurate, especially at a granular level like cities.  If you are experiencing issues with location-based services due to this discrepancy, you may need to contact the geolocation service provider (the third-party company maintaining the database) to request an update. You can also try reaching out to Xfinity customer support for assistance.  Several factors can contribute to your Xfinity IP address appearing in Las Vegas even if you're not physically located there. The primary reason often lies in how geolocation databases work and how ISPs assign IP addresses. Here's a breakdown:
• Third-party database issues: Xfinity doesn't directly map your IP address to a specific location. Instead, they rely on third-party geolocation databases (like Google or MaxMind). These databases can sometimes have outdated or inaccurate information, particularly when network infrastructure changes or IP address blocks are reassigned. This can lead to your IP being mistakenly associated with a location like Las Vegas.
• IP address shuffling: Xfinity, like many ISPs, uses dynamic IP addresses, meaning your IP address can change periodically. If you receive a new IP that was previously used in a different region (like Las Vegas), geolocation services might temporarily associate you with that former location.
• VPNs or Proxy Services: If you are using a VPN or proxy service, your IP address will be masked, and your internet traffic will appear to originate from the server location of that service, which could be located in Las Vegas.
• ISP's Network Infrastructure: ISPs structure their networks by assigning blocks of IP addresses to specific regions or points of presence (POPs). Your IP address might be linked to a POP in Las Vegas, even if you are not physically located there, due to how Xfinity routes traffic.
• Outdated Information: The geolocation databases that websites and services use can be slow to update. If Xfinity has recently reassigned your IP address, it might take time for the databases to reflect the accurate location.  In essence, IP addresses provide network topology, not physical locations. Geolocation services use IP address blocks to estimate location, but these estimations can sometimes be inaccurate, especially at a granular level like cities.  If you are experiencing issues with location-based services due to this discrepancy, you may need to contact the geolocation service provider (the third-party company maintaining the database) to request an update. You can also try reaching out to Xfinity customer support for assistance.