Laptop thinks it is in different country (location incorrect)

Freddie Meredith 0 Reputation points
2026-08-17T10:21:52.91+00:00

My laptop seems to believe that it is in Russia not the UK, how do I fix this (location services are turned on and I have tried changing the default location)?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy
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  1. SD - IA 180.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-17T11:12:02.61+00:00

    Hi,
    It might be the case that your IP address is causing this issue. Unless you are using a static IP, simply restart the router to get the new IP Address and see if your problem is resolved.

    I look forward to hearing from you to get the results of the troubleshooting.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-17T10:22:09.3366667+00:00

    If Location services is already On and changing the default location did not fix it, use this path:

    1. Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Location.
    2. Confirm Location services is On.
    3. Under Let apps access your location, make sure the affected app is allowed.
    4. Under Default location, select Set default and set the correct UK location again.

    If the laptop still shows the wrong country after that, Windows may be falling back to network-based positioning or IP-based location instead of a precise device location. Microsoft notes that Windows can determine location by using GPS, nearby wireless access points and routers, cell towers, IP address, or the default location.

    Also note:

    • Some features can use the IP address to provide area-based information when location services is not turned on.
    • If an app cannot retrieve the correct location, verify the device has a working GPS receiver or that network-based positioning is available.
    • If the wrong location appears only in a specific app, check that app’s location permission in Settings > Privacy & security > Location.

    If the issue is system-wide and persists even with Location services on and the default location set correctly, one accepted Microsoft Q&A resolution for a similar case was to keep Location Services turned Off if that produces the correct city, especially where the location source is inaccurate.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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