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How to Use Google Maps on Windows PC

Quick Tips
  • Google Maps web app is feature-rich on Windows and the same as you visit on the web.
  • Google Maps via BlueStacks can be a buggy experience for some.
  • You can pin web apps to Start, Taskbar, and launch when you login to Windows.

Method 1. Download Google Maps for Windows via Microsoft Edge

You can use the default Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser to install Google Maps on Windows. You don’t need to install any third-party app to complete the job.

Step 1: Launch the Microsoft Edge browser and open Google Maps.

Step 2: Click the app icon in the address bar at the top. It will ask you to install the Google Maps app. Click on the Install button to do so.

Install prompt for web app

Step 3: Microsoft Edge opens the app window with Google Maps. You can pin it to the taskbar or Start menu, create a desktop shortcut, or launch the app when you log in from the options menu and click Allow.

All app to pin to taskbar, Start, create Desktop shortcut

Post this, Google Maps will work as a native app on Windows. You can search for it in the Start menu, add it to an app folder, and use it without launching a browser.

Method 2. Download Google Maps via Google Chrome on Windows

Although Microsoft Edge has dramatically improved in the past few years, many still prefer Google Chrome for browsing the web.

Step 1: Go to Google Maps, click the three vertical dots menu at the top-right corner, and select Install Google Maps.

Install Google Maps menu in Chrome

Step 2: Click on the Install button to confirm. The web app looks and feels the same as above.

Click on Install button to install the web app

Method 3. Install Google Maps on Windows via BlueStacks

BlueStacks is an Android simulator that runs Android apps on Windows. You can use it to run your PC’s Android version of Google Maps.

Step 1: Install Bluestacks on your Windows PC and sign in to your Google account when you open the Google PlayStore.

Install  Bluestacks Android emulator

Note: Connect to a robust Wi-Fi network before the installation. The company also recommends disabling any anti-virus software on Windows.

Step 2: Search for Google Maps and click the Install button to download the app on your PC.

Install Google Maps using BlueStacks

Step 3: Since it’s an Android app, you will get the same experience as on Android or iOS.

The trick above takes some time on Windows machines with low-end CPUs. We recommend sticking with the Google Maps web app.

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Last updated on 18 July, 2024

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