Downloaded Maps Manager
Downloaded Maps Manager gives applications access to offline maps stored on the device.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Identifier: MapsBroker
Setup Foundry sets this service's startup type to Manual.
Downloaded Maps Manager gives applications access to offline maps stored on the device. Applications can start the service on demand when they need these maps. Microsoft also describes a background function that keeps downloaded maps up to date.
Notes
Additional effects
The former Windows Maps app used this service for offline maps. Applications that access the Windows mapping platform and its offline-map APIs can also depend on it.
MapsBroker is not the Geolocation Service. Obtaining the device's location and managing geofences are functions of the separate lfsvc service.
Privacy and security
Downloaded maps are stored on the device. Downloading and updating this data can create network connections to Microsoft services or their content-delivery networks. Microsoft documentation does not, however, attribute collection or transmission of the device's current location to MapsBroker itself.
Setting the startup type to Manual does not delete existing map data, change location permissions, or disable offline-map downloads and automatic updates. Because Windows or an application can still request the service, the change does not reliably prevent related network traffic.
Effects of the change
The service is not disabled. After Windows starts, it can remain stopped until the operating system or an application needs its mapping functionality. When requested, a service configured for Manual startup is still allowed to start, after which applications can continue to access downloaded maps.
While the service is not running, the access it provides to offline maps is unavailable. If an application does not request a service start, or if the start fails, it might be unable to load or display downloaded maps correctly. This differs from disabling MapsBroker, which would prevent the service from starting at all.
Notes
The Windows Maps app was removed from the Microsoft Store in July 2025 and was made nonfunctional by a final update. It is no longer preinstalled starting with Windows 11, version 24H2. Microsoft also lists the Windows UWP Map control and Windows Maps platform APIs as deprecated. On current installations, the service might therefore be relevant only to older or specialized applications.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Learn: Guidance on disabling system services on Windows IoT Enterprise
Microsoft Learn: Manage connections from Windows components to Microsoft services – Offline maps
Microsoft Learn: Resources for deprecated features – Maps app and Windows Maps platform
Microsoft Support: Find your way with Maps