Windows 8 has a new feature called “location services.” This feature allows you to control how your computer uses its location data. You can choose to have your computer use a specific location service, or you can choose not to have any location service at all. If you choose not to have any location service, your computer will use the default location service. This service is called “WPA2.” If you choose to use the WPA2 location service, your computer will be vulnerable to apps spying on your whereabouts. To protect yourself from apps spying on your whereabouts, you need to know how to use the WPA2 location service. To do this, you need to create a new account and set up a security key. You can find more information about this process in the Windows 8 help guide. Once you have created a new account and set up a security key, you need to enable the WPA2 location service. To do this, open Settings and select “Location Services.” In the “Location Services” section of Settings, select “Enable WPA2 Location Services.” Now click on “Apply” and wait for the process to finish.
Depending on the settings you chose when you originally set up Windows 8 you may have given apps access to your location. While it may help in some situations like using the Maps app a lot of people prefer privacy. Read on to find out how to claim your privacy back in Windows 8.
Preventing Applications From Using Location Information
Press the Windows + I keyboard combination and click on the Change PC Settings link at the bottom of the sidebar.
When the new Immersive Control Panel opens, head on over to the Privacy section.
On the right-hand side you will see a setting allowing apps to use your location.
You will need to turn it off by moving the slider to the left.
That’s all there is to it.
