Microsoft(US:MSFT) Huan Qiu Wang·2025-04-26 02:21Core Insights - Microsoft officially announced the removal of the Windows Maps application from the Microsoft Store by July 2025, with the deactivation of UWP map controls and underlying APIs starting from April 8, 2024, marking a strategic shift towards cloud-based lightweight solutions [1][3] Group 1: Strategic Shift - The removal of the Windows Maps application signifies Microsoft's transition from a "localized all-in-one" operating system strategy to a "cloud-based lightweight" approach [1][3] - The Windows 11 24H2 version, set to release in October 2024, will not include the Windows Maps application by default, redirecting users to the Bing Maps web version in the Edge browser [3] Group 2: Cost Savings - The maintenance costs of Microsoft's map services are high, involving ongoing payments for global map data licenses to providers like TomTom and HERE, as well as compliance expenditures related to regional data regulations [3] - Gartner estimates that discontinuing the map services could save Microsoft approximately $120 million annually in operational costs, allowing the company to focus resources on higher-margin businesses such as Azure cloud services and GitHub Copilot [3]