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Can't locate map files on Windows

6376131
over 2 years ago

I have just used Garmin Express to update the maps on my new Fenix 7S. Now my SSD is almost full due to the huge map files. From other forum entries I gather that they should be located in C:\ProgramData\Garmin\CoreService\Downloads\Map. On my PC, however, there is no \Map subfolder, only "Firmware". The files have to be located somewhere though as the used storage on the SSD increased exactly by the size of the map download. Any ideas?

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    What version of Windows are you running?

    You seem to have the path correct to the map files.  On my Win 10 machine it is C:\ProgramData\Garmin\CoreService\Downloads\Map.  The actual "map" folder has the name Map_Map.NA.2024.10 and runs almost 7.7 GB.  If you do a "Properties" check on the Downloads folder, is it huge?  That would support that the map files are there, maybe hidden?  A permission issue? My total Downloads folder is about 8 GB, of which 7.7 is just one map.  

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    Here's another thing you you can try.  Download and install a utility called TreeSize Free.  It is very small and can be found at TreeSize Free.  Once it is installed run the utility by selecting the drive in the top left corner.  Then wait, probably about 15 to 20 seconds while the utility builds a visual representation of your drive.  At the top you will find the biggest "hogs" and you may have to expand the tree to see the individual breakdown.  Once you see the "Maps" folder, float your cursor over the folder name, and you will see its path displayed as well as other particulars.  See the image  image I've attached for an example from my drive.

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to JohnfromPA

    That worked! Thank you so much for the tip. The weird thing is though that for me, the map files are located in C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Garmin\express and don't have the expected file name, but rather long slugs of number and letter combinations. I assume deleting them won't do any harm as they are only update files.

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to 6376131

    Did you install and use TreeSize free as I suggested?   I have what you seem to be finding but my files are very small, typically on the order of KB, not GB.  For what you have, I would use care in deleting, and then only the oldest.  Make sure your windows installtion allows you to see the hidden files and folders.  Go to 

    1. Open File Explorer  from the taskbar. 

    2. Select View > Show > Hidden items.

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to JohnfromPA

    Yes, I did use Treesize, that's how I could locate the files. I had shown hidden items before, this was not the problem. So far, everything works fine!

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    One option is the Windows search function to locate the map files. Another option is to check the settings in Garmin Express to see if you can change the location of the map downloads. Alternatively, you could contact Garmin support for assistance. And if you ever need a cheap Windows 10 product key, check out the windows 10 product key reddit for some good deals. Hope this helps!