How to Access Control Panel in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 4, 2025

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed that the Control Panel seems harder to find. Microsoft is slowly moving many settings to the modern Settings app, but the classic Control Panel still exists — and it remains useful for managing deeper system configurations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through different ways to access Control Panel in Windows 11 step by step. Whether you need to adjust network settings, uninstall a program, or manage user accounts, you’ll know exactly where to find it.

Key Takeaways

  • Control Panel is still available in Windows 11, even though Microsoft emphasizes the Settings app.

  • You can access it via Search, Run command, File Explorer, Start Menu, Task Manager, or a desktop shortcut.

  • Knowing multiple methods helps if one option doesn’t work or if you need quick access.

Why Use Control Panel in Windows 11?

Even though Windows 11’s Settings app is modern and user-friendly, Control Panel is still valuable for:

  • Advanced network settings

  • Uninstalling traditional desktop programs

  • User accounts and parental controls

  • Power options and system tools

  • Device manager access

Think of Settings as a quick-access toolbox, while Control Panel is the full workshop with every tool still available.

Method 1: Access Control Panel via Windows Search

The fastest way is to search directly.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search.

  2. Type Control Panel.

  3. Click the Control Panel app from the results.

👉 Pro Tip: Right-click and select Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar for quicker access later.

Method 2: Open Control Panel Using Run Command

The Run dialog is a quick shortcut for power users.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard.

  2. Type:

control

  1. Press Enter.

  2. The Control Panel window will open instantly.

Method 3: Access Control Panel from Start Menu

Even though it’s hidden, you can still reach it from the Start Menu.

Steps:

  1. Open the Start Menu.

  2. Scroll through apps or type Control Panel in the search bar.

  3. Select it from the list.

Method 4: Open Control Panel via File Explorer

File Explorer can also launch Control Panel.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).

  2. In the address bar, type:

Control Panel

  1. Press Enter.

Method 5: Access Control Panel with Task Manager

Task Manager can launch apps and commands, including Control Panel.

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Click File > Run new task.

  3. Type control and press OK.

Method 6: Create a Desktop Shortcut for Control Panel

If you use Control Panel often, a desktop shortcut saves time.

Steps:

  1. Right-click on the Desktop > New > Shortcut.

  2. In the location field, type:

control.exe

  1. Click Next, name it Control Panel, then click Finish.

  2. Double-click the new shortcut anytime to open it.

Method 7: Access Control Panel via Command Prompt or PowerShell

Another quick method is using the command line.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.

  2. Type:

control

  1. Press Enter to launch Control Panel.

Method 8: Use Windows Tools Menu

Some versions of Windows 11 still display Control Panel under Windows Tools.

Steps:

  1. Open the Start Menu.

  2. Go to All Apps > Windows Tools.

  3. Click Control Panel from the list.

Switching Between Control Panel and Settings

  • Use Settings (Windows + I) for modern features and quick tasks.

  • Use Control Panel for advanced system configurations not yet moved to Settings.

Both tools often link to each other, so you can jump back and forth depending on your needs.

Common Control Panel Shortcuts You Should Know

Here are some quick Control Panel command shortcuts you can run via Windows + R:

Feature Run Command
Control Panel control
Programs and Features appwiz.cpl
Network Connections ncpa.cpl
Mouse Settings main.cpl
Power Options powercfg.cpl
Date and Time timedate.cpl

Troubleshooting: Can’t Find Control Panel in Windows 11?

  • Make sure you spelled it correctly in search (Control Panel).

  • Try using the Run command (Windows + R > control).

  • Check Windows Tools in the Start Menu.

  • If all else fails, create a desktop shortcut.

Conclusion

Even though Microsoft is slowly phasing it out, the Control Panel in Windows 11 is still available — and extremely useful for advanced settings. You can access it through Search, Run, File Explorer, Task Manager, and more.

Now that you know multiple methods, you’ll never struggle to find Control Panel again.

FAQs About Control Panel in Windows 11

1. Is Control Panel removed from Windows 11?
No, it still exists, though some features have moved to the Settings app.

2. What’s the fastest way to open Control Panel?
Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

3. Can I pin Control Panel to the Start Menu or Taskbar?
Yes — search for it, right-click, and choose Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar.

4. What’s the difference between Settings and Control Panel?
Settings is the modern interface for basic tasks; Control Panel provides more advanced configurations.

5. Will Microsoft remove Control Panel in the future?
Possibly — Microsoft has been moving features gradually to the Settings app. But for now, it’s still available.

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