How to Open Administrative Tools in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 10, 2025

If you’re a Windows 11 user looking to manage system settings, troubleshoot issues, or access advanced tools, Administrative Tools is your gateway. While Microsoft has moved many features to the modern Settings app, Administrative Tools still provides access to essential utilities like Event Viewer, Task Scheduler, Services, and more.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you all the ways to open Administrative Tools in Windows 11, including shortcuts, commands, and tips for power users.

Quick Summary: Ways to Access Administrative Tools

Method How to Do It Best For
1. Start Menu Search Type “Administrative Tools” in Start Beginners
2. Control Panel Navigate to Administrative Tools folder Traditional users
3. Run Command control admintools Fast access
4. File Explorer Navigate to %windir%\system32\ File managers
5. Command Prompt Run control admintools Terminal users
6. Windows Tools Shortcut Open Windows Tools folder Quick access
7. Task Manager Run new task → control admintools When Start menu is unresponsive

💡 What Are Administrative Tools in Windows 11?

Administrative Tools is a collection of utilities for system maintenance, troubleshooting, and advanced configuration. Some of the most commonly used tools include:

  • Event Viewer – view detailed system logs

  • Task Scheduler – automate tasks

  • Services – manage background processes

  • Computer Management – access storage, users, and more

  • Performance Monitor – track system performance

  • Local Security Policy – configure security settings

These tools are essential for IT professionals, power users, and anyone managing multiple Windows systems.

⚙️ Why Use Administrative Tools?

Using Administrative Tools helps you:

  • Monitor system health and errors

  • Schedule automated tasks

  • Manage hardware devices and drivers

  • Control user accounts and permissions

  • Optimize system performance

  • Troubleshoot software or security issues

Essentially, these tools give you full control over Windows 11.

🪄 Method 1: Open Administrative Tools Using Start Menu Search

This is the quickest method for most users.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S or click the Search icon in the taskbar.

  2. Type Administrative Tools.

  3. Click the Administrative Tools folder in search results.

  4. A window will open displaying all administrative utilities.

✅ Tip: Right-click → Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar for easier access in the future.

💻 Method 2: Access Administrative Tools Through Control Panel

You can open Administrative Tools the classic way via Control Panel.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter to open Control Panel.

  2. Select Large icons or Small icons view from the top-right dropdown.

  3. Click Administrative Tools.

  4. The folder opens, showing all available tools.

✅ Result: Traditional users will feel right at home using this method.

📂 Method 3: Use the Run Command

If you prefer keyboard shortcuts, the Run command is fast and reliable.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R.

  2. Type:

    control admintools

  3. Press Enter.

✅ Result: Administrative Tools opens immediately.

🖱️ Method 4: Open Administrative Tools via File Explorer

You can access the tools directly from the Windows folder.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

  2. In the address bar, type:

    %windir%\system32

  3. Press Enter.

  4. Scroll to find Administrative Tools or launch individual .msc files like services.msc or eventvwr.msc.

✅ Result: Advanced users can open tools individually for direct access.

🧰 Method 5: Open Administrative Tools Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt is another fast method for power users.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Type:

    control admintools

  3. Press Enter.

✅ Result: Administrative Tools launches instantly.

⚡ Method 6: Open Windows Tools Folder (Modern Shortcut)

Windows 11 replaced the old Administrative Tools folder in some locations with Windows Tools.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Windows Tools, and press Enter.

  2. The Windows Tools folder opens, showing all Administrative Tools utilities.

  3. Click any tool to launch it.

✅ Tip: You can create a desktop shortcut for Windows Tools for quick access.

🧩 Method 7: Launch Administrative Tools Using Task Manager

If your Start menu isn’t working, Task Manager can help.

Steps:

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

  2. Click File → Run new task.

  3. Type:

    control admintools

  4. Press Enter.

✅ Result: Administrative Tools will open even if other menus are unresponsive.

🧮 Quick Access to Specific Administrative Tools

You don’t always need the entire folder — here’s how to open popular tools directly:

Tool Command Shortcut
Event Viewer eventvwr.msc Run → type command
Services services.msc Run → type command
Task Scheduler taskschd.msc Run → type command
Computer Management compmgmt.msc Run → type command
Local Security Policy secpol.msc Run → type command
Performance Monitor perfmon.msc Run → type command

✅ Tip: You can create desktop shortcuts for these .msc files for one-click access.

🧾 Comparison Table: All Methods

Method Shortcut Difficulty Use Case
Start Menu Search Search bar ⭐ Beginners
Control Panel Win + R → control ⭐⭐ Traditional users
Run Command control admintools ⭐ Quick launch
File Explorer %windir%\system32 ⭐⭐ Advanced users
Command Prompt control admintools ⭐⭐ Terminal users
Windows Tools Search → Windows Tools ⭐ Modern Windows 11 method
Task Manager Run new task ⭐⭐ Frozen Start menu

🧯 Troubleshooting: Administrative Tools Not Opening

If Administrative Tools doesn’t open:

  1. Restart File Explorer:

    • Open Task Manager → find Windows Explorer → click Restart.

  2. Check for Corrupted System Files:

    • Open Command Prompt (Admin) → run:

      sfc /scannow

  3. Verify Windows Tools Path:

    • Ensure %windir%\system32 exists and contains .msc files.

  4. Scan for Malware:

    • Run Windows Security scan to rule out interference.

🏁 Conclusion: Administrative Tools at Your Fingertips

Even in Windows 11, Administrative Tools remain a powerful set of utilities for managing your system. Whether you’re a beginner or a power user, you can access them through Start Menu search, Run commands, File Explorer, Task Manager, or the Windows Tools folder.

Creating shortcuts or pinning them to Start/Taskbar ensures quick access whenever you need them.

❓ FAQs About Administrative Tools in Windows 11

1. Where are Administrative Tools in Windows 11?

They are located in Control Panel → Administrative Tools, or through Windows Tools in modern Windows 11.

2. Can I create shortcuts for Administrative Tools?

Yes. You can create desktop shortcuts for the folder or individual tools (.msc files) for easy access.

3. Are Administrative Tools being removed in Windows 11?

No, but Microsoft encourages using the Windows Tools and Settings apps for many tasks.

4. How do I open Event Viewer quickly?

Press Win + R, type eventvwr.msc, and press Enter.

5. Do I need administrator privileges to use Administrative Tools?

Yes, most tools require admin rights to modify system settings.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • Use Start Menu search or Run (control admintools) for fast access.

  • Windows Tools folder is the modern replacement for Administrative Tools.

  • You can pin or create shortcuts for quick access.

  • Tools like Event Viewer, Services, and Task Scheduler remain essential for system management.

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