Where is the Control Panel in Windows 10? How do you open it and is there any Control Panel shortcut you can use for that? To answer these questions, I did a bit of testing and experimentation. I had to do that because in Windows 10, the Control Panel is hidden compared to Microsoft’s older operating systems, like Windows 7. I managed to compile a list of sixteen different ways to open the Control Panel. It includes methods to open this old and trusted tool in Windows using Control Panel shortcuts, keys, the Run window, CMD, and so on. Let’s see all of them, starting with the most useful ones and ending with the geekier methods:
1. Create and use a Windows 10 Control Panel shortcut
The method I find the most easy to use in the long term is to create a Control Panel shortcut and put it somewhere it’s convenient to use. It can be on your desktop, as well as in a folder. Here’s how:
Right-click or press-and-hold on an empty space on your desktop or in a folder, go to New in the context menu, and select Shortcut.
Start creating a Control Panel shortcut
Then, in the Create Shortcut wizard, point your new shortcut to:
control
or
%windir%\System32\control.exe
… and press Next.
Type control and press Next
Give your Control Panel shortcut a name. Control Panel will do nicely, for instance. 🙂 Then, press Finish to save it.
Give a name to the Control Panel shortcut
The end result? A neat Control Panel shortcut you can double-click or double-tap anytime you want to access this tool on your Windows 10 computer.
The shortcut to open Control Panel in Windows 10
TIP: If you’d like more detailed instructions on creating shortcuts in Windows 10, check out this guide: How to create shortcuts for files, folders, apps, and web pages in Windows.
2. Make and use a Control Panel keyboard shortcut
If you’re a fan of the keyboard, you could also make a custom Control Panel keyboard shortcut. For that, follow the same steps shown in the previous method in this guide to create a regular Control Panel shortcut. Then, right-click or press and hold it to access its context menu and select Properties in the list of options.
Open the Properties of the Control Panel shortcut
In the Shortcut tab of the Control Panel Properties window, click or tap the field next to Shortcut key. On your keyboard, press the keys you want to assign as a keyboard shortcut for the Control Panel. For example, in the next screenshot, you can see that the Shortcut key I created for the Control Panel is Ctrl + Alt + P. Once you’ve chosen the keys, press OK to save your new Control Panel keyboard shortcut.
Assign a Control Panel shortcut key
From now on, it suffices to press the Control Panel shortcut on your keyboard to launch it. However, remember that you shouldn’t delete the shortcut you’ve created on your desktop, or the keyboard shortcut will stop working too.
3. Download our Control Panel shortcut for Windows
If you’d rather get an already-made Control Panel shortcut, know that we’ve assembled one of the most extensive collections of shortcuts for Windows. Download and extract it, and, inside, find the shortcut for the Control Panel in the Windows Shortcuts > Administration Tools folder.
The Control Panel shortcut found in our collection
You can copy the Control Panel shortcut we made for you anywhere you like. For instance, on your desktop or in a special Tools folder you may keep on your Windows 10 computer.
4. Use Windows 10’s Control Panel shortcut from the Start Menu
Another straightforward way of opening the Control Panel in Windows 10 is from the Start Menu. Click or tap the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard. In the Start Menu, scroll down to the Windows System folder. There, you will find a Control Panel shortcut.
There’s a Control Panel shortcut in Windows 10’s Start Menu
Click or tap the shortcut and the Control Panel launches instantly.
5. Pin a Control Panel shortcut to the Start Menu or to the taskbar
If you want to access the Control Panel quickly, you might want to pin a shortcut for it in a place where you get to see it without effort. Some areas where you should consider pinning it are the taskbar or the Start Menu.
In order to do that, go to the Control Panel shortcut like I’ve shown you in the previous method. Then, right-click or press-and-hold the Control Panel shortcut, and select Pin to Start if that’s where you want it.
Pin a Control Panel shortcut to the Start Menu
In an instant, a Control Panel shortcut appears on your Start Menu. 🙂
Control Panel shortcut pinned to the Start Menu
If you’d rather have it on your taskbar, right-click or press and hold the Control Panel shortcut in the Start Menu, go to More, and choose Pin to taskbar.
Pin a Control Panel shortcut to the taskbar
And there you have it: a Control Panel shortcut on your taskbar.
Control Panel shortcut pinned to the taskbar
TIP: Are you interested in learning more about pinning? Here’s a complete guide on how to pin to the Start Menu in Windows 10.
6. Make Windows 10 add a Control Panel icon on the desktop
You can also add a Control Panel icon on your desktop. Start by opening the Settings app (Win + I), then go to Personalization, access Themes, and click or tap the Desktop icon settings link.
Getting to the Desktop icon settings
In the Desktop Icon Settings window, select the Control Panel desktop icon and press OK.
Adding a Control Panel shortcut using the Desktop Icon Settings
It will take just a moment for the Control Panel shortcut to show up on your desktop.
The Control Panel shortcut on the desktop
TIP: Here’s a handy guide if you want to know more about the other desktop icons: How to add or remove desktop icons (shortcuts) in Windows.
7. How to open Control Panel using Run in Windows 10
Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run window. Then, type:
control
…and hit Enter on your keyboard or press OK.
How to open Control Panel via Run
Now that you know how to open the Control Panel via Run, wouldn’t you also like to know what the Control Panel command is? Here’s how to…
8. Open Control Panel using CMD or PowerShell
If you like Command Prompt or PowerShell, you should know that the command for starting the Control Panel is (surprise, surprise!):
control
So type control in your favorite command-line app, and then press the Enter key on your keyboard.
How to open Control Panel using CMD
This command opens the Control Panel immediately.
9. How to open Control Panel in Windows 10 using search
Another way to start anything in Windows 10 is to use the search feature. Click or tap the search box from the taskbar or just press the Windows key on your keyboard. Then start typing:
control panel
…and click or tap the Control Panel search result.
Open Control Panel in Windows 10 using search
TIP: Is your search bar missing? Here’s how to get search back on your Windows 10 taskbar.
10. Use Windows 10’s Settings to open Control Panel
An alternative, yet a bit lengthier way of using search to open the Control Panel involves using the Settings app. Open Settings and type “control panel” in the search field found at the top-center area of the app. Once the search results are shown, click or tap Control Panel.
Open Control Panel in Windows 10 from Settings
As expected, this launches the Control Panel. 🙂
11. Open Control Panel using File Explorer’s address bar
An ingenious way to start the Control Panel is to use the File Explorer. Open File Explorer and click or tap on the first caret button from the folder path bar at the top. In the menu that shows up, select Control Panel.
Starting the Control Panel from File Explorer
The Control Panel is now open, and you can use it as required.
12. Get Control Panel in File Explorer’s folders list
File Explorer offers yet another easy method to open the Control Panel. Open File Explorer’s Folder Options window, select the View tab, enable Show all folders at the end of the Advanced settings list, and then click or tap OK.
Enable Show all folders in File Explorer
As soon as you do that, File Explorer shows an entry point for the Control Panel in the navigation area.
A Control Panel shortcut is found in File Explorer’s navigation pane
Click or tap it, and the Control Panel opens.
13. Open Control Panel using Task Manager
One other way to open the Control Panel is to use the Task Manager. Launch Task Manager — a quick way is to press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard. If the Task Manager opens up in compact mode, click or tap on More details. Then, open its File menu and click or tap the Run new task option.
Run new task in Task Manager
In the Create new task window, type:
control
…and press the Enter key or OK.
Opening Control Panel using the control command in Task Manager
14. Use Control Panel’s shortcut in the taskbar’s Desktop toolbar
This method is less intuitive, but the result might please some users. Go to the Desktop and right-click or press and hold an empty space on the taskbar. Then, go to Toolbars and select Desktop.
Adding the Desktop toolbar to the taskbar
This adds a Desktop toolbar to the right side of the taskbar. Click or tap on it and then double-click on the Control Panel to open it.
The Control Panel menu from the Desktop toolbar
What is nice about this toolbar is that, if you just hover the mouse cursor on it, it also displays the main sections and shortcuts from the Control Panel. It can be a productive tool for many users.
Control Panel shortcuts are shown in separate lists
TIP: There are other taskbar toolbars available in Windows 10. To find out more about them, check out this guide on how to customize the taskbar.
15. Open Control Panel by running the control.exe file
The executable file for the Control Panel is control.exe. You can find it in the System32 subfolder of the Windows folder:
C:\Windows\System32\control.exe
The control.exe file in Windows 10
Double-click or double-tap it and the Control Panel is launched immediately.
16. Open Control Panel using the WinX menu from Windows 10
In old versions of Windows 10, the WinX menu included a Control Panel shortcut by default. Although it’s not the case anymore, if you’re feeling a bit geeky today, you can enable Control Panel in Windows 10’s WinX menu by following these steps.
Adding a Control Panel shortcut in the WinX menu from Windows 10
That’s it, folks!
How do you open the Control Panel on your Windows 10 computer?
These are all the methods I know of starting the Control Panel in Windows 10. Some of them are easy, while others are not as straightforward. I like having a keyboard shortcut for Control Panel and I also use the search rather regularly to open this tool. What about you? Which of these methods is your favorite? The ones that let you launch Control Panel without using the keyboard maybe? Or is it the opposite, opening the Control Panel via CMD? Let me know in the comments section below, and if you know other methods too, don’t hesitate to include them.
Table of contents
- How to Open Control Panel on Windows 10?
- 1. Use the Start Menu
- 2. Use the Run Dialog Box
- 3. Use the Command Prompt
- 4. Use the PowerShell Command
- 5. Use the Task Manager
- 6. Use the Settings
- How to Use Control Panel in Windows 10
- 1. System and Security
- 2. Network and Internet
- 3. Hardware and Sound
- 4. Programs
- 5. User Accounts
- 6. Appearance and Personalization
- 7. Clock and Region
- 8. Ease of Access
- 9. Administrative Tools
- Conclusion
- FAQs
If you know how to get to Control Panel on Windows 10, it’ll give you access to most of the tools to adjust or customize your PC. You can edit your graphic settings, account features, hardware settings, etc. In previous Windows versions, the Control Panel was easy to find. It was at the Start menu or File Explorer. However, it’s not as straightforward to locate in Windows 10, which can be confusing. So where is Control Panel in Windows 10? Keep reading to find several easy ways to find the Control Panel and how to use it.
How to Open Control Panel on Windows 10?
In this section, we’ll answer the question, “Where is the Control Panel?” There are several ways to find the Control Panel. Let’s go through them:
You can use Windows Search to search for any application or program on your computer, including the Control Panel. If you want to search for Windows 10 Control Panel, follow the below steps:
- Type
Control Panelin the Search box. - Click Control Panel in the search results to open.
If you plan to use the Control Panel often, you can right-click on the icon and click Pin to taskbar for quick access.
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2. Use the Run Dialog Box
Another way to open the Control Panel is the Run dialog box. Here’s how to open Control Panel from Run:
- Press
Window + Rto launch the Run dialog box. - Type
Control Panelin the Run dialog box.
- Click OK to run the Control Panel.
3. Use the Command Prompt
Here’s how to open Control Panel using the command prompt:
- Type
command promptin the search bar and click to launch the program. Another way is to pressWindows + Rto start the Run dialog box. Then typecmdto open the Control Panel.
- When the command prompt starts, type
Control Paneland pressEnterto open Control Panel from CMD .
4. Use the PowerShell Command
If you want to know how to get to Control Panel using the PowerShell command, follow the steps below:
- Press the
Windows key + Rto run the Run dialog box. - Type
shell:ControlPanelFolderto open the shell command. - Click OK to open the Control Panel.
- Another option is to open PowerShell by typing
PowerShellin the search bar. When the program opens, typeControl Panelto run the program.
Related: Most Useful Powershell Commands: Cheat Sheet
5. Use the Task Manager
You can use the Task Manager as a Control Panel shortcut . Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Task Manager.
- Click on File from the menu bar.
- Select Run a New Task from the sub-menu.
- Type
control.exewhen the New Task box displays.
6. Use the Settings
Here’s how to run Control Panel from settings:
- Right-click on Windows icon and click on Settings. You can also type
settingsin the search bar and click on it. - Type
Control Panelin the search field to open the Control Panel.
How to Use Control Panel in Windows 10
When you open the Control Panel, you’ll see various categories according to the type of settings and customizations they provide. Windows 10’s Control Panel is divided into several categories. Let’s go through them:
1. System and Security
Maintenance and SecurityThis option gives you an overview of your computer’s security and maintenance status. You troubleshoot issues, change security settings, and check for updates
.
Action Center
The Action Center gathers notifications and offers quick access to various system features, such as Wi-Fi and battery.
Windows Firewall
The Windows Firewall gives you the option to manage the Windows Firewall settings. This setting regulates both inbound and outgoing network connections.
BitLocker Drive Encryption
You can control your encrypted drives in this section if BitLocker is enabled.
Also Read: Advanced Data Protection: How to Encrypt Files in Windows 10
2. Network and Internet
Network and Sharing Center
In this section, you can manage network connections, establish new connections, and solve network-related difficulties.
Related: How to Fix Can’t Connect to this Network Error on Windows 10/11
Internet OptionsIn this category, you can configure Internet settings such as security, privacy, and proxy configurations in Internet Options.
Related: Tips on How to Speed Up Your Internet Connection
3. Hardware and Sound
Device ManagerYou can view and manage the hardware components installed on your computer using the Device Manager. You can fix hardware issues, disable devices, and update drivers
.
Related: How to Fix Error Code 45 in Device Manager?
SoundThe sound settings help you configure audio devices, modify sound settings, and set up audio input and output devices. Power OptionsBy changing power plans and settings, you can configure what occurs while your computer is idle or when you click the power button in this category.
Also Read: [FIXED] Can’t access complete power options in Windows issue
4. Programs
Uninstall a ProgramThe Uninstall a Program section allows you to see and uninstall any applications on your computer.
Related: How to Uninstall Programs on Windows 10
Default ProgramsYou can set default programs from numerous file types and protocols in this category.
5. User Accounts
User accountThis section allows you to manage user accounts, create new accounts, change passwords, and change user privileges.
6. Appearance and Personalization
Personalization
The Personalization allows you to change the themes, colors, and desktop background, including the screensaver settings.
Also Read: How to Set a Dual Monitor Wallpaper on Windows 10 and 11?
DisplayYou can change the scaling, rotation, and screen resolution options in the Display section. Taskbar and NavigationThe Taskbar and Navigation help you to set your preferred navigation and taskbar settings.
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7. Clock and Region
Date and Time
You can configure automatic time synchronization, the system’s date and time, and the time zone in this section
Region
The Region allows you to set regional language, format, and location preferences.
8. Ease of Access
Ease of Access Center
You can make tools like the on-screen keyboard, narrator, and magnifier more accessible to you using the Ease of Access option.
9. Administrative Tools
Computer Management
This section lets you access advanced system management tools like Event Viewer, Disk Administration, etc.
Conclusion
We’ve discussed extensively how to open Control Panel on Windows 10 in this guide. Go through them and use the various options that best suit you. The Control Panel is a powerful tool that helps you to access advanced system settings and customize your computer experience.
You can manage devices, set up networks, customize your desktop, and much more by going through its numerous categories and options.
So, take advantage of this guide to use all of the features and functionalities of the Control Panel.
FAQs
If you want to pin Control Panel to the Start menu, open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key. Then search for Control Panel using the search bar. Right-click on “Control Panel,” hover over “More,” and then click on “Pin to Start.”
Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Then, type control panel and hit Enter. This will open the Control Panel.
