Windows

Windows 11 Control Panel Shortcuts Guide

Richard
Written by
Richard
May 7, 2023 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read

The Control Panel in Windows lets you change important settings for your hardware and software. You can adjust things like your mouse, display, keyboard, and sound. While you can usually click through menus to find these, you can also use quick commands to jump straight to them. This saves time and makes managing your PC much faster.

Why use these commands?

Using commands is faster than clicking through multiple folders. It is a great way to open specific tools instantly without getting lost in the menus.

What happens when done?

Once you run a command, the specific settings window you requested will open immediately on your screen.

To use these, you can open the Windows Terminal app or the Windows Terminal app. If you are not sure how to open these, learn how to create a shortcut on your desktop here.

Note: Some advanced system tools require admin privileges. If a window does not open, try running your command prompt as an administrator.

Control Panel Basics

  • Open Control Panel: control.exe
  • Category View: explorer "shell:::{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683}"
  • Icons View: explorer "shell:::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"
  • God Mode (All Tasks): explorer "shell:::{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}"

Common Control Panel Items

You can use these commands to open specific settings pages:

  • Add a Device: %windir%System32DevicePairingWizard.exe
  • Device Manager: devmgmt.msc (Requires admin privileges)
  • Programs and Features: control appwiz.cpl
  • Date and Time: control timedate.cpl
  • Mouse Properties: control main.cpl
  • Keyboard Properties: control keyboard
  • Power Options: control powercfg.cpl
  • Windows Firewall: control firewall.cpl
  • System Properties: %windir%System32SystemPropertiesAdvanced.exe (Requires admin privileges)
  • Windows Features: %windir%System32OptionalFeatures.exe (Requires admin privileges)

How to run a command

  1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
  2. Type the command from the list above.
  3. Press Enter.

Summary

This guide provides a list of shortcuts to help you navigate Windows settings quickly. By using the Run command box, you can bypass the standard menu system and open the exact tool you need in seconds. Remember that some system-level settings may require you to run your command tool with admin privileges to work correctly. Use these shortcuts to make your daily computer tasks much more efficient.

What are the shortcuts to open the Control Panel in Windows 11?

You can open the Control Panel in Windows 11 using the command 'control.exe'. For a category view, use 'explorer "shell:::{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683}"', and for icons view, use 'explorer "shell:::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}"'.

How can I create shortcuts for Control Panel items in Windows 11?

To create shortcuts for Control Panel items, you can use specific commands for each item. For example, to access the Add Printer wizard, use 'rundll32 shell32.dll,SHHelpShortcuts_RunDLL AddPrinter'. You can create a new shortcut on your desktop and enter the command in the target field.

What is the command for accessing the Backup and Restore feature in Windows 11?

To access the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature, you can use the command 'control /name Microsoft.BackupAndRestoreCenter'. This will directly open the Backup and Restore settings in the Control Panel.

Can I access Bluetooth settings through the Control Panel in Windows 11?

Yes, you can access Bluetooth settings in Windows 11 through the Control Panel. Use the command 'rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL bthprops.cpl,,1' to open the Bluetooth Settings with the Options tab.

What is 'God Mode' in Windows 11 Control Panel?

'God Mode' is a special feature that provides a centralized location for all Control Panel settings. You can access it by using the command 'explorer "shell:::{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}"', which allows you to manage all settings from one place.

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Tags: #Windows 11
Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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