This post shows students and new users steps to open and use the Control Panel app when using Windows 11. The Control Panel in Windows allows users to change various hardware and software settings, including mouse, display, keyboard, network, sound, etc.
The Control Panel has been a central location for almost all Windows settings over the years and plays a crucial role in managing Windows systems. However, beginning with Windows 8, Microsoft introduced Windows Settings to transition users away from the Control Panel in favor of the Windows Settings app with a modern look.
The Control Panel isn’t a central part of Windows 11 and is hidden from most users. Users must now search to find and use it to make some changes. Although the Windows Settings app is favored for everything related to system settings, some changes can still be done in Control Panel, so it isn’t dead yet.
Below, you will learn how to open and use the Control Panel in Windows 11.
To start using the Control Panel in Windows 11, follow the steps below.
If you don’t already know, there are eight main category areas on the Control Panel, containing different settings to optimize your computer.
- System and Security – A section to check your computer’s status, backup and restore, and others.
- Network and Internet – View network and tasks.
- Hardware and Sound – View which devices and printers are on your computer.
- Programs – Uninstall programs.
- User Accounts – Change and add user accounts
- Appearance and Personalization – Change desktop themes, icons, accents, etc.
- Clock and Region – Change date, time, or number formats
- Ease of access – Optimize your display settings and various accessibility features
How to open the control panel on Windows 11
Now that you know a bit about the Control Panel, here’s how to open it using Windows 11.
One way to open the Control Panel in Windows 11 is to click the Start button and begin typing Control Panel. Select the Control Panel app under Best match as highlighted in the image below.
Or open a Run dialog by pressing the Windows key and R. Then type the control panel in the box and press ENTER.
Type the command below from the command line or Command Prompt to open the Control Panel.
control panel
There might still be more ways to open the Control Panel in Windows 11. However, the few methods above should help you get started.
How to use the control panel on Windows 11
Below are some posts on how tasks are performed when using the Control Panel.
- You can enable or disable the hibernate mode: How to enable hibernate mode
- You can create a system image: How to create a system image
- You can use BitLocker to encrypt drives: How to use BitLocker
There are many more other tasks that can still only be controlled from the Control Panel.
Conclusion:
In summary, while the Control Panel in Windows 11 may not be as prominent as it once was, it remains a valuable tool for managing various system settings. Here are the key takeaways:
- The Control Panel provides access to essential settings for hardware and software management.
- Users can open the Control Panel through the Start menu, Run dialog, or command line.
- Familiarity with the Control Panel can be beneficial for handling specific tasks that are not available in the Windows Settings app.
- Despite the shift towards Windows Settings, the Control Panel still plays an important role in Windows 11 usability.
- Remember to explore and utilize the Control Panel for advanced settings and configurations.
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