With Windows 8, Microsoft set out to simplify the user experience for a new touch-centric world. That meant shoving the old-school Control Panel into the background and bringing a new touch-friendly Settings app to the forefront. In this guide we’ll show you how to find the Control Panel in Windows 10.
Both the Control Panel and the Settings app ostensibly serve the same function: To provide means for customizing and controlling the Windows 10 experience. Now that we’re nearing Windows 10’s fourth year, most users now fall back on the Settings app – even in Desktop mode – simply because it’s convenient.
But a closer look shows that Microsoft still scatters Windows 10 settings across both. For instance, you can create accounts using the Settings app, but you can only change your account type through the Control Panel. Want a different theme? Use the Settings app. Want to change your DNS settings? Do it through the Control Panel.
That all said, both are really needed to fully manage your PC. Here’s our guide on how to get to Control Panel in Windows 10 based on version 1809 (October 2018 Update).
Use the Start Menu
1. Click the Start button.
2. Scroll down and click to expand the Windows System folder on the Start Menu.
3. Select Control Panel.
Use Cortana
1. Type Control Panel in Cortana’s search field on the toolbar.
2. Click Control Panel in the results.
Related: How to boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode
Use the Settings app
1. Click the Start button and select the “gear” icon on the Start Menu. This opens the Settings app.
2. Type Control Panel in the search field.
3. Select Control Panel in the results.
Use the Run command
1. Press the Windows and “R” keys simultaneously.
2. Type Control Panel in the Run command text box.
3. Click OK.
Related: How to scan and clean your drive in Windows 10
Use Task Manager
1. Press the Control, Alternate, and Delete buttons simultaneously.
2. Select Task Manager.
3. Click File in the upper left corner.
4. Select Run new task in the drop-down menu.
5. Type Control Panel in the text box.
6. Click OK.
Use Windows PowerShell
1. Right-click on the Start button.
2. Select Windows PowerShell in the rollout menu.
3. Type Control Panel at the prompt and hit Enter.
That concludes our guide on how to open Control Panel in Windows 10. For additional tips and tricks, try these guides:
- Windows Update not working? Try these possible fixes
- How to do a System Restore on Windows 10
- How to use notifications in Windows 10