Alex Ruben
How to Access and Use the Control Panel in Windows 11
In this guide, you’ll learn how to locate and open the Control Panel in Windows 11, despite its removal from the Start menu. The Control Panel, which many users found useful in previous Windows versions, can still be accessed using various methods. By following these steps, you will be able to set up quick access to the Control Panel, making it easier to navigate and perform system tweaks.
Step 1: Access the Search Function
First, you need to open the search function to find the Control Panel:
- Click on the magnifying glass icon located to the right of the Start menu button.
- Type
controlin the search bar.
Step 2: Open the Control Panel
Once you enter the command, you should see the Control Panel app listed at the top of the search results:
- Click on the Control Panel icon to open it. You will notice that its interface remains the same as in Windows 7.
Step 3: Pin the Control Panel to the Taskbar
To make future access more convenient, you can pin the Control Panel icon to the taskbar:
- Right-click on the Control Panel icon in the taskbar.
- Select
Pin to taskbarfrom the context menu. This will keep the Control Panel accessible from your taskbar.
Step 4: Pin the Control Panel to the Start Menu
You can also pin the Control Panel to the Start menu for easier access:
- Go back to the search results where the Control Panel icon is displayed.
- Right-click on the Control Panel icon again.
- Select
Pin to Start. - Once pinned, you can drag the icon in the Start menu to rearrange its position.
Step 5: Create a Shortcut on the Desktop
If you prefer to have the Control Panel icon on your desktop, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the Control Panel icon and choose
Open file location. - In the opened folder, right-click on the Control Panel application icon again.
- Select
Send toand then chooseDesktopfrom the submenu. This will create a shortcut on your desktop.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Familiarize yourself with the Control Panel features, as they provide essential tweaks for system settings.
- If you cannot find the Control Panel via search, ensure that your Windows 11 is up to date.