- The Control Panel is still present in Windows 10, although Microsoft is gradually replacing it.
- There are multiple ways to open the Control Panel, including the Start menu and File Explorer.
- Creating shortcuts is ideal for users who require frequent access to the Panel.
The Windows 10 Control Panel has been an indispensable tool for both advanced and novice users looking to adjust essential aspects of the operating system. Over time , Microsoft has introduced changes, moving configuration options closer to the new Settings menu, but the classic Control Panel remains useful and necessary for making more advanced adjustments.
In this article, we'll show you all the ways to access the Control Panel in Windows 10 , explaining the most effective methods step by step. Whether you prefer using the keyboard, mouse, or Cortana search, you'll learn how to access the Control Panel from anywhere.
A fairly simple way to open the Control Panel is directly from the Windows 10 Start menu . This section still houses many of the most frequently used functions, especially for general system settings.
- First, click the start button or press the Windows logo key on your keyboard.
- Scroll down and locate the folder Windows system.
- Inside that folder, you will select Control panel.
You can also type 'Control Panel' directly into the Start menu search bar. This is a quicker way to find and access the panel directly without having to navigate through the rest of the folders.
Use the Run command to open the Panel
If you're looking for a faster method and prefer keyboard shortcuts , you can use the Run dialog box :
- Press the keys Windows + R on your keyboard.
- In the text box that appears, type control and press the key Enter.
- The Control Panel will open immediately.
This method is ideal if you need to open the Control Panel quickly without navigating through menus. Plus, you don't need to memorize anything complicated - just use the 'control' command.
Open Control Panel from File Explorer
Another way to open the Control Panel is by using Windows 10 File Explorer . This method is useful if you're already working within a folder or if you prefer to manage access from a visual panel.
- Open the File Browser (you can do it from the icon in the taskbar or with the combination Windows + E).
- In the address bar, type Control panel and press Enter.
This shortcut will take you directly to the Control Panel, without having to go through the Start menu or search manually.
Now with Cortana: Open the Control Panel by voice
If your system has Cortana , you can use voice commands to open the Control Panel. This method is convenient if you have your microphone set up and prefer voice commands .
- Click on the icon microphone or say 'Hey Cortana' directly if you have it enabled.
- Of: 'Control Panel'.
Avoid saying 'Open Control Panel', as Cortana doesn't recognize that structure yet. Simply say its name and the assistant will open it immediately.
Create a Control Panel shortcut on the desktop
If you frequently access the Control Panel, a quick and practical solution is to create a shortcut directly on your Windows 10 desktop. This way, you'll always have the panel at hand without needing to take any further steps.
- Right click on the desktop background.
- Select option New and then Direct access.
- In the location box type: explorer.exe shell:::{BB06C0E4-D293-4f75-8A90-CB05B6477EEE}.
- Click Next and then give the shortcut a name, for example, 'Classic Control Panel'.
Once created, you will only have to double-click on the shortcut to open the Control Panel whenever you need it.
Control Panel is disappearing, what to do?
With the arrival of new versions of Windows, Microsoft has been integrating many Control Panel functions into the new Settings app , and although the classic panel is still available, it is given less importance.
It's likely that in future versions, as has partially happened in Windows 11 , the classic Control Panel will continue to lose ground until it disappears completely. Meanwhile, having quick and direct access to it remains useful for adjusting more advanced settings or accessing options not yet available in Settings.
Customizing the Control Panel
Once you've accessed the Control Panel, you can customize the display of options to your liking. To do this, simply go to the top right corner, where it says 'View by', and select between large icons, small icons, or the category view.
Category view can be useful if you prefer to have different areas grouped together, while icon views allow more direct access to specific tools. Depending on what you want to adjust, you can change the view at any time.
The Control Panel is organized into different sections, such as System and Security , Network and Internet , Hardware and Sound , among others. Each of these categories contains subsections with various adjustable settings and tools.
For some advanced users, this customization of the view makes it much easier to find what they are looking for without having to navigate through unnecessary menus.
In short, although Windows 10 has brought with it an evolution towards the Settings app, the classic Control Panel remains essential and useful for those traditional settings that haven't yet migrated to the new interface. With these methods, you can access it quickly and easily.
I'm Alberto Navarro and I'm passionate about everything related to technology, from cutting-edge gadgets to software and video games of all kinds. My interest in digital began with video games and continued in the world of digital marketing. I have been writing about the digital world on different platforms since 2019, sharing the latest news in the sector. I also try to write in an original way so that you can stay up to date while having fun.
I studied Sociology at university and completed my studies with a Master's in Digital Marketing. So if you have any questions, I'll share with you all my experience in the world of digital marketing, technology and video games.
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