Control Panel remains available in Windows 11 for settings and administrative interfaces that have not fully moved into the Settings app. You do not need to modify the Registry or create a special shortcut just to open it.
Find Control Panel from Start
- Open Start.
- Type Control Panel.
- Select the Control Panel result.
You can also press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
Change how Control Panel is organized
Use the View by menu to switch among Category, Large icons, and Small icons. If an older guide tells you to open a specific Control Panel item but you cannot find it by category, an icon view can make the item easier to locate.
Some settings now open elsewhere
Microsoft continues moving Windows configuration into the Settings app. As a result, selecting certain Control Panel links can send you to Settings, and the location of a feature can change after a Windows update.
For routine tasks, prefer the current Settings page when Microsoft has moved the feature there. Control Panel is still useful for legacy interfaces such as some device, networking, credential, and program-management tools.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.