Home » Blog » How to Open Control Panel in Windows 10

How to Open Control Panel in Windows 10

The latest versions of the Windows 10 have hidden the Control Panel like it never existed. This is because Microsoft wants to make Windows OS more user-friendly. However, the replacement of the Control Panel — the Settings menu — still is not as configurable as the multitalented Control Panel and makes its absence felt to users.

How to Open Control Panel in Windows 10

Read More: How to Run Control Panel as Admin in Windows 10

You may have already figured out some ways to open the Control Panel; in this guide, you will discover all the ways to access it. Read on to find how to open the Control Panel in Windows 10.

Method 1. Open Control Panel in Windows 10 via Quick Access Menu

Power User Menu, mistakenly known as Quick Access Menu by many users, includes a shortcut to open the Control Panel in Windows 10.

Follow these simple steps to learn how to open Control Panel in Windows 10 using the Quick Access Menu or to say the Power User Menu:

Step 1. Press Win(⊞)+X (Windows plus X keys at once) to access the Power User Menu options.

If you want a keyboard-free approach, you can hover to Start and right-click on the Start (Windows logo) to open the Power User Menu.

Step 2. Hover to the Control Panel option and click on it to open.

Power user menu on Windows 10 with Control Panel

Note: Microsoft has replaced the Control Panel options with the Settings (since build 14942) in the Power User Menu. Nonetheless, there is a way to add the Control Panel option in the later versions.

You can use two methods to include the Control Panel option in the later version of Windows 10.

  1. The first and easiest one is to use a Win+X menu editor.
  2. The second one is via the registry editor. The path is:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ShellCompatibility\InboxApp

You can use any of the two and edit the default view of the Power User Menu options to open the Control Panel using it.

Accessing the Control Panel via the Power User menu is the most straightforward way to open the Control Panel in Windows 10.

*** If you are wondering — Yes, there is a route to access the Control Panel menu through the Quick Access Menu (one accessible in the File Explorer program).

However, it expects you to edit the registry — and it is an intricate process, so let’s save it for another day.

Method 2. Open Control Panel in Windows 10 by Searching

The Search menu is the quickest route to locate anything on Windows OS. You can utilize it to open the control panel in Windows 10 effortlessly.

Follow these easy steps to learn how to open Control Panel in Windows 10 using the Search bar:

Step 1. Hover to the Search(🔎) bar or just press Win(⊞) Key to initiate the Start menu (with Search box).

Step 2. Type in Control Panel.

From the search results, click on the Control Panel icon to open it.

Make a search of the Control Panel on Windows 10

That’s all there is to it. Follow up to discover other ways to access the Control Panel in Windows 10.

Method 3. Open Control Panel in Windows 10 from Run Dialog Box

Run box or Run is a single-line (command-line) function that allows you to reach the programs and environment variables accessible on the computer. You have to enter the name of the file or directory (otherwise known as Path) — as a command to open it directly.

Moreover, besides locating the indexes on the local network, you can also use the Run to bring up web pages — by typing its address (URL).

Follow these simple instructions to learn how to get to Control Panel on Windows 10 using the Run box:

Step 1. Press Win(⊞)+R (Windows logo plus R hotkeys) to open the Run box.

Step 2. Type in Control and press the Enter key.

Run dialog box to open Control Panel in Windows 10

There you go; another uncomplicated way to get to the Control Panel on Windows 10.

Method 4. Open Control Panel in Windows 10 Using Command Prompt

Like the Run box, Command Prompt is also a command-line interface but with added capabilities vested. For instance, you can locate tools and configurations that are not available in the graphic interface Settings.

Here’s how to access Control Panel on Windows 10 using the versatile Command Prompt:

Step 1. Hover to the Search (🔎) box and type in Cmd.

Select the Command Prompt option from the results.

*** You do not require an elevated (admin privileges) Command Prompt for this.

Step 2. In the Command Prompt, type in Control Panel and press Enter.

Command Prompt to open Control Panel in Windows 10

As soon as you press Enter, the Control Panel will open.

Read More:
How to Open Command Prompt in Windows 10

Method 5. Open Control Panel in Windows 10 Using Windows PowerShell

Another Command-line interface, PowerShell, also enables you to perform administrative tasks using the command-lets. Still, it has more authority than the Command Prompt even lets you perform tasks on other operating systems linked to the network.

Follow these simple instructions to learn how to access Control Panel on Windows 10 using the PowerShell:

Step 1. Press Win(⊞)+X (Windows logo plus X keys) at once to open the Power User menu.

Click on the Windows PowerShell option from the list to open it.

Power User menu in Windows 10 containing Windows PowerShell

Alternatively, you can press Win(⊞)+R (Windows plus R at once) to open the RUN box. Then, type in PowerShell and press Enter to open it.

Read More: How to Open PowerShell in Windows 10

Step 2. Type in Control Panel.

And press Enter.

Windows PowerShell to open Control Panel on Windows 10

After you press Enter, the Control Panel will open on Windows 10.

Method 6. Open Control Panel in Windows 10 from File Explorer

Unlike the Run, PowerShell, and Command Prompt, File Explorer is a graphical user interface that allows you to access the file systems and applications.

Here’s how to open Control Panel in Windows 10 from File Explorer:

Step 1. Hover to the Taskbar and click on the Folder icon.

Alternatively, you can press Win(⊞)+E (Windows logo plus E keys at once) to open File Explorer.

Step 2. In the address bar, type in Control Panel.

File Explorer program on Windows 10 showing Control Panel in the address bar

Press Enter.

Irrespective of the fact you see the option of Control Panel or not, when presses Enter — Control Panel will open.

This method comes in handy whenever you want to access the Control Panel from within File Explorer.

Method 7. Open Control Panel in Windows 10 Using Desktop Shortcut

If you often have to access the Control Panel, it is salutary to create a Desktop Shortcut instead. Windows 10, by default, does not incorporate a Control Panel shortcut at installation; nonetheless, there is still an option to enable it.

Follow these simple steps to learn how to create a desktop shortcut of the Control Panel in Windows 10:

Step 1. Hover to the Start menu and click on the Settings (⚙️) gear icon to open the Settings menu.

Start menu to open the Settings menu on Windows 10

Step 2. Select Personalization.

Personalization option to create a Desktop Shortcut of Control Panel in Windows 10

Step 3. From the left pane, click on Themes.

Step 4. After selecting the Themes Pane, scroll down to the Related Settings options.

Select Desktop icon settings.

Personalization option on Settings menu to access Desktop Shortcuts

Step 5. Check the box assigned to the Control Panel option.

Desktop icon settings to create a desktop shortcut on Windows 10

Select Apply.

Step 6. Click OK to save the changes.

That’s it. You can now access the Desktop icon of the Control Panel by clicking on it.

Conclusion

Now, you have learned all the ways to open the Control Panel in Windows 10, or at least all the simplest ways to locate it.

Of course, there are more ways to get to the Control Panel in Windows 10.

Nonetheless, the methods mentioned here are sufficient to open the control panel irrespective of where you are navigating onto Windows 10.

Leave a Comment