However, this transitioning process is very slow. The Control Panel–although relatively trickier to locate in Windows 11–still has viable functionality. If you’re one of the old-school users attached to the application, here’s how to access the Control Panel in Windows 11.

1. Accessing Control Panel Using Search Feature in Windows 11

Windows Search is, without a doubt, one of Windows’ handiest features and the fastest way to access the Control Panel.

Follow these simple steps to prompt open the Control Panel:

Click on the magnifying glass icon situated on the taskbar. Now, search for Control Panel in the search bar. The Control Panel app appears under Best match. Click on it to access Control Panel.

You’ll also notice the Settings app appears right under Control Panel, which is yet another move by Microsoft to help facilitate users toward the new alternative.

2. Accessing the Control Panel Using Settings in Windows 11

Windows 11’s all-new Settings app has fast become users’ go-to option, whether it’s for personalizing their Windows experience or accessing system settings. After all, it’s duplicated Control Panel’s functionality and is featured more prominently, making it easier to tap it open and start tweaking.

Nevertheless, if your hand’s more set on Control Panel, we’re not one to judge. Just follow these simple steps to access Control Panel via Settings:

First, click the leftmost Start menu icon sitting on the taskbar. Alternatively, you can press Win + I on your keyboard. Here, locate the Settings app and open it. Type Control Panel in the settings search bar. Press the Control Panel’s widget when it appears in the list below.

3. Accessing Control Panel Using File Explorer Address Bar in Windows 11

Most users forget they can access Control Panel using File Explorer’s address bar. It’s an easy method and comes in handy if you use File Explorer quite often.

Here’s how you can open Control Panel via the File Explorer in three simple steps:

Right-click Start menu icon and select File Explorer. Alternatively, you can also press Win + E. Click on the leftmost caret button on the address bar. Select Control Panel from the drop-down menu.

4. Accessing Control Panel Using Run Menu in Windows 11

The Run menu offers a very easy approach for accessing any app. You can use it to open the Control Panel as well.

To get started:

Press Win + R to launch the Run menu. Type control in the search field. Press OK.

5. Accessing the Control Panel From the PowerShell in Windows 11

Although not very common, a Command Prompt is another method to open the Control Panel. It especially suits you if you’re a programmer or like running commands on PowerShell. You can check out our extensive guide to the Windows Command Prompt for all that you need to know about it.

Follow these simple steps to access Control Panel using PowerShell.

Open Windows Search and type PowerShell in the search bar. Type control in the PowerShell window, next to the prompt. Press Enter to access Control Panel.

6. Accessing the Control Panel Using Start Menu Windows Tools in Windows 11

Microsoft has combined all tools for advanced users and system administrators in a single folder called Windows Tools. It allows users to launch system utilities from Windows Tools, with Control Panel being one of them.

To access Control Panel through Windows Tools:

Launch the Start menu. Click on All apps in the top-right corner. Scroll down the list of apps to Windows Tools and select it. (Here’s how you can also set up Windows Tools shortcuts in Windows 11 to ensure quicker access next time. ) Locate Control Panel in Windows Tool’s folder and double-click to open it.

7. Accessing the Control Panel Using Task Manager in Windows 11

If you prefer using this powerful tool on your Windows 11, here’s how you can access the Control Panel:

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + ESC. on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can also press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, and select Task Manager from the options displayed. Tap on More details to open the expanded view of the Processes tab. Go to File and select Create new task from the drop-down list. Type control and hit OK. This will prompt open the Control Panel.

8. Creating a Control Panel Icon on Your Windows 11 Desktop

If you’re an avid user of the Control Panel, your life would certainly be easy with its icon sitting on your desktop. With the following few steps, you can create a Control Panel Icon on your Windows 11 desktop.

Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Themes. Locate Desktop icon settings under Related settings. Clicking it will prompt open a dialog box.

Check the box next to Control Panel and hit OK.

The Control Panel icon will now appear on the desktop.

9. Creating a Custom Control Panel Shortcut in Windows 11

Because the last method limits Control Panel’s placement to the desktop, creating a Control Panel shortcut allows you to place it anywhere on your Windows PC.

This method might also be up your alley if you like your desktop clean and free, without any files and applications sitting on it. All you need to do is create a Control Panel shortcut then place it in any other location on your PC.

To employ this relatively more flexible method:

Right-click any free space on your desktop Select New > Shortcut from the context menu. Under Type the location of the item, input %windir%\System32\control. exe Click Next to proceed, name the shortcut whatever you’d like (for instance, “Control Panel”). Select Finish.

10. Pin the Control Panel to the Taskbar for Easy Access

It has an advantage over all the above-listed ways because it requires one-time effort. Pin Control Panel to your taskbar once and never worry about employing different methods to locate the folder again.

This step can be used in combination with any aforementioned methods. Use any method to open Control Panel, right-click on the app’s taskbar icon, and choose Pin to taskbar.

Control Panel Isn’t Old News Just Yet

We know Microsoft’s planning to bury the Control Panel once and for all, however, it can’t kill it just yet. There are still some settings exclusive to Control Panel, and unless Microsoft figures out a way to safely migrate them to the Settings app, Control Panel won’t be declared obsolete yet.