6 Ways to Open Control Panel in Windows 10

Control Panel is the administrator panel in Windows to change the settings of your computer. Though there are some options available in Windows Settings app, Control Panel few additional options. In addition, it is easy to use by arranging the view by category, large and small icons. Whether you want to uninstall an app or change the clock settings, Control Panel is the one-stop place you need to look for. In this article, we will explain various methods to open Control Panel in Windows 10.

Control Panel in Windows 10

In earlier Windows 7 and 8.1 versions, you can open Control Panel from Start menu or from the power user menu. You can right click on the Start menu or press “Win + X” keys and quickly select the option from the menu in Windows 7 and 8.1 respectively. However, things are changed and these options are no more available in Windows 10. You can use one of the following methods to open Control Panel in Windows 10 based computers.

1. From Start Menu

Press the Start key on your keyboard or click on the Start menu showing on the lower left corner of the screen. Scroll down the list of apps showing to the “W” section and click on Windows System folder. Here you can find the Control Panel available.

If you frequently open Control Panel then right click on it and pin it to your Start menu or in the taskbar.

2. Using Windows Search

Second option is to open the Control Panel from Windows Search box.

• Press “Win + S” shortcut keys to open Windows Search box on your taskbar. Alternatively, you can simply press the Start key on your keyboard which will also highlight the search box.
• Type “control panel” to find the app.
• Click on it open or click “Open option on the right pane.

3. From File Explorer Address Bar

Many users do not aware that they can open Control Panel right from the File Explorer. This is also useful when you are in File Explorer and want to open the app.

• Press “Win + E” to open File Explorer.
• Click on the small arrow that shows before the path on the address bar.
• Select Control Panel from the dropdown list.

Remember, you have to click the first arrow that shows before the start of file path. Alternatively, you can simply type Control Panel in the address bar and hit enter key to open the app.

4. Open from File Explorer Navigation Menu

There is also another way to open Control Panel app from File Explorer.

• First make sure to click on the “View” menu and select “Navigation pane” under “Navigation pane” dropdown. This will help you to keep the navigation sidebar on the right side when viewing File Explorer.
• Now, click on “Desktop” on the navigation sidebar and find Control Panel option.

If you do not see Control Panel option then you need to enable show all folders in the navigation menu.

• Go to “View > Options > Change folder and search options”. This will open Folder Options dialog box as shown below.
• Click on “View” tab and scroll down to the bottom.
• Enable “Show all folders” option and click “Apply” button.

Now, you can view all folders in File Explorer’s navigation pane section. Learn more tips about customizing File Explorer in Windows 10.

5. Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

Press “Win + X” keys to open power user menu and select Command Prompt or PowerShell option. When you are in Command Prompt or PowerShell, simply type control and press enter. This will open Control Panel in Windows 10.

6. From Run Prompt

Instead of using Command Prompt or PowerShell, you can also use the same command from Run prompt.

• Press “Win + R” keys to open Run prompt.
• Type control in the text box and press enter.
• It will open Control Panel app.

Fun with Bing Search

The final option is for those who look everything from the internet. Go to bing.com and search for control panel or open control panel. The first result you see on the featured snippet from Microsoft help will have an “Open Settings” button. Click on it and confirm again to open Windows Settings app on your computer. As mentioned above, Microsoft guys decided that Windows Settings is the Control Panel though there is a real Control Panel still exists.