How to Open Control Panel in Windows 10 (8 Ways)

The quickest way to open Control Panel in Windows 10 is to click the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, and press Enter. You can also press Windows key + R, type control, and click OK. Control Panel is no longer in the Windows key + X menu in current versions of Windows 10, but there are several other quick ways to get to it.

Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. These steps still work on Windows 10, but upgrading to Windows 11 is the long-term way to keep getting security fixes.

Here are eight ways to open Control Panel, how to keep it one click away, and how to switch to the classic icon view.

Ways to open Control Panel at a glance

Method	How
Search	Type control panel in the taskbar search box
Run	Windows key + R, type control
Start menu	Start > Windows System > Control Panel
File Explorer	Type Control Panel in the address bar
Command Prompt or PowerShell	Type control and press Enter
Task Manager	File > Run new task, type control
Settings	Search “Control Panel” in the Settings search box
Desktop icon	Turn it on in Desktop icon settings

Method 1: Use the taskbar search

1. Click the search box or magnifying glass on the taskbar, or press Windows key + S.
2. Type control panel.
3. Click Control Panel in the results, or press Enter.

Method 2: Use the Run box

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type control.
3. Click OK or press Enter.

The Run box can also open individual Control Panel tools directly:

• appwiz.cpl: Programs and Features (uninstall programs)
• ncpa.cpl: Network Connections
• mmsys.cpl: Sound
• sysdm.cpl: System Properties
• powercfg.cpl: Power Options
• control printers: Devices and Printers

Method 3: Use the Start menu

1. Click Start.
2. Scroll down the app list and click Windows System to expand it.
3. Click Control Panel.

Method 4: Use File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer with Windows key + E.
2. Click the address bar, type Control Panel, and press Enter.

Method 5: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell from the Start menu.
2. Type control and press Enter.

Method 6: Use Task Manager

This is handy if the Start menu or taskbar isn’t responding.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click More details if you see the small view.
2. Click File > Run new task.
3. Type control and click OK.

Method 7: Search from Settings

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Type Control Panel in the search box at the top and select it.

Method 8: Keep Control Panel one click away

• Pin it to the taskbar: Open Control Panel, then right-click its icon on the taskbar and choose Pin to taskbar.
• Pin it to Start: Search for Control Panel, right-click the result, and choose Pin to Start.
• Add a desktop icon: Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings, check Control Panel, and click OK.

How to switch to the classic icon view

Control Panel opens in Category view by default. To see every tool as an icon, click the View by menu in the top-right corner and choose Large icons or Small icons.

Control Panel vs. Settings

Microsoft has been moving options from Control Panel into the Settings app for years. Some links in Control Panel now open Settings instead. Older tools like Programs and Features, Device Manager, Power Options, and Sound are still in Control Panel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Control Panel in the Windows key + X menu?

Microsoft replaced it with Settings in the Creators Update in 2017. The Windows key + X menu still has Settings, Device Manager, and other tools.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for Control Panel?

Not a single one. Windows key + R, then typing control, is the fastest. You can also create a desktop shortcut, right-click it, choose Properties, and set your own Shortcut key.

Why won’t Control Panel open?

Restart your PC first. If it still won’t open, run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt as an administrator to repair system files. On work or school PCs, your IT department may have blocked it.

Does Windows 11 still have Control Panel?

Yes. Search for it from the Start menu, or use Windows key + R and type control.