Windows 10 Control Panel: Where to Find It and How to Use It

If you know how to get to Control Panel on Windows 10, it’ll give you access to most of the tools to adjust or customize your PC. You can edit your graphic settings, account features, hardware settings, etc. 

In previous Windows versions, the Control Panel was easy to find. It was at the Start menu or File Explorer. However, it’s not as straightforward to locate in Windows 10, which can be confusing.

So where is Control Panel in Windows 10? Keep reading to find several easy ways to find the Control Panel and how to use it.

How to Open Control Panel on Windows 10?

In this section, we’ll answer the question, “Where is the Control Panel?” There are several ways to find the Control Panel. Let’s go through them:

1. Use the Start Menu

You can use Windows Search to search for any application or program on your computer, including the Control Panel. If you want to search for Windows 10 Control Panel, follow the below steps:

• Type Control Panel in the Search box.
• Click Control Panel in the search results to open.

If you plan to use the Control Panel often, you can right-click on the icon and click Pin to taskbar for quick access.

2. Use the Run Dialog Box

Another way to open the Control Panel is the Run dialog box. Here’s how to open Control Panel from Run:

• Press Window + R to launch the Run dialog box.
• Type Control Panel in the Run dialog box.

• Click OK to run the Control Panel. 

3. Use the Command Prompt

Here’s how to open Control Panel using the command prompt:

• Type command prompt in the search bar and click to launch the program. Another way is to press Windows + R to start the Run dialog box. Then type cmd to open the Control Panel. 

• When the command prompt starts, type Control Panel and press Enter to open Control Panel from CMD.

4. Use the PowerShell Command

If you want to know how to get to Control Panel using the PowerShell command, follow the steps below: 

• Press the Windows key + R to run the Run dialog box.
• Type shell:ControlPanelFolder to open the shell command.
• Click OK to open the Control Panel.

• Another option is to open PowerShell by typing PowerShell in the search bar. When the program opens, type Control Panel to run the program. 

Related: Most Useful Powershell Commands: Cheat Sheet

5. Use the Task Manager

You can use the Task Manager as a Control Panel shortcut. Here’s how to do it: 

• Open the Task Manager.
• Click on File from the menu bar.
• Select Run a New Task from the sub-menu.

• Type control.exe when the New Task box displays.

6. Use the Settings

Here’s how to run Control Panel from settings: 

• Right-click on Windows icon and click on Settings. You can also type settings in the search bar and click on it. 
• Type Control Panel in the search field to open the Control Panel. 

How to Use Control Panel in Windows 10

When you open the Control Panel, you’ll see various categories according to the type of settings and customizations they provide. Windows 10’s Control Panel is divided into several categories. Let’s go through them:

1. System and Security

Maintenance and Security

This option gives you an overview of your computer’s security and maintenance status. You troubleshoot issues, change security settings, and check for updates.

Action Center

The Action Center gathers notifications and offers quick access to various system features, such as Wi-Fi and battery.

Windows Firewall 

The Windows Firewall gives you the option to manage the Windows Firewall settings. This setting regulates both inbound and outgoing network connections.

BitLocker Drive Encryption

You can control your encrypted drives in this section if BitLocker is enabled.

Also Read: Advanced Data Protection: How to Encrypt Files in Windows 10

2. Network and Internet

Network and Sharing Center

In this section, you can manage network connections, establish new connections, and solve network-related difficulties.

Related: How to Fix Can’t Connect to this Network Error on Windows 10/11

Internet Options

In this category, you can configure Internet settings such as security, privacy, and proxy configurations in Internet Options. 

Related: Tips on How to Speed Up Your Internet Connection

3. Hardware and Sound

Device Manager

You can view and manage the hardware components installed on your computer using the Device Manager. You can fix hardware issues, disable devices, and update drivers.

Related: How to Fix Error Code 45 in Device Manager?

Sound

The sound settings help you configure audio devices, modify sound settings, and set up audio input and output devices.

Power Options

By changing power plans and settings, you can configure what occurs while your computer is idle or when you click the power button in this category.

Also Read: [FIXED] Can’t access complete power options in Windows issue

4. Programs

Uninstall a Program

The Uninstall a Program section allows you to see and uninstall any applications on your computer. 

Related: How to Uninstall Programs on Windows 10

Default Programs

You can set default programs from numerous file types and protocols in this category. 

5. User Accounts

User account

This section allows you to manage user accounts, create new accounts, change passwords, and change user privileges.

6. Appearance and Personalization

Personalization

The Personalization allows you to change the themes, colors, and desktop background, including the screensaver settings.

Also Read: How to Set a Dual Monitor Wallpaper on Windows 10 and 11?

Display

You can change the scaling, rotation, and screen resolution options in the Display section.

Taskbar and Navigation

The Taskbar and Navigation help you to set your preferred navigation and taskbar settings.

7. Clock and Region

Date and Time

You can configure automatic time synchronization, the system’s date and time, and the time zone in this section

Region

The Region allows you to set regional language, format, and location preferences.

8. Ease of Access

Ease of Access Center

You can make tools like the on-screen keyboard, narrator, and magnifier more accessible to you using the Ease of Access option.

9. Administrative Tools

Computer Management

This section lets you access advanced system management tools like Event Viewer, Disk Administration, etc.

Conclusion

We’ve discussed extensively how to open Control Panel on Windows 10 in this guide. Go through them and use the various options that best suit you. The Control Panel is a powerful tool that helps you to access advanced system settings and customize your computer experience.

You can manage devices, set up networks, customize your desktop, and much more by going through its numerous categories and options.

So, take advantage of this guide to use all of the features and functionalities of the Control Panel.

FAQs