How to Get to the Control Panel in Windows 10
The Control Panel is a veteran component of the Windows operating system, providing users with a centralized location to manage various settings and configurations. However, with the introduction of the Settings app in Windows 10, access to the Control Panel is not as straightforward as it used to be. In this article, we will explore the ways to get to the Control Panel in Windows 10.
How Do I Get the Control Panel in Windows 10?
Fortunately, there are several ways to access the Control Panel in Windows 10. Here are the most common methods:
- Search for "Control Panel": You can use the Search function in the Start menu to search for "Control Panel". Once you find it, click on it to open.
- Type "Control Panel" in Run: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type "control" and press Enter.
- Find it in the Start menu: You can also find the Control Panel in the Start menu by clicking on the "Windows System" folder and then selecting "Control Panel".
- Use the Cortana search: If you have Cortana enabled, you can ask her to open the Control Panel for you.
Using the Settings App to Access the Control Panel
The Settings app in Windows 10 offers a more modern take on system settings, but it’s not always obvious how to access the Control Panel from within. Here’s how:
- Click on "System": In the Settings app, click on the "System" icon.
- Select "Update & Security": In the System settings, click on "Update & Security" (or "Update & Recovery" in older versions of Windows 10).
- Click on "Backup": In the Update & Security settings, click on "Backup".
- Click on "More settings": In the Backup settings, click on "More settings" at the bottom.
- Click on "Open Windows Backup": This will open the Windows Defender Backup and Restore (/control panel) interface.
Using the Taskbar Icon (Optional, but Convenient)
If you have the Taskbar enabled, you can use the Taskbar icon to quickly access the Control Panel. To do this:
- Right-click on the Taskbar icon: Right-click on the Taskbar icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select "Control Panel": From the context menu, select "Control Panel" to open the Control Panel.
Using the Quick Access Icon (for Power Users)
For power users, there’s an even quicker way to access the Control Panel:
- Press the Windows key + X: Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Access menu.
- Select "Control Panel": From the menu, select "Control Panel" to open the Control Panel.
Tips and Tricks
- Use the Address Bar: If you’ve opened the Control Panel through the File Explorer, you can use the Address Bar to navigate to specific folders, such as "User Accounts" or "System and Security".
- Use the Favorites: You can add frequently-used settings to your Favorites for quick access. To do this, right-click on the setting and select "Add to Favorites".
- Use the "View" Menu: The "View" menu at the top of the Control Panel allows you to customize the display, show or hide the categories, and toggle the view style.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the various ways to get to the Control Panel in Windows 10. Whether you’re a seasoned Windows user or new to the platform, the Control Panel remains a valuable resource for managing your system settings. By using the methods outlined above, you can quickly access the Control Panel and take control of your Windows 10 experience.