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Control Panel is still available in Windows 11 and Windows 10, although Microsoft continues moving many of its settings to the newer Settings app. The quickest way to launch it is usually to press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
If Windows Search is unavailable or Control Panel does not appear in Start, you have several other options. The methods below work on current Windows 11 releases and Windows 10. Note that standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.
1. Search from the Start menu
- Select Start.
- Type Control Panel.
- Select Control Panel in the search results.
On Windows 11, you can select All and browse the installed apps, but typing the name is faster. Start search can find installed applications even when they are not pinned to the Start menu.
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2. Use the taskbar Search button
- Select the Search icon or search box on the taskbar.
- Type Control Panel.
- Select the result named Control Panel.
The taskbar may show a magnifying-glass icon, a search box, or a combined search control. Its appearance depends on your Windows version and taskbar settings. If Search is hidden, use one of the keyboard or command-based methods below.
#1 Best Overall
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
3. Press Windows logo key + S
- Press Windows + S.
- Type Control Panel.
- Select Control Panel from the results.
This opens the same Windows Search interface without requiring a visible Search button on the taskbar. It is useful when the taskbar has been configured to hide the search control.
4. Use the Run dialog
Run launches Control Panel directly and does not depend on Start search.
- Press Windows + R.
- In the Open box, type:
control- Press Enter, or select OK.
You can also use the explicit executable name:
control.execontrol and control.exe both launch the main Control Panel window. This is generally the fastest method if you know the keyboard shortcut.
5. Open it from File Explorer
File Explorer’s address bar can run executable commands as well as open folders.
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Select the address bar, or press Alt + D.
- Type:
control.exe- Press Enter.
Although control.exe is not a folder path, File Explorer recognizes it as a Windows executable and starts Control Panel.
Rank #2
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
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6. Use Command Prompt
- Open Command Prompt. You can search for it from Start or launch it using another method.
- Enter the following command:
control.exe- Press Enter.
The shorter form works too:
controlYou do not need to run Command Prompt as administrator just to open the main Control Panel. Elevation is only relevant if the particular setting you intend to change requires administrator permission.
7. Use Windows PowerShell
PowerShell can start the executable directly, or you can use the more explicit Start-Process command.
- Open Windows PowerShell.
- Run:
Start-Process control.exeYou can also run:
control.exeStart-Process makes it clear that PowerShell should launch an application rather than treat the text as a PowerShell command or script.
8. Open it from Windows Terminal
- Open Windows Terminal.
- At a Command Prompt or PowerShell tab, enter:
control.exe- Press Enter.
The command is the same regardless of whether the terminal tab uses Command Prompt or PowerShell. On Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, Windows Terminal is the default host for many console applications, but that does not change the control.exe syntax.
9. Use Task Manager’s Run new task command
Windows 11
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- If Task Manager opens in its compact view, select More details.
- Select Run new task.
- In the Create new task window, type:
control.exe- Select OK.
Windows 10
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Select File > Run new task.
- Type
control.exein the Create new task dialog. - Select OK.
The command is identical on both versions. The difference is where Windows exposes the command: recent Windows 11 builds show Run new task directly in Task Manager, while Windows 10 places it under the File menu.
Rank #3
- Dependable wireless connection: Enjoy the reliability and convenience of 2.4 GHz connectivity with your logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combo, wireless range up to 10 meters away at home, or work.
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- Plug and Play: MK345 works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Experience hassle-free setup with the logitech mk345 wireless combo and wireless keyboard mouse combo for various operating systems.
- Long-lasting Battery: The MK345 combo offers a full size keyboard battery life of up to 3 years and a mouse battery life of 18 months (1); batteries included
- Comfortable Right-handed Mouse: This wireless USB mouse with dongle works well for this wireless mouse and keyboard combo, featuring a contoured shape for all-day comfort and smooth, precise tracking and scrolling for easier navigation.
10. Create a desktop shortcut
A shortcut is convenient if you regularly use a Control Panel tool that has not moved to Settings.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select New > Shortcut.
- In Type the location for the item, enter:
%windir%System32control.exe- Select Next.
- Enter Control Panel as the shortcut name.
- Select Finish.
- Double-click the new shortcut whenever you want to open Control Panel.
%windir% normally resolves to your Windows installation directory, such as C:Windows. Using the environment variable avoids hard-coding that drive and folder in the shortcut.
Commands for opening specific Control Panel pages
You do not have to open the Control Panel home page first. The control.exe program can open individual applets using a .cpl module or a documented canonical name.
| Command | Opens |
|---|---|
control.exe |
The main Control Panel home page |
control.exe appwiz.cpl |
Programs and Features |
control.exe sysdm.cpl |
System Properties |
control.exe /name Microsoft.ProgramsAndFeatures |
Programs and Features |
The general canonical-name format is:
%systemroot%System32control.exe /name canonicalNameCanonical names are language-independent and remain in English even if Windows uses a different display language. However, not every Control Panel item is available on every computer. Availability can depend on the Windows edition, installed software, detected hardware, drivers, or enabled features.
What to do if Control Panel will not open
Control Panel does not appear in Search
Search may be unavailable, disabled, affected by an organization policy, or experiencing a temporary indexing problem. Try Windows + R and run control.exe. Task Manager, File Explorer, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Terminal are also independent ways to launch it.
Rank #4
- Connect in seconds: Fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology—pair and play this Logitech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo without the need for a dongle or USB port
- Durable and reliable: Built for quality, MK250 Bluetooth keyboard offers long-lasting keys, a spill-resistant design (2), and a 12-month keyboard battery life (1)
- Comfort is key: Deep-profile keys and an adjustable tilt-leg design make typing feel great
- Space-saving: with a compact layout that still includes number pad, arrow keys, and handy F-key shortcuts
- Made responsibly: Designed to last, MK250 plastic parts are durably made with a minimum of 66% (mouse) and 64% (keyboard) recycled plastic (3)(4)
A Control Panel setting is missing
Microsoft is moving many settings from Control Panel to the Settings app. Control Panel remains in Windows mainly for compatibility and for tools that have not yet migrated. If a familiar item is absent, search for the same category in Settings or use the specific applet command if you know it.
A command opens a different-looking page
Some older canonical names have been remapped to newer Control Panel items for backward compatibility. Microsoft advises against using deprecated canonical names in new scripts or shortcuts. Prefer current documented names or the relevant .cpl command.
An item exists on one PC but not another
Control Panel contents vary with Windows editions, installed applications, connected hardware, drivers, and system configuration. Third-party programs and hardware manufacturers can add their own Control Panel items, so two otherwise similar PCs may not display identical lists.
A setting is blocked after Control Panel opens
Launching Control Panel does not grant administrative rights. Some changes require administrator approval, and work or school policies may hide or restrict individual applets. If the PC is managed by an organization, contact its administrator rather than trying to bypass the restriction.
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These commands continue to work on Windows 10, but standard support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Windows 10 no longer receives standard technical assistance, feature updates, or security updates from Microsoft. The instructions also apply to Windows 11, where current releases include 24H2 and 25H2. Version 26H1 is intended for new devices released in early 2026 rather than as an in-place feature update for existing PCs.
Best Value
- 【Type in Comfort & Smooth】 The foldable stand of the keyboard provides two tilt angles, which help relieve wrist pressure and increase comfort. 3mm short keystroke distance, lighter keystroke force, and standard 104 keys full size American QWERTY layout make typing more sensitive, smooth, and soft.
- 【Less Noise, More Quiet】The mouse is 100% quiet without any clicking sound. The keyboard is not super quiet, but it is more than 95% quieter than other similar keyboards, so you can without worrying about disturbing others.
- 【Lag-free, Plug & Play】2.4GHz wireless technology provides automatic frequency recognition and stable signal, plug and play, connection range up to 33ft without any delays. Cut the cord and enjoy the freedom.【𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞】Keyboard and mouse 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞.
- 【Sleep Mode Extends Battery Life】 Idle for 6 mins, the keyboard will sleep, idle for 15 mins, the mouse will sleep, by typing or double clicking any keys to wake. Saving you the trouble of changing batteries frequently. The keyboard needs 2 x AAA batteries, the mouse needs 1 x AA / 1 x AAA battery (𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝).
- 【Wide Compatibility】 This wireless keyboard mouse combo is compatible with all Windows system versions, Linux, Chrome OS. Works well with computer, laptop, Chromebook, PC, desktops, TV. 【𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞】𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟐 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐜 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to open Control Panel?
Press Windows + R, type control or control.exe, and press Enter.
Is Control Panel still available in Windows 11?
Yes. Control Panel remains in current Windows 11 releases, although Microsoft is moving many of its settings to the Settings app.
Why does Windows logo key + X not open Control Panel?
The current Windows 11 Power User menu normally does not include a direct Control Panel entry. Use Run, Search, Task Manager, File Explorer, or a command shell instead.
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Yes. Run control.exe from the Run dialog, File Explorer address bar, Command Prompt, PowerShell, Windows Terminal, or Task Manager’s Run new task command.
How do I open Programs and Features directly?
Run control.exe appwiz.cpl or control.exe /name Microsoft.ProgramsAndFeatures from Run, a terminal, or Command Prompt.
The Bottom Line
For everyday use, press Windows + R, enter control.exe, and press Enter. If Search or the desktop is not working, Task Manager’s Run new task command and a terminal provide reliable alternatives. Create the desktop shortcut when Control Panel is something you open frequently.
Quick Recap
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