The Control Panel is where Windows 10 keeps the settings that let you manage your PC: installing and removing software, adjusting hardware and connected devices, changing system options, and running troubleshooters. Even in 2026, with much of Windows now managed through the Settings app, the classic Control Panel is still the fastest route to plenty of options. Below are five reliable ways to open it.
Option 1: Search for it
The quickest method is to type Control Panel into the search box on the taskbar and open the top result. From the search result you can also right-click Control Panel and choose to pin it to Start or pin it to the taskbar, so it is one click away next time.
Option 2: Use the Quick Access (power user) menu
Right-click the Start button, or press Windows + X, to bring up the Quick Access menu. Depending on your version of Windows 10, this lists either Control Panel or Settings. Settings opens the modern Windows settings page, while Control Panel opens the classic view, and there is a lot of overlap between the two.
Option 3: Open Settings with Windows + I
Press Windows + I to jump straight to the Settings app. Many of the options once found only in Control Panel now live here, presented in the cleaner, more modern Windows 10 layout, so it is worth checking Settings first for day-to-day changes.
Option 4: Use Run, Command Prompt, or PowerShell
You can launch the Control Panel from any of the built-in command tools:
- Run: Press Windows + R, type
control panel(or simplycontrol), and press Enter or click OK. - Command Prompt: Press Windows + R, type
cmd.exe, and press Enter to open Command Prompt. Then typecontroland press Enter. - PowerShell: Search for PowerShell in the taskbar search box and open it. Type
start controland press Enter to open the Control Panel.
Option 5: Use File Explorer
Open File Explorer and click the address bar at the top. Type Control Panel and press Enter, and Windows takes you straight to it. You can also reach it from the navigation pane in some layouts.
If you use the Control Panel often, the easiest long-term fix is to create a desktop shortcut: right-click the Control Panel entry, choose to create or pin a shortcut, and place it on your desktop so it is always within easy reach.