If you frequently use Control Panel, you can add it as a shortcut to the desktop for quick and easy access.
On Windows 10 and 11, the Settings app is what you need to customize Windows settings. For example, to manage network connections, personalize your desktop, uninstall apps, etc., you have to use the Settings app. Though the Settings app has been improved over the years, it is still nowhere near the Control Panel in terms of options, usability, or ease of use. Additionally, some options are only available in the Control Panel. As such, most prefer to use Control Panel.
However, finding and opening Control Panel in Windows 10 or 11 can be a hassle. Mainly because Microsoft did everything in its power to hide Control Panel from plain sight. Thankfully, you can still add Control Panel to the desktop.
With the Control Panel shortcut on the desktop, you can access it with just a click. A shortcut to the Control Panel is particularly useful if you use it frequently.
So, without ado, let me show you how you can add Control Panel to the desktop on Windows OS.
Add Control Panel to the Desktop
Windows already has a readymade Control Panel shortcut that you can simply copy and paste onto the desktop. Once added, you can simply double-click on the shortcut to open Control Panel.
To add the Control Panel shortcut to your desktop, follow the steps below:
- Press the Start icon to open the Start menu.
- Search for Control Panel.
- Click on the ‘Open file location‘ option.
- Select and copy the Control Panel shortcut.
- Paste the copied shortcut on the desktop.
- With that, the Control Panel is added to your desktop.
- Double-clicking on the shortcut opens Control Panel.
You can get the Control Panel shortcut from the Start menu folder. To access the shortcut file, press the Start icon to open the Start menu. In the Start menu, search for Control Panel. You will see a few options on the right panel of the Start menu. Click on the ‘Open file location’ option.
As soon as you do that, Windows opens the Start menu folder with the Control Panel shortcut. Select and copy the shortcut with the Control key + C shortcut.
Next, paste the copied Control Panel shortcut onto the desktop.
That’s it, the Control Panel is added to your desktop. To open the Control Panel, double-click on the shortcut.
Create a new Control Panel shortcut
If you can’t find the shortcut in the Start menu folder or looking for an alternate method, you can create a new custom Control Panel shortcut.
Follow the below steps to create a Control Panel shortcut:
- Right-click on the desktop.
- Select New and then the Shortcut option.
- Type ‘Control‘ in the shortcut blank field.
- Press the Next button.
- Type a shortcut name in the blank field.
- Press the Finish button.
- With that, you’ve created a Control Panel shortcut on the desktop.
- Double-clicking the Control Panel desktop shortcut opens Control Panel.
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As you can see, it is pretty easy to add Control Panel to your desktop. You can either copy the readily available Control Panel shortcut in the Start menu folder or create one directly on your desktop. Whichever method you choose, all it takes is a couple of clicks to have the Control Panel shortcut on your desktop.
I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need help, email me, and I will try to help as much as possible.
