While many users oppose Microsoft at progressively burying the traditional Control Panel, the Settings application has over the years grown into a vital component of Windows 10 and 11. It’s the launchpad that controls your system – from managing gadgets to users and other additional features. Microsoft has revamped the Windows 11 Settings panel. It is now far easier to manage and operate than any previous version of Windows. This post will guide you on how to open Settings in Windows 11/10.
How to Open Settings in Windows 11/10
There are multiple ways to go around opening the Settings window in Windows. Here’s a compiled list of the most effective methods to accomplish the task.
- Keyboard Shortcut
- Start Search Box
- Start Menu
- WinX Menu
- Run Dialog
- Command Prompt
- Quick Settings
These should work with any user account.
1] Keyboard Shortcut
One of the quickest methods to open the Settings panel in Windows 11/10 is via the keyboard shortcut. Pressing the Win + I keys instantly launches Settings.
2] Start Search Box
Microsoft has changed the Start Menu with Windows 11, and the taskbar icons have been moved to the center by default. Here’s how you can use the Start Search Box to open Settings in Windows 11.
Start by pressing the Windows key on the keyboard, keying in Settings in the Search Box, and choosing the best match.
3] Start Menu
The Start Menu in Windows 11/10 houses the option to launch Settings quickly. Here’s what needs to be done.
Click on the Start icon from the Taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard to bring up the Start menu; here, choose Settings from the available app icons.
4] WinX Menu or Power Menu
Users can also access settings via the WinX menu. Users can either utilize the keyboard shortcut Windows + X or press the Start button to launch the WinX menu. Next, tap on Settings from the list of available options to open Settings.
5] Run Dialog
The Run window is another way. Press the Windows + R key on your keyboard to bring up the Run Dialog. Next, key in ms-settings and press Enter on your keyboard or tap OK in the window; this will immediately launch Settings.
6] Command Prompt
While control.exe can be used to launch the classic Windows Control Panel, here’s how you can use the Command Prompt or Windows Powershell to launch Settings.
In a Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell window, key in start ms-settings: and press Enter.
7] Quick Settings
Did you know that you can use the Quick Settings flyout to access Settings in Windows?
Start by pressing the keyboard shortcut for Quick Settings, Windows + A. Alternately; you can also click on any of the three icons: network, volume, or battery from the taskbar. Here, find and select the gear ‘Settings’ icon in the bottom-right corner to launch a new Settings window.
That said, how many times do you open Settings daily on average? Do let us know by dropping a comment down below.
How Do I Pin Settings to My Taskbar?
While using the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to launch Settings quickly is a bright idea, tablet users may wish to pin Settings to the taskbar for easy access. Here’s how to do so.
Begin by opening the Start Search Box and keying in Settings. Now, right-click on the best matching result and choose Pin to Taskbar.
Can I Create a Shortcut for Settings on My Desktop?
Yes, Microsoft allows users to create a shortcut to Settings on the Desktop and the taskbar with some know-how. Here’s how to do it.
Right-click on the Desktop to bring up a little drop-down, choose New and select Shortcut from the list of options. Next, type ms-settings: in the placeholder for the item’s location under the Create Shortcut wizard and tap Next. Finally, name the shortcut Settings and tap on Finish.
How Do I Open Settings Without Pressing Any Keys on the Keyboard?
If you’d like a hands-free experience, here’s how you can use Cortana to open Settings in Windows 11/10.
Ensure that Cortana is listening and speak Open Settings into the microphone on your computer. Now, within a few seconds, you should have Settings up and running on your PC.
