Canonical: https://screensie.com/knowledge-base/windows-administration/control-panel/open-control-panel/

Open the classic Windows Control Panel. Press Windows + R, enter control, and press Enter. Follow the steps in order and stop if the screen or target.

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Windows Administration


# How to Open Control Panel




## How do I open Control Panel?




Press Windows + R, enter control, and press Enter.




Open the classic Windows Control Panel.




Updated 
September 2, 2026
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 5 min
Applies to: Windows, Windows 10, Windows 11


 


Follow the steps in order and stop if the screen or target does not match what is described. Use administrator access only when the task requires it.




**Before you begin**


Save open work. Confirm that you are working on the intended computer and that you are authorized to make the change.




## Open Run




Press Windows + R.




## Launch Control Panel




Enter control and press Enter.




Command

```
control
```




**Expected result**


Control Panel opens.




## Change the view




Use View by to switch between Category and icon views.




## Use Settings when appropriate




Some current Windows options redirect to Settings; that behavior is normal.




**Verify the result**


Repeat the relevant check and confirm the intended result before considering the task complete.


 


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