Windows 11 has moved many settings from the traditional Control Panel into the modern Settings app, but Control Panel is still available and remains useful for several advanced configuration tasks. If you know the right Run commands, you can open specific Control Panel tools directly instead of searching through multiple menus.
These commands are especially useful when you need to access Programs and Features, Network Connections, Power Options, Internet Properties, Sound settings, Mouse Properties, User Accounts, or other classic Windows tools quickly.
Most of these commands can be entered into the Run dialog box, Command Prompt, PowerShell, File Explorer’s address bar, or Windows Terminal. The same commands generally work in both Windows 11 and Windows 10, although some Control Panel components may look different or may redirect you to Settings depending on your Windows version.
Microsoft also supports Control Panel canonical names, which can be launched with control.exe /name. However, not every Control Panel component has a modern canonical command, so traditional .cpl commands remain extremely useful.
List of Control Panel Shortcuts to Open Control Panel Items in Windows 11 & 10
The following table covers the most useful built-in Control Panel Shortcuts (commands) for opening classic Control Panel items and related Windows configuration tools.
| Control Panel Item | Command/Shortcuts |
| Control Panel | control |
| Programs and Features | appwiz.cpl |
| Date and Time | timedate.cpl |
| Mouse Properties | main.cpl |
| Keyboard Properties | main.cpl keyboard |
| Internet Properties | inetcpl.cpl |
| Network Connections | ncpa.cpl |
| Power Options | powercfg.cpl |
| Sound Properties | mmsys.cpl |
| System Properties | sysdm.cpl |
| Display Properties | desk.cpl |
| Firewall | firewall.cpl |
| Fonts | control fonts |
| Printers and Devices | control printers |
| User Accounts | control userpasswords |
| Advanced User Accounts | control userpasswords2 |
| Administrative Tools | control admintools |
| Color Management | colorcpl.exe |
| Credential Manager | control /name Microsoft.CredentialManager |
| Network and Sharing Center | control /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter |
| Programs and Features | control /name Microsoft.ProgramsAndFeatures |
| Power Options | control /name Microsoft.PowerOptions |
| User Accounts | control /name Microsoft.UserAccounts |
| Windows Defender Firewall | control /name Microsoft.WindowsFirewall |
| System | control /name Microsoft.System |
| Devices and Printers | control /name Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters |
| File History | control /name Microsoft.FileHistory |
| Indexing Options | control /name Microsoft.IndexingOptions |
| Storage Spaces | control /name Microsoft.StorageSpaces |
| Sync Center | control /name Microsoft.SyncCenter |
| Speech Recognition | control /name Microsoft.SpeechRecognition |
| Windows Mobility Center | mblctr |
| Device Manager | devmgmt.msc |
| Disk Management | diskmgmt.msc |
| Computer Management | compmgmt.msc |
| Services | services.msc |
| Event Viewer | eventvwr.msc |
| Task Scheduler | taskschd.msc |
| Local Security Policy | secpol.msc |
| Local Group Policy Editor | gpedit.msc |
| System Configuration | msconfig |
| System Information | msinfo32 |
| Remote Desktop | mstsc |
| Windows Features | optionalfeatures |
| Character Map | charmap |
| Certificate Manager | certmgr.msc |
| Component Services | comexp.msc |
| Resource Monitor | resmon |
| Performance Monitor | perfmon |
The availability of individual items can vary by Windows edition, installed features, hardware, and system configuration. Microsoft notes that not every Control Panel item is present on every Windows installation, and some items only appear when compatible hardware or features are detected.
How Do These Commands Help?
These commands save time by taking you directly to the tool you need. Instead of opening Control Panel, changing the view, locating a category, and searching for an option, you can launch the appropriate utility in seconds.
For example, if you want to manage installed applications, entering appwiz.cpl opens Programs and Features directly. If you’re troubleshooting an adapter, ncpa.cpl takes you straight to Network Connections. Similarly, powercfg.cpl opens Power Options, while mmsys.cpl provides access to classic Sound Properties.
They are also useful when you’re troubleshooting a Windows PC remotely. A technician can tell you exactly which command to enter, making it easier for a beginner to reach the correct configuration screen without navigating through unfamiliar menus.
How to Open Control Panel Items Using Commands
To open a Control Panel item in Windows 11 or Windows 10, press Windows + R, type the appropriate command, and press Enter. For example, type appwiz.cpl to open Programs and Features, ncpa.cpl to open Network Connections, or powercfg.cpl to open Power Options.
1: Open the Run Dialog Box
The easiest way to use Control Panel commands is through the Run dialog box. This method is beginner-friendly and does not require you to open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Press Windows + R on your keyboard. A small Run window will appear. This window lets you launch programs, folders, documents, system tools, and Control Panel components by entering their commands.
Type the command you want into the Open field and press Enter. Windows will then launch the associated tool.
Go to Windows + R > Run > Type a command > Enter.
For example, type appwiz.cpl and press Enter. Windows should open Programs and Features, where you can view many traditional desktop applications installed on your computer.
2: Open Programs and Features
If you need to uninstall a traditional desktop application or inspect installed Windows components, Programs and Features is one of the most useful Control Panel tools.
Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and select OK. You can then select an installed application and use the available uninstall or change options.
Go to Windows + R > Run > appwiz.cpl > Enter > Programs and Features.
This method can be particularly useful when an application does not appear where you expect it in the modern Settings interface. Keep in mind that some newer Windows applications are managed through Settings > Apps > Installed apps instead.
3: Open Network Connections
When you’re troubleshooting Ethernet, Wi-Fi adapters, VPN connections, or network configuration, the classic Network Connections window can still be convenient.
Press Windows + R, enter ncpa.cpl, and press Enter. Windows will display the network adapters installed on your system.
Go to Windows + R > Run > ncpa.cpl > Enter > Network Connections.
From here, you can view adapter status, enable or disable an adapter, open its properties, and inspect network-related settings. Be careful when changing adapter properties because incorrect configuration can interrupt your network connection.
4: Open Power Options
The classic Power Options interface is useful when you want to inspect or modify traditional power plans.
Press Windows + R, type powercfg.cpl, and press Enter. Windows will open the Power Options interface.
Go to Windows + R > Run > powercfg.cpl > Enter > Power Options.
Depending on your Windows version and device manufacturer, some power settings may now be available only through Settings. However, the classic interface can still provide access to traditional power-plan controls.
Microsoft also documents canonical commands for Power Options, including commands that can open specific Power Options pages.
5: Open Internet Properties
Even though Windows 11 includes modern network and browser settings, Internet Properties remains available because some Windows components and applications still use these classic settings.
Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter.
Go to Windows + R > Run > inetcpl.cpl > Enter > Internet Properties.
You can use this window to access settings related to security, privacy, content, connections, programs, and advanced Internet options. Some settings here are relevant to Windows components rather than just the Microsoft Edge browser.
6: Open Sound Properties
If you’re troubleshooting speakers, microphones, playback devices, recording devices, or classic audio configuration, mmsys.cpl can take you directly to the traditional Sound window.
Press Windows + R, enter mmsys.cpl, and press Enter.
Go to Windows + R > Run > mmsys.cpl > Enter > Sound.
The classic window provides tabs for Playback, Recording, Sounds, and Communications, although the exact experience can vary between Windows 10 and Windows 11.
7: Open System Properties
The sysdm.cpl command opens the classic System Properties window. This is especially useful for advanced users and technicians who need access to system-related configuration.
Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
Go to Windows + R > Run > sysdm.cpl > Enter > System Properties.
Depending on the Windows build, you can access areas such as Computer Name, Hardware, Advanced, System Protection, and Remote settings. Some related functions may redirect to newer Windows interfaces.
8: Open Windows Firewall
Windows includes a Control Panel interface for Windows Defender Firewall, which can be opened using firewall.cpl.
Press Windows + R, type firewall.cpl, and press Enter.
Go to Windows + R > Run > firewall.cpl > Enter > Windows Defender Firewall.
This interface lets you check firewall status and access options such as allowing applications through the firewall. For advanced firewall rules, Windows provides a separate Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security console.
9: Open Mouse and Keyboard Properties
You can use main.cpl to access classic Mouse Properties. This can be helpful when you need options that are easier to locate in the traditional interface.
Press Windows + R, type main.cpl, and press Enter.
Go to Windows + R > Run > main.cpl > Enter > Mouse Properties.
For keyboard-related settings, Windows also recognizes the appropriate Control Panel module through the same classic .cpl family, although many keyboard settings are now managed through Windows Settings.
10: Use Canonical Control Panel Commands
Windows also supports a more structured method using canonical names. These commands use control.exe /name followed by the Control Panel item’s canonical name.
For example, press Windows + R, type control /name Microsoft.ProgramsAndFeatures, and press Enter.
Go to Windows + R > Run > control /name Microsoft.ProgramsAndFeatures > Enter.
You can use the same approach with supported items such as Microsoft.PowerOptions, Microsoft.UserAccounts, and Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter. Microsoft recommends canonical names as a stable way of launching Control Panel items because the underlying implementation can change while the canonical name remains consistent.
FAQs
Can I use these Control Panel commands in Windows 11?
Yes. Many classic .cpl, .msc, and control commands continue to work in Windows 11. However, Microsoft has moved an increasing number of settings into the Settings app, so some commands may open a classic interface while others may redirect you to a modern Windows page.
Do these commands also work in Windows 10?
Yes. Most of the commands listed here work in Windows 10 as well. The exact interface can vary depending on your Windows edition and build.
What is the fastest way to run a Control Panel command?
The simplest method is to press Windows + R, enter the command, and press Enter. You can also run many commands through Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal.
What does the .cpl extension mean?
A .cpl file is associated with a Control Panel component. Windows uses these Control Panel modules to launch specific configuration interfaces. Microsoft documents direct execution of Control Panel items through commands and control.exe.
Can I open Control Panel itself with a command?
Yes. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter. This opens the traditional Control Panel.
Why does a command sometimes open Settings instead of Control Panel?
Windows 11 continues to move functionality from Control Panel into Settings. Microsoft can also redirect older Control Panel functionality when a feature has been replaced or consolidated. Therefore, the behavior of some commands can change between Windows builds.
Can I run these commands as an administrator?
Some Control Panel commands work normally with a standard account, while certain administrative utilities require elevated permissions. If Windows asks for administrator approval, provide the appropriate credentials or confirmation.
Are Control Panel commands safe?
The commands themselves are built-in Windows commands and utilities. However, some of the tools they open can make important system changes. If you’re unfamiliar with an option, avoid changing advanced settings without understanding what the setting does.
Summary
Knowing the right Control Panel commands can make Windows 11 and Windows 10 much easier to manage. Instead of digging through multiple menus, you can press Windows + R, enter a command, and jump directly to the configuration tool you need.
Commands such as appwiz.cpl, ncpa.cpl, powercfg.cpl, mmsys.cpl, inetcpl.cpl, sysdm.cpl, and firewall.cpl are particularly useful for everyday troubleshooting. Other commands, including devmgmt.msc, diskmgmt.msc, services.msc, and eventvwr.msc, provide quick access to important Windows administration tools.
For more structured Control Panel access, the control.exe /name syntax lets you launch supported items through their canonical names. Microsoft documents this approach as a supported way to execute Control Panel items from the command line.
Once you get comfortable with these commands, you’ll spend less time hunting through Windows menus and more time getting directly to the setting or troubleshooting tool you actually need.