How to find the Control Panel on a Windows 10 computer in 2 ways, or access the Settings app

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There are multiple ways to find the Control Panel in Windows 10.
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  • Knowing how to find the Control Panel in Windows 10 gives you access to most of the tools you'll use to customize or adjust your computer.
  • You'll need to use the Control Panel to edit your Windows computer's graphics settings, hardware settings, user account features, and more.
  • You can find the Control Panel in a few ways, or access your Settings app for other features.
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In previous editions of Windows, you could find the Control Panel menu easily, through the Start Menu or through the File Explorer. Windows 10, however, doesn't display it in these places anymore, which might leave you a bit confused on how to find it.

Fortunately, it's just a case of knowing where it was moved to — and what keys to press.

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How to find the Control Panel in Windows 10

Press the Windows logo on your keyboard, or click the Windows icon in the lower-left of your screen to open the Start Menu. There, search for "Control Panel." Once it appears in the search results, just click its icon.

The Control Panel is a searchable app, and holds most of the under-the-hood features for your Windows computer.
Ross James/Business Insider

Alternatively, in some versions of Windows 10, you can right click the Windows icon at the bottom-left of the screen to bring up the Quick Access menu. It's listed in this menu underneath the Task Manager.

  • In the Quick Access menu, you can also click "Run" (or press Windows Key+R) to open the Run menu. There, type in "control panel" and click "OK," and it should open.

In newer versions of Windows 10, many functions of the Task Manager have been replaced by the Settings app.

  • You can find the Settings app by selecting it in the Quick Access menu if it appears, or by pressing Windows+I on your keyboard.

Right-clicking the taskbar will bring up either the Control Panel or Settings option.
Ross James/Business Insider

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

  • How to change your Windows 10 computer's name to make it more personalized and easier to find on your network

  • How to get out of Safe Mode in Windows 10, so you can use your computer normally

  • How to change the language on your Windows 10 device

  • How to create a shortcut in Windows 10 to open any program, file, or folder faster

Ross James is a freelance writer for Business Insider.

Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.

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