Beginning with Windows 8, Microsoft reorganized their OS, so that you could change system settings through the Settings Panel. The Control Panel disappeared from the Start Menu, to encourage people to move on and get used to the new way of adjusting OS behavior. But the Windows’ Classic Control Panel is still there, always has been. If you want it, here are some ways to get there:
- Press WIN + R on your keyboard and type control
- Click Start and type control in the Search field
You can also make a desktop shortcut to the Control Panel.
- Right-click your wallpaper, go to New, then Shortcut. Type control, click Next, type Control Panel, click Finish.
- Click Start and type control in the Search field, right-click on the Control Panel app and choose Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar.
The classic Control Panel is also restored to your Start Menu if you use an app like Open-Shell. That gives you a Windows-7-like Start Menu, complete with links to the Control Panel, Documents and other useful parts of your computer.
Sadly, Microsoft states that they are getting rid of the Windows’ Classic Control Panel. All of its functions are gradually being moved to the Settings Panel. But they’ve been saying that for years! I suspect we still have plenty of time before the Control Panel is gone for good.