List of Control Panel Applets in Windows

Complete list of Control Panel applets in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP

Control Panel applets are the individual components found in Control Panel that contain the settings and options for the various parts of Windows.

Below is a complete list of Control Panel applets that you might find in Control Panel across Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP:

Your computer may also have one or more applets provided from a source other than Microsoft, like NVIDIA, QuickTime, Java, etc., but we have not included any of those primarily because the list would be impossible to keep current.

Accessibility Options

Accessibility Options in Windows XP
Accessibility Options (Windows XP).

The Accessibility Options applet is used to configure StickyKeys, SoundSentry, display, mouse, and other accessibility settings.

Execute control access.cpl from the Command Prompt to access Accessibility Options directly.

Accessibility Options was replaced by Ease of Access Center beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP.

Some applets are only available in some versions of Windows, have changed names or uses from one version of Windows to the next, can be opened via a CPL file, or are accessed via the Command Prompt in slightly different ways.

Action Center

Action Center in Windows 7
Action Center (Windows 7).

The Action Center Control Panel applet is a centralized place to see security and maintenance settings and alerts.

Execute control /name Microsoft.ActionCenter from the Command Prompt to access Action Center directly.

Action Center replaced both Problem Reports and Solutions and Windows Security Center beginning in Windows 7, which was then replaced by Security and Maintenance beginning in Windows 10.

It's available in Windows 8 and Windows 7.

Add Features to Windows 8

Add Features to Windows 8 in Windows 8
Add Features to Windows 8 (Windows 8).

The Add Features to Windows 8 Control Panel applet is used to purchase an upgraded edition of Windows 8.

Execute control /name Microsoft.WindowsAnytimeUpgrade from the Command Prompt to access Add Features to Windows 8 directly.

Add Features to Windows 8 replaced Windows Anytime Upgrade beginning in Windows 8.

It's available in Windows 8.

Add Hardware

Add Hardware Wizard in Windows XP
Add Hardware Wizard (Windows XP).

The Add Hardware Control Panel applet starts the Add Hardware Wizard which is used to manually install devices which are not automatically recognized by Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.AddHardware from the Command Prompt to access Add Hardware directly. In Windows XP, execute control hdwwiz.cpl instead.

Add Hardware was replaced by Devices and Printers beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows Vista and Windows XP.

The ability to manually add hardware is still available in newer versions of Windows but is accessible instead via Add legacy hardware under the Action menu in Device Manager.

Add or Remove Programs

Add or Remove Programs in Windows XP
Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP).

The Add or Remove Programs applet is used to change or uninstall an installed program, view installed Windows Updates, or turn optional Windows features on or off, and to set default program accesses.

Execute control appwiz.cpl from the Command Prompt to access Add or Remove Programs directly.

Add or Remove Programs was replaced by, and split between, Programs and Features and Default Programs beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP.

Administrative Tools

Administrative Tools in Windows 10
Administrative Tools (Windows 10).

The Administrative Tools Control Panel applet is basically a shortcut to a folder full of shortcuts to additional tools useful for system administrators and users needing to troubleshoot certain kinds of Windows problems.

Execute control /name Microsoft.AdministrativeTools from the Command Prompt to access Administrative Tools directly. In Windows XP, execute control admintools instead.

Windows Tools is the name for this applet in Windows 11.

It's available in Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Automatic Updates

Automatic Updates in Windows XP
Automatic Updates (Windows XP).

The Automatic Updates Control Panel applet is used to configure how updates to Windows are downloaded and installed automatically.

Execute control wuaucpl.cpl from the Command Prompt to access Automatic Updates directly.

Automatic Updates was replaced with update settings as part of the Windows Update applet beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP.

AutoPlay

AutoPlay settings for Windows 11
AutoPlay (Windows 11).

The AutoPlay Control Panel applet is used to configure what Windows does when it sees a certain media type or a particular device.

For example, with AutoPlay, you can configure Windows to automatically start playing a movie with Windows Media Player when it sees that a DVD has been inserted.

Execute control /name Microsoft.AutoPlay from the Command Prompt to access AutoPlay directly.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Backup and Restore Center

Backup and Restore Center in Windows Vista

The Backup and Restore Center Control Panel applet is used to create and restore backups of groups of files and folders using Windows Backup. Backup and Restore Center can also be used to create a Windows Complete PC Backup.

Execute control /name Microsoft.BackupAndRestoreCenter from the Command Prompt to access Backup and Restore Center directly.

Backup and Restore Center was replaced by Backup and Restore in Windows 7 and then in later versions by both the Windows 7 File Recovery and the File History applets.

It's available in Windows Vista.

Backup and Restore

Backup and Restore (Windows 7) in Windows 11
Backup and Restore (Windows 7) in Windows 11.

The Backup and Restore Control Panel applet is used to create, manage, and restore backups using Windows Backup.

Execute control /name Microsoft.BackupAndRestore from the Command Prompt to access Backup and Restore directly.

Backup and Restore replaced Backup and Restore Center beginning in Windows 7, which was itself replaced by both Windows 7 File Recovery, and to a lesser degree File History, beginning in Windows 8.

It's available in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.

Biometric Devices

Biometric Devices in Windows 7

The Biometric Devices Control Panel applet is used to manage biometric devices in Windows, like fingerprint readers. With Biometric Devices, you can turn on and off biometrics and choose to allow or disallow the ability for users to log on to Windows using their fingerprints.

Execute control /name Microsoft.BiometricDevices from the Command Prompt to access Biometric Devices directly.

It's available in Windows 8 and Windows 7.

BitLocker Drive Encryption

BitLocker Drive Encryption in Windows 11
BitLocker Drive Encryption (Windows 11).

The BitLocker Drive Encryption Control Panel applet is used to turn on, suspend, or turn off BitLocker whole-drive encryption on your hard drives and flash drives.

Execute control /name Microsoft.BitLockerDriveEncryption from the Command Prompt to access BitLocker Drive Encryption directly.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Bluetooth Devices

Bluetooth Devices in Windows Vista

The Bluetooth Devices Control Panel applet is used to add and configure Bluetooth devices.

Execute control /name Microsoft.BluetoothDevices from the Command Prompt to access Bluetooth Devices directly.

Bluetooth Devices was integrated into Devices and Printers beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Color Management

Color Management in Windows 11
Color Management (Windows 11).

The Color Management Control Panel applet is used to manage color profiles for monitors, printers, and other image devices. You can also perform basic display calibration from the Color Management applet.

Execute control /name Microsoft.ColorManagement from the Command Prompt to access Color Management directly.

Color Management replaced Color beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Color

Color in Windows XP
Color (Windows XP).

The Color Control Panel applet is used to manage color profiles in Windows.

Execute WinColor.exe from C:\Program Files\Pro Imaging Powertoys\Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet for Windows XP from the Command Prompt to access Color directly.

Color was replaced by Color Management beginning in Windows Vista

It's available in Windows XP and only via manual download from Microsoft.

Credential Manager

Credential Manager in Windows 11
Credential Manager (Windows 11).

The Credential Manager Control Panel applet is used to store and manage credentials like usernames and passwords so it's easier to log on to network resources and password-protected websites.

Execute control /name Microsoft.CredentialManager from the Command Prompt to access Credential Manager directly.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

CSNW (Client Service for NetWare)

Client Service for NetWare in Windows XP
Client Service for NetWare (Windows XP).

The CSNW Control Panel applet opens the Client Service for NetWare options which you can use to set the preferred NetWare server, default tree and context, print options, and login script options.

Execute control nwc.cpl from the Command Prompt to access Client Service for NetWare directly.

Microsoft removed their own NetWare client beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP.

Date and Time

Date and Time in Windows 11
Date and Time (Windows 11).

The Date and Time Control Panel applet is used to configure the system time and date, set the time zone, configure daylight saving time, and manage Internet time synchronization.

Execute control /name Microsoft.DateAndTime from the Command Prompt to access Date and Time directly. In Windows XP, execute control date/time instead.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Default Location

Default Location in Windows 7
Default Location (Windows 7).

The Default Location Control Panel applet stores your zip code, address, latitude, longitude, and other location-based information for programs that utilize that data through Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.DefaultLocation from the Command Prompt to access Default Location directly.

Default Location is only available in Windows 7.

Beginning in Windows 8, location data is stored and managed on a per-app basis, removing the need for a global control of default location information. However, a basic Home Location setting is available in Windows 8's Region applet on the Location tab.

See the Location and Other Sensors applet in Windows 7 or the Location Settings applet in Windows 8 for related settings.

Default Programs

Default Programs in Windows 11
Default Programs (Windows 11).

The Default Programs Control Panel applet is used to configure the default program used for a particular file extension and also to set default programs for certain activities like email, web browsing, etc.

Execute control /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms from the Command Prompt to access Default Programs directly.

Starting in Windows Vista, Default Programs replaced the default program access feature of the Add or Remove Programs applet in Windows XP.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Desktop Gadgets

Desktop Gadgets in Windows 7
Desktop Gadgets (Windows 7).

The Desktop Gadgets Control Panel applet is used to add an installed Windows gadget to your desktop. The Desktop Gadgets applet can also be used to uninstall a gadget.

Execute control /name Microsoft.DesktopGadgets from the Command Prompt to access Desktop Gadgets directly.

Desktop Gadgets replaced Windows Sidebar Properties beginning in Windows 7.

Desktop Gadgets is only available in Windows 7. Windows gadgets are not available in newer versions of Windows like Windows 8 so this applet was no longer necessary.

Device Manager

Device Manager in Windows 11
Device Manager (Windows 11).

The Device Manager Control Panel applet is used to manage the hardware installed in Windows.

Device Manager is actually part of the Microsoft Management Console so the Device Manager applet in Control Panel is more like a shortcut than an integrated part of Control Panel like most other applets.

Execute control /name Microsoft.DeviceManager from the Command Prompt to access Device Manager directly.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Device Manager does exist in Windows XP and is accessible from within another Control Panel applet, but it's not a true applet.

Devices and Printers

Devices and Printers in Windows 11
Devices and Printers (Windows 11).

The Devices and Printers Control Panel applet is used to install, manage, and view information about devices and printers connected to your computer.

Execute control /name Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters from the Command Prompt to access Devices and Printers directly.

Devices and Printers replaced both Add Hardware and Printers beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Display

Display in Windows 7
Display (Windows 7).

The Display Control Panel applet is used to adjust display settings like screen resolution, multiple monitor arrangement, and text size.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Display from the Command Prompt to access Display directly. In Windows Vista and Windows XP, execute control desktop instead.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Some settings available in the Windows XP version of Display became the bulk of Personalization starting in Windows Vista.

Ease of Access Center

Ease of Access Center in Windows 11
Ease of Access Center (Windows 11).

The Ease of Access Center Control Panel applet is used to configure the various accessibility options in Windows like Magnifier, On-Screen Keyboard, Narrator, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.EaseOfAccessCenter from the Command Prompt to access Ease of Access Center directly.

Ease of Access Center replaced Accessibility Options beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Family Safety

Family Safety in Windows 8
Family Safety (Windows 8).

The Family Safety Control Panel applet is used to set controls on another user's account on the computer. Family Safety lets you control what websites can be visited, what times the computer can be used, and what apps and games can be purchased and used.

Execute control /name Microsoft.ParentalControls from the Command Prompt to access Family Safety directly.

Family Safety replaced Parental Controls beginning in Windows 8.

It's available in Windows 8.

File Explorer Options

File Explorer Options in Windows 10
File Explorer Options (Windows 10).

The File Explorer Options Control Panel applet is used to make advanced changes to how folders work in Windows. One example is to show file extensions to make identifying files and changing their extension easier.

Execute control /name Microsoft.FolderOptions from the Command Prompt to access File Explorer Options directly.

It's available in Windows 11 and Windows 10. It replaced Folder Options in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

File History

File History in Windows 11
File History (Windows 11).

The File History Control Panel applet is used to keep a running backup of the files in your Windows Libraries and on your Desktop, your Internet Favorites, and your saved contacts.

Execute control /name Microsoft.FileHistory from the Command Prompt to access File History directly.

File History is new to Windows 8 but replaces the most important aspects of Backup and Restore from Windows 7. Backup and Restore is still available in Windows 8 but is called Windows 7 File Recovery.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.

Folder Options

Folder Options in Windows 7
Folder Options (Windows 7).

The Folder Options Control Panel applet is used to make all sorts of simple and advanced changes to how folders look and act. One of the most common uses for Folder Options is to configure Windows to either show or hide hidden files.

Execute control /name Microsoft.FolderOptions from the Command Prompt to access Folder Options directly. In Windows XP, execute control folders instead.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. It's replaced by File Explorer Options starting in Windows 10.

Fonts

Fonts in Windows 11
Fonts (Windows 11).

The Fonts Control Panel applet is used to add, remove, and configure the fonts available to Windows and the other programs on your computer.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Fonts from the Command Prompt to access Fonts directly. In Windows XP, execute control fonts instead.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Game Controllers

Game Controllers in Windows 7
Game Controllers (Windows 7).

The Game Controllers Control Panel applet is used to configure game controllers connected to your computer. Game Controllers is most often used to calibrate a connected joystick.

Execute control /name Microsoft.GameControllers from the Command Prompt to access Game Controllers directly. In Windows XP, execute control joy.cpl instead.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Get Programs

Get Programs in Windows 7
Get Programs (Windows 7).

The Get Programs Control Panel applet is used to install programs made available on the network by a network administrator. If you're on a home or small business computer, you probably won't ever use this applet.

Execute control /name Microsoft.GetPrograms from the Command Prompt to access Get Programs directly.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Getting Started

Getting Started in Windows 7
Getting Started (Windows 7).

The Getting Started Control Panel applet is a collection of shortcuts to various other Control Panel applets and settings that might be useful right after you install Windows or set up your new Windows pre-installed computer.

Execute control /name Microsoft.GettingStarted from the Command Prompt to access Getting Started directly.

Getting Started replaced Welcome Center beginning in Windows 7.

Getting Started is only available in Windows 7. This applet was removed in Windows 8.

HomeGroup

HomeGroup in Windows 7
HomeGroup (Windows 7).

The HomeGroup Control Panel applet is used to manage HomeGroup settings like the HomeGroup password, items you want to share, etc. You can also join and leave HomeGroups from the HomeGroup applet.

Execute control /name Microsoft.HomeGroup from the Command Prompt to access HomeGroup directly.

It's available in Windows 8 and Windows 7.

Indexing Options

Indexing Options in Windows 11
Indexing Options (Windows 11).

The Indexing Options Control Panel applet is used to change index settings in Windows like which folders are included in the index, which file types are included, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.IndexingOptions from the Command Prompt to access Indexing Options directly. In Windows XP, execute rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL srchadmin.dll instead.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Infrared

Infrared in Windows Vista
Infrared (Windows Vista).

The Infrared Control Panel applet is used to manage the various options regarding infrared connections like file transfer options, icon and sound settings, image transfer settings, and infrared hardware configuration.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Infrared from the Command Prompt to access Infrared directly. In Windows Vista, execute control /name Microsoft.InfraredOptions instead.

Infrared replaced Wireless Link beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Internet Options

Internet Options in Windows 7
Internet Options (Windows 7).

The Internet Options Control Panel applet opens the Internet Properties window for the current version of your default web browser.

Execute control /name Microsoft.InternetOptions from the Command Prompt to access Internet Options directly. In Windows XP, execute control inetcpl.cpl instead.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

iSCSI Initiator

iSCSI Initiator in Windows 7
iSCSI Initiator (Windows 7).

The iSCSI Initiator Control Panel applet is used to manage connections to external iSCSI storage arrays.

Execute control /name Microsoft.iSCSIInitiator from the Command Prompt to access iSCSI Initiator directly.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Keyboard

Keyboard Properties in Windows 11
Keyboard Properties (Windows 11).

The Keyboard Control Panel applet is used to make keyboard changes character repeat rate/delay and cursor blink rate.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Keyboard from the Command Prompt to access Keyboard directly. In Windows XP, execute control keyboard instead.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Language

Language in Windows 8
Language (Windows 8).

The Language Control Panel applet is used to configure language preferences like the Windows default display language, keyboard layout, etc.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Language from the Command Prompt to access Language directly.

Language replaced the language configuration options in the Regional and Language Options applet available in Windows 7. Region settings in Windows 8 are available in the Region applet.

It's available in Windows 8.

Location and Other Sensors

Location and Other Sensors in Windows 7
Location and Other Sensors (Windows 7).

The Location and Other Sensors Control Panel applet is used to enable, disable, and manage location or other types of sensors installed in your computer.

Execute control /name Microsoft.LocationAndOtherSensors from the Command Prompt to access Location and Other Sensors directly.

Location and Other Sensors was replaced by Location Settings beginning in Windows 8.

Location and Other Sensors is only available in Windows 7.

Location Settings

Location Settings in Windows 8
Location Settings (Windows 8).

The Location Settings Control Panel applet is used for location setting administration in Windows, primarily to enable or disable the ability of apps to configure their own location settings.

Execute control /name Microsoft.LocationSettings from the Command Prompt to access Location Settings directly.

Location Settings replaced Location and Other Sensors beginning in Windows 8.

It's available in Windows 8.

Mail

Mail Setup for Outlook in Windows 11
Main Setup - Outlook (Windows 11).

The Mail Control Panel applet is used to manage Microsoft Outlook email accounts, data files, and more.

Execute control mlcfg32.cpl from C:\Programs Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX from the Command Prompt to access Mail directly.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP as long as a version of Microsoft Outlook is installed.

Replace OfficeXX in the folder path above with the correct folder corresponding to the Microsoft Outlook version you have installed. For example, for version 2016, the folder is Office16; for 2010, it's Office14.

Mouse

Mouse Properties in Windows 11
Mouse Properties (Windows 11).

The Mouse Control Panel applet is used to make mouse changes like double-click speed, pointer speed and visibility, button and wheel configuration, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Mouse from the Command Prompt to access Mouse directly. In Windows XP, execute control mouse instead.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Network and Sharing Center in Windows 11
Network and Sharing Center (Windows 11).

The Network and Sharing Center Control Panel applet is used to connect to and disconnect from networks, change network settings, troubleshoot network problems, and see real-time information about the state of your network.

Execute control /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter from the Command Prompt to access Network and Sharing Center directly.

Network and Sharing Center replaced both Network Connections and Network Setup Wizard beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Network Connections

Network Connections in Windows XP
Network Connections (Windows XP).

The Network Connections Control Panel applet is used to create, remove, and manage all aspects of the network connections in Windows.

Execute control netconnections from the Command Prompt to access Network Connections directly.

Network Connections was replaced by Network and Sharing Center beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP.

Network Setup Wizard

Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP
Network Setup Wizard (Windows XP).

The Network Setup Wizard Control Panel applet starts the Network Setup Wizard which steps you through the process of setting up an Internet connection, sharing files and printers, etc.

Execute control netsetup.cpl from the Command Prompt to access Network Setup Wizard directly.

The features available in Network Setup Wizard were integrated into Network and Sharing Center beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP.

Notification Area Icons

Notification Area Icons in Windows 7
Notification Area Icons (Windows 7).

The Notification Area Icons Control Panel applet is used to manage which, and in what situations, icons appear in the notification on the taskbar, near the date and time.

Execute control /name Microsoft.NotificationAreaIcons from the Command Prompt to access Notification Area Icons directly.

It's available in Windows 8 and Windows 7.

ODBC Data Source Administrator

ODBC Data Source Administrator in Windows XP
ODBC Data Source Administrator (Windows XP).

The ODBC Data Source Administrator Control Panel applet is used to add, delete, or set up a data source with user data source names (DSNs).

Execute control odbccp32.cpl from the Command Prompt to access ODBC Data Source Administrator directly.

ODBC Data Source Administrator was removed from Control Panel beginning in Windows Vista, but is still available from Administrative Tools.

It's available in Windows XP.

Offline Files

Offline Files in Windows 7
Offline Files (Windows 7).

The Offline Files Control Panel applet is used to manage the storage of network files that you choose to keep a copy of on your local computer. Offline Files lets you synchronize the files, view them, manage the disk space they use, encrypt them, etc.

Execute control /name Microsoft.OfflineFiles from the Command Prompt to access Offline Files directly.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Parental Controls

Parental Controls in Windows 7
Parental Controls (Windows 7).

The Parental Controls Control Panel applet is used to set basic parental controls on a user account, presumably the account of a minor that uses your computer. Parental Controls lets you restrict access to certain programs, set time limits, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.ParentalControls from the Command Prompt to access Parental Controls directly.

Parental Controls was replaced by Family Safety beginning in Windows 8.

It's available in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Pen and Input Devices

Pen and Input Devices in Windows Vista
Pen and Input Devices (Windows Vista).

The Pen and Input Devices Control Panel applet is used to configure pen actions, pen buttons, pointer options, and flicks.

Execute control /name Microsoft.PenAndInputDevices from the Command Prompt to access Pen and Input Devices directly.

Pen and Input Devices was replaced by Pen and Touch beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows Vista.

Pen and Touch

Pen and Touch in Windows 7
Pen and Touch (Windows 7).

The Pen and Touch Control Panel applet is used to configure pen actions, flicks, handwriting, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.PenAndTouch from the Command Prompt to access Pen and Touch directly.

Pen and Touch replaced Pen and Input Devices beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows 8 and Windows 7.

People Near Me

People Near Me in Windows 7
People Near Me (Windows 7).

The People Near Me Control Panel applet is used to sign in to, or change the settings for, the People Near Me service.

Execute control /name Microsoft.PeopleNearMe from the Command Prompt to access People Near Me directly.

The People Near Me (PNM) service is not available beginning in Windows 8 so the applet was removed.

It's available in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Performance Information and Tools

Performance Information and Tools in Windows 7
Performance Information and Tools (Windows 7).

The Performance Information and Tools Control Panel applet is used to show the results of the most current assessment of your computer hardware called the Windows Experience Index.

Execute control /name Microsoft.PerformanceInformationAndTools from the Command Prompt to access Performance Information and Tools directly.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Personalization

Personalization in Windows 7
Personalization (Windows 7).

The Personalization Control Panel applet is used to configure the themes, desktop backgrounds, screen savers, sounds, and other personal preference types of aspects in Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Personalization from the Command Prompt to access Personalization directly.

Personalization replaced major parts of Display beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Phone and Modem Options

Phone and Modem Options in Windows XP
Phone and Modem Options (Windows XP).

The Phone and Modem Options Control Panel applet is used to set up and configure modems.

Execute control /name Microsoft.PhoneAndModemOptions from the Command Prompt to access Phone and Modem Options directly. In Windows XP, execute control telephon.cpl instead.

Phone and Modem replaced Phone and Modem Options beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Phone and Modem

Phone and Modem in Windows 11
Phone and Modem (Windows 11).

The Phone and Modem Control Panel applet is used to add, remove, and configure modems and other dialing devices.

Execute control /name Microsoft.PhoneAndModem from the Command Prompt to access Phone and Modem directly.

Phone and Modem replaced Phone and Modem Options beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Power Options

Power Options in Windows 11
Power Options (Windows 11).

The Power Options Control Panel applet contains all the settings regarding how your computer uses power. Power Options is most often used to change power plans which control things like sleep, display dimming, etc.

Execute control /name Microsoft.PowerOptions from the Command Prompt to access Power Options directly. In Windows XP, execute control powercfg.cpl instead.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Printers and Faxes

Printers and Faxes in Windows XP
Printers and Faxes (Windows XP).

The Printers and Faxes Control Panel applet is used to add, remove, and manage printers and fax devices.

Execute control printers from the Command Prompt to access Printers and Faxes directly.

Printers and Faxes were replaced by Printers in Windows Vista and again by Devices and Printers beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows XP.

Printers

Printers in Windows Vista
Printers (Windows Vista).

The Printers Control Panel applet is used to add, remove, and manage the printers installed in Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Printers from the Command Prompt to access Printers directly.

Printers replaced Printers and Faxes in Windows XP and was then replaced by Devices and Printers beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows Vista.

Problem Reports and Solutions

Problem Reports and Solutions in Window Vista
Problem Reports and Solutions (Window Vista).

The Problem Reports and Solutions Control Panel applet is used to view the problems Windows has encountered and check for possible solutions to them.

Execute control /name Microsoft.ProblemReportsAndSolutions from the Command Prompt to access Problem Reports and Solutions directly.

Problem Reports and Solutions was replaced by Action Center beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows Vista.

Programs and Features

Programs and Features in Windows 11
Programs and Features (Windows 11).

The Programs and Features Control Panel applet is used to uninstall, change, or repair an installed program. Programs and Features can also be used to view installed Windows Updates or turn optional Windows features on or off.

Execute control Microsoft.ProgramsAndFeatures from the Command Prompt to access Programs and Features directly.

Programs and Features replaced Add or Remove Programs beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Recovery

Recovery in Windows 11
Recovery (Windows 11).

The Recovery Control Panel applet can be used to start System Restore and start System Image Recovery or reinstall Windows via a parallel installation.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Recovery from the Command Prompt to access Recovery directly.

It's available for Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Region

Region in Windows 11
Region (Windows 11).

The Region Control Panel applet is used to configure region-specific information like how date, time, currency, and numbers are formatted in Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.RegionAndLanguage from the Command Prompt to access Region directly.

Region replaced the regional configuration options in the Regional and Language Options applet available in Windows 7. Language settings in Windows 8 are available in the Language applet.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.

Region and Language

Region and Language in Windows 7
Region and Language (Windows 7).

The Region and Language Control Panel applet is used to configure language and region-specific information in Windows like date and time formats, currency and number formats, keyboard layout, etc.

Execute control /name Microsoft.RegionAndLanguage from the Command Prompt to access Region and Language directly.

Region and Language replaced Regional and Language Options beginning in Windows 7 and was itself replaced by both the Language applet and the Region applet beginning in Windows 8.

It's available in Windows 7.

Regional and Language Options

Regional and Language Options in Windows XP
Regional and Language Options (Windows XP).

The Regional and Language Options Control Panel applet is used to configure options specific to particular languages or areas of the world like time, date, currency, and number format.

Execute control /name Microsoft.RegionalAndLanguageOptions from the Command Prompt to access Regional and Language Options directly. In Windows XP, execute control international instead.

Regional and Language Options was replaced by Region and Language beginning in Windows 7 and replaced again in Windows 8 by both the Region applet and the Language applet.

It's available in Windows Vista and Windows XP.

RemoteApp and Desktop Connections

RemoteApp and Desktop Connections in Windows 11
RemoteApp and Desktop Connections (Windows 11).

The RemoteApp and Desktop Connections Control Panel applet is used to set up, remove, and manage the connection to RemoteApp and Desktop Connections in Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.RemoteAppAndDesktopConnections from the Command Prompt to access RemoteApp and Desktop Connections directly.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Scanners and Cameras

Scanners and Cameras in Windows 7
Scanners and Cameras (Windows 7).

The Scanners and Cameras Control Panel applet is most often used, especially in later versions of Windows, to install and manage scanners and other imaging devices that Windows doesn't automatically detect and manage through Devices and Printers.

Execute control /name Microsoft.ScannersAndCameras from the Command Prompt to access Scanners and Cameras directly. In Windows XP, execute control sticpl.cpl instead.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Scheduled Tasks

Scheduled Tasks in Windows XP
Scheduled Tasks (Windows XP).

The Scheduled Tasks Control Panel applet is used to schedule programs, scripts, or other files to run or open automatically at a defined time or interval.

Execute control schedtasks from the Command Prompt to access Scheduled Tasks directly.

The ability to schedule tasks was moved to Task Scheduler, a part of the Microsoft Management Console, beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP

Security Center

Security Center in Windows Vista
Security Center (Windows Vista).

The Security Center Control Panel applet is used to manage Windows security settings like firewall protection, malware protection, and automatic updates.

Windows Security Center can be accessed directly by executing control /name Microsoft.SecurityCenter from the Command Prompt. In Windows XP, execute control wscui.cpl instead.

Security Center was replaced by Action Center beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Software Explorers

Software Explorers in Windows XP
Software Explorers (Windows XP).

The Software Explorers Control Panel applet starts the Windows Defender antimalware tool, which you can use to manually scan your computer or change Windows Defender settings.

Execute msascui from C:\Program Files\Windows Defender from the Command Prompt to access Software Explorers directly.

Software Explorers was replaced by Windows Defender beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP.

Software Explorers is not a default Control Panel applet in Windows XP but will appear when Windows Defender is installed.

Sound

Sound in Windows 11
Sound (Windows 11).

The Sound Control Panel applet is used to manage playback and recording devices, as well as the sounds applied to program events in Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Sound from the Command Prompt to access Sound directly. In Windows Vista, execute control /name Microsoft.AudioDevicesAndSoundThemes instead.

Sound replaced Sounds and Audio Devices beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Sounds and Audio Devices

Sounds and Audio Devices in Windows XP
Sounds and Audio Devices (Windows XP).

The Sounds and Audio Devices Control Panel applet is used to manage sound, voice, and other audio settings in Windows.

Execute control mmsys.cpl from the Command Prompt to access Sounds and Audio Devices directly.

Sounds and Audio Devices was replaced by Sound beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP

Speech Recognition Options

Speech Recognition Options in Windows Vista
Speech Recognition Options (Windows Vista).

The Speech Recognition Options Control Panel applet is used to manage the various speech recognition settings in Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.SpeechRecognitionOptions from the Command Prompt to access Speech Recognition Options directly.

Speech Recognition Options was replaced by Speech Recognition beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows Vista.

Speech Recognition

Speech Recognition in Windows 11
Speech Recognition (Windows 11).

The Speech Recognition Control Panel applet is used to manage all aspects of the speech recognition abilities in Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.SpeechRecognition from the Command Prompt to access Speech Recognition directly.

Speech Recognition replaced Speech Recognition Options beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7.

Speech

Speech in Windows XP
Speech (Windows XP).

The Speech Control Panel applet is used to manage text-to-speech settings in Windows.

Execute sapi.cpl from C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Speech from the Command Prompt to access Speech directly.

Speech was replaced by Text to Speech beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP.

Storage Spaces

Storage Spaces in Windows 11
Storage Spaces (Windows 11).

The Storage Spaces Control Panel applet is used to either combine more than one drive into a single virtual drive or to set up mirroring across two or more drives for redundancy.

Execute control /name Microsoft.StorageSpaces from the Command Prompt to access Storage Spaces directly.

It's available on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.

Sync Center

Sync Center in Windows 11
Sync Center (Windows 11).

The Sync Center Control Panel applet is used to manage synchronization activity between your local computer and another location.

Execute control /name Microsoft.SyncCenter from the Command Prompt to access Sync Center directly.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

System

System About screen in Windows 11
System (Windows 11).

The System Control Panel applet is used to view basic information about your computer like the operating system version, current service pack, basic hardware statistics like CPU speed and amount of RAM, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.System from the Command Prompt to access System directly. In Windows XP, execute control sysdm.cpl instead.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Tablet PC Settings

Tablet PC Settings in Windows Vista
Tablet PC Settings (Windows Vista).

The Tablet PC Settings Control Panel applet is used to configure settings applicable to tablet computers like handedness, handwriting recognition, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.TabletPCSettings from the Command Prompt to access Tablet PC Settings directly.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista, but is usually only accessible on tablet computers.

Taskbar

Taskbar in Windows 8
Taskbar (Windows 8).

The Taskbar Control Panel applet is used to manage the various aspects of the taskbar on the Desktop, including lock and auto-hide settings, notification area icons, jumplists, toolbars, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Taskbar from the Command Prompt to access Taskbar directly.

Taskbar replaced Taskbar and Start Menu beginning in Windows 8, which was then replaced by Taskbar and Navigation beginning in Windows 10.

It's available in Windows 8.

Taskbar and Start Menu in Windows XP
Taskbar and Start Menu (Windows XP).

The Taskbar and Start Menu Control Panel applet is used to manage the various options available for the taskbar and Start menu. With Taskbar and Start Menu, you can choose to auto-hide the taskbar, change Aero Peek settings, set the default power button action, and much more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.TaskbarAndStartMenu from the Command Prompt to access Taskbar and Start Menu directly. In Windows XP, execute rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 1 instead.

Taskbar and Start Menu was replaced with Taskbar beginning in Windows 8.

It's available in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Text to Speech

Text to Speech in Windows 7
Text to Speech (Windows 7).

The Text to Speech Control Panel applet is used to manage text-to-speech settings in Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.TextToSpeech from the Command Prompt to access Text to Speech directly.

Text to Speech replaced Speech beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting in Windows 11
Troubleshooting (Windows 11).

The Troubleshooting Control Panel applet is a centralized place to access troubleshooting wizards that can help fix problems with software, sound playback, network and Internet connections, display problems, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.Troubleshooting from the Command Prompt to access Troubleshooting directly.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

User Accounts

User Accounts in Windows 11
User Accounts (Windows 11).

The User Accounts Control Panel applet is used to manage user accounts in Windows. With User Accounts, you can change and remove Windows passwords, change account names and pictures, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.UserAccounts from the Command Prompt to access User Accounts directly. In Windows XP, execute control userpasswords instead.

It's available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Welcome Center

Welcome Center in Windows Vista
Welcome Center (Windows Vista).

The Welcome Center Control Panel applet is a collection of shortcuts to other applets and programs that you might need access to when first using your computer.

Execute control /name Microsoft.WelcomeCenter from the Command Prompt to access Welcome Center directly.

Welcome Center was replaced by Getting Started beginning in Windows 7 and both were removed in Windows 8.

Welcome Center is only available in Windows Vista.

Windows 7 File Recovery

Windows 7 File Recovery in Windows 8
Windows 7 File Recovery (Windows 8).

The Windows 7 File Recovery Control Panel applet is used to create, manage, and restore backups using Windows Backup.

Execute control /name Microsoft.BackupAndRestore from the Command Prompt to access Windows 7 File Recovery directly.

Windows 7 File Recovery is a direct replacement for Backup and Restore Center, which was available in Windows 7. File History, first available in Windows 8, is another applet that can be used to back up files.

It's available in Windows 8.

Windows Anytime Upgrade

Windows Anytime Upgrade in Windows 7
Windows Anytime Upgrade (Windows 7).

The Windows Anytime Upgrade Control Panel applet is used to purchase and install an upgraded edition of Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.WindowsAnytimeUpgrade from the Command Prompt to access Windows Anytime Upgrade directly.

Windows Anytime Upgrade was replaced by Add Features to Windows 8 in Windows 8.

It's available in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Windows CardSpace

Windows CardSpace in Windows 7
Windows CardSpace (Windows 7).

The Windows CardSpace Control Panel applet is used to manage secure digital identities from within Windows.

Execute control /name Microsoft.CardSpace from the Command Prompt to access Windows CardSpace directly.

Windows CardSpace was removed beginning in Windows 8.

It's available in Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Windows Defender

Windows Defender in Windows 7
Windows Defender (Windows 7).

The Windows Defender Control Panel applet is used to manage the Windows Defender antimalware tool.

Execute control /name Microsoft.WindowsDefender from the Command Prompt to access Windows Defender directly.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Windows Defender is also available in Windows XP under the Software Explorers Control Panel applet.

Windows Firewall

Windows Defender Firewall in Windows 11
Windows Defender Firewall (Windows 11).

The Windows Firewall Control Panel applet is used to manage Windows Firewall including turning the firewall on or off, configuring firewall rules, etc.

Execute control /name Microsoft.WindowsFirewall from the Command Prompt to access Windows Firewall directly. In Windows XP, execute control firewall.cpl instead.

Windows Firewall (called Windows Defender Firewall in some versions) is available in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Windows Marketplace

Windows Marketplace in Windows Vista
Windows Marketplace (Windows Vista).

The Windows Marketplace Control Panel applet is essentially a shortcut to Windowsmarketplace.com, a Microsoft-hosted online store for Windows software and even some hardware.

Execute control /name Microsoft.GetProgramsOnline from the Command Prompt to access Windows Marketplace directly.

Windows Marketplace is only available in Windows Vista.

Windows Mobility Center

Windows Mobility Center in Windows 7
Windows Mobility Center (Windows 7).

The Windows Mobility Center Control Panel applet is a central place to view and configure the most common mobile computer related settings like display brightness, battery level, wireless network settings, and more.

Execute control /name Microsoft.MobilityCenter from the Command Prompt to access Windows Mobility Center directly.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista but is usually only accessible on mobile computers like laptops, tablets, and netbooks.

Windows Sidebar Properties in Windows Vista
Windows Sidebar Properties (Windows Vista).

The Windows Sidebar Properties Control Panel applet is used to configure the Windows Sidebar.

Execute control /name Microsoft.WindowsSidebarProperties from the Command Prompt to access Windows Sidebar Properties directly.

Windows Sidebar Properties was replaced by Desktop Gadgets beginning in Windows 7 but neither exists in Windows 8 due to the loss of Windows gadget support.

It's available in Windows Vista.

Windows SideShow

Windows SideShow in Windows Vista
Windows SideShow (Windows Vista).

The Windows SideShow Control Panel applet is used to manage Windows SideShow compatible devices.

Execute control /name Microsoft.WindowsSideShow from the Command Prompt to access Windows SideShow directly.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Windows Update

Windows Update in Windows 7
Windows Update (Windows 7).

The Windows Update Control Panel applet is used to download, install, and manage the updates to the Windows operating system and other Microsoft software.

Execute control /name Microsoft.WindowsUpdate from the Command Prompt to access Windows Update directly.

It's available in Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

Starting with Windows 10, Windows Update moved to Settings, but is still accessible through that same command.

Wireless Link

Wireless Link in Windows XP
Wireless Link (Windows XP).

The Wireless Link Control Panel applet is used to manage Infrared connections in Windows like file transfer options and hardware settings.

Execute control irprops.cpl from the Command Prompt to access Wireless Link directly.

Wireless Link was replaced by Infrared Options in Windows Vista and then again by Infrared beginning in Windows 7.

It's available in Windows XP.

Wireless Network Setup Wizard

Wireless Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP
Wireless Network Setup Wizard (Windows XP).

The Wireless Network Setup Wizard Control Panel applet starts the Wireless Network Setup Wizard which walks you through the process of setting up a wireless network.

The features available in Wireless Network Setup Wizard were integrated into Network and Sharing Center beginning in Windows Vista.

It's available in Windows XP.

Work Folders

Work Folders Control panel screen
Work Folders (Windows 10).

The Work Folders Control Panel applet is used to make files available on all the devices you use, even if you don't have an active internet connection.

Execute control /name Microsoft.WorkFolders from the Command Prompt to access Windows Update directly.

It's available in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

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