Control Panel gradually disappearing from Windows 11

Windows 11 is gradually moving away from the traditional Control Panel in favor of the modern Settings app, but the Control Panel has not been completely removed yet. Microsoft continues to transition many features and settings from Control Panel to the new Settings UI, aiming for a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.

Control Panel remains accessible in Windows 11, and you can still open it by typing “Control Panel” in the Start menu. However, many configuration options are now found primarily in the Settings app rather than Control Panel. Microsoft is expected to eventually phase out Control Panel entirely, replacing it fully with the Settings app, but no official timeline has been announced. For now, Control Panel coexists with Settings, with a gradual migration of functions.

Some users prefer Control Panel for its familiarity and more detailed options, while others appreciate the modern design and integration of the Settings app. Third-party tools and Start menu replacements can help enhance or customize the Windows 11 experience if you want alternatives to the default interface.

Users still can open Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the Start menu, and many legacy settings remain only available there. Microsoft has officially confirmed plans to eventually retire Control Panel, but this is expected to be a gradual process extending beyond Windows 11 and possibly into Windows 12, as many features and legacy components still depend on it.

As of Windows 11 version 24H2, the Control Panel has not disappeared but continues to be present, although Microsoft has moved more of its features into the modern Settings app. The trend in 24H2 is an accelerated migration of Control Panel functionalities to Settings, but Control Panel itself remains accessible and is not fully removed or deprecated yet.

More Information ℹ

• Windows Control Panel
• Windows 11