How to Open Settings in Windows 10
In this post, you will see eight different ways to open the settings in Windows 10.
You will also see the steps to create a shortcut for the settings. Let’s get started.
How to Open Settings in Windows 10
Method #1
Open the Start menu.
Type settings and click the Settings app in the search results.
Method #2
Press the Windows and I keys simultaneously to access the Settings app.
Method #3
Use the ms-settings: command in one of the following programs to start settings:
- Run
- Task Manager (Click File > Run new task to use the command)
- Address toolbar
- File Explorer address bar
Alternatively, you can use the start ms-settings: command in one of the following programs to open settings.
Method #4
Press Windows and X keys simultaneously.
In the Power user menu, select “Settings,” which you can see between “Task Manager” and “File Explorer.”
Method #5
Click on “This PC” in the navigation pane.
Click “Open Settings” on the Computer tab that you will find on the ribbon.
Method #6
Open the Start menu.
On the left you will see the “Gear” symbol, which you will find between the “Pictures” symbol and the “Power” symbol. Click on it.
Method #7
Open the Start menu.
In the “S” section, click “Settings.”
Method #8
Open the Action Center.
Click the “All settings” button.
How to Create a Windows 10 Settings Shortcut
Follow the steps below to create a settings shortcut on your Windows 10 desktop or File Explorer.
Right-click on the empty area of the desktop or File Explorer.
Move the mouse over “New” in the context menu.
Click on “Shortcut.”
Enter ms-settings: in the “Create Shortcut” pop-up.
Click on the “Next” button.
Enter the shortcut name if you dislike the suggested one.
Click the “Finish” button.
How to Disable Settings App and Control Panel
You can disable the Settings app and Control Panel and here’s how:
Open the Registry Editor. Back up the Registry before proceeding.
If you want to disable the Control Panel and Settings for the current user, navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Policies.
To disable the Control Panel and Settings for all users, navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Policies.
I’m doing this for the “current user.” But the steps are the same for “all users.”
Hit the Explorer key. Create it if you don’t see this one. Here’s how: Right-click on the Policies key. Select New > Key. Enter the name as Explorer and then press Enter.
In the right pane, right-click on the blank space. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Enter the name as NoControlPanel and then press Enter.
Double-click on the NoControlPanel. Type 1 in the Value data field and then press the OK button.
That’s it.
If you try to access the Control Panel from now on, you will see this message:
This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator.
If you try to access the Settings, then it will not open.
Note: If you want to enable the Control Panel and Settings app, change the value from 1 to 0 or delete NoControlPanel DWORD.
Alternative method
Enter gpedit.msc in the Run Box and then press Enter.
Now navigate to the User Configuration > Administrative Templates. Hit the Control Panel.
In the right pane, find “Prohibit access to Control Panel and PC settings.” Double-click on it. Select Enabled and then click OK.
That’s it. If you want to enable the Settings app and Control Panel, follow the steps above, but choose Not Configured or Disabled.
