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How to get to the Control Panel in Windows 11

Updated June 9, 2024

Are you new to Windows 11 and need help finding the Control Panel? Or do you prefer using the Control Panel over the Settings app? If so, here is how to get to the Control Panel inside Windows 11.

How to get to the Control Panel in Windows 11

After using Windows for over two decades, I have become accustomed to using the Control Panel to configure and customize Windows. However, over the years, Microsoft has been trying to migrate all of the features from the Control Panel into the Settings app.

But I still prefer using the Control Panel for some things, like the Devices and Printers app. I also like using the Programs and Features app to uninstall desktop programs.

Just like Windows 10, finding the Control Panel in Windows 11 can be a little tricky. Here are all of the different ways to get to the Control Panel in Windows 11.

For you die-hard Control Panel users, I have also included instructions for creating a God Mode Control Panel shortcut at the end of this article.

How to get to the Control Panel in Windows 11

  1. Left-click on the Start Windows logo key button to bring up the Start menu.
  2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
  3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
  4. Double left-click on Control Panel.

or

  1. Left-click on the magnifying glass to the right of the Start Windows logo key button to bring up the Search dialog box.
  2. In the Search dialog box, type Control Panel.
  3. Left-click on Control Panel - System in the search results.

or

  1. Open a Run dialog box by pressing the Windows logo key Windows logo key + R (click here for more ways to open a Run dialog box).
  2. Type in Control and then left-click on OK.

How to create a shortcut to the Control Panel on the Start menu or Taskbar in Windows 11

  1. Left-click on the magnifying glass to the right of the Start Windows logo key button to bring up the Search dialog box.
  2. In the Search dialog box, type Control Panel.
  3. Right-click on Control Panel - System in the search results.
  4. From the context menu that appears, left-click on either Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.

How to create a shortcut to the Control Panel on the Desktop in Windows 11

  1. Left-click on the Start Windows logo key button to bring up the Start menu.
  2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
  3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
  4. Press and hold the left mouse button on the Control Panel and drag it to the Desktop.

How to create a Control Panel God Mode shortcut

Years ago, it was discovered that you could create a special shortcut that would display the complete contents of the Control Panel in a single folder view. It was called God Mode.

With the God Mode, everything inside the Control Panel (over two hundred items) is listed alphabetically, from Administrative Tools to Work Folders and everything in between.

God Mode works by using a registry key for the Control Panel. When you open a Control Panel God Mode shortcut, it displays the contents of that registry key.

When God Mode was first discovered, the shortcut you created had a label below the Control Panel icon. In Windows 11, this shortcut only displays a folder icon with no title. It can be kind of confusing, so create this shortcut at your own risk. Here is how to create a God Mode shortcut to the Control Panel in Windows 11.

  1. Create a new folder wherever you would like the God Mode shortcut. I recommend making it on your Desktop.
  2. When prompted for a name for the new folder, copy and paste the following code.
    Control Panel.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
  3. Press Enter to finish creating the folder.

You will notice that the folder you just created has the Control Panel icon and no name. Double left-clicking on the folder displays the complete contents of the Control Panel.

How to reset your network adapter in Windows 11

Updated May 27, 2024

Are you having problems connecting to the Internet in Windows 11? Or you may be having issues with your local network connection. If so, you might need to reset your network adapter in Windows 11.

How to reset your network adapter in Windows 11

When it comes to the Internet, there can be several things that could be preventing you from making a connection. It could be as simple as a misconfigured firewall or a bad proxy.

However, with Windows 11, a good portion of all network problems can be resolved by resetting the network adapter. There are two (2) different ways of doing this: Simple and Advanced.

Resetting your network adapter has pros and cons. If your computer is a member of a corporate domain or network, you may want to contact your administrator before doing so. Some network settings may need to be manually entered in the network configuration.

Also, if you have a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or virtual appliance set up, resetting the network adapter might affect it. Resetting the network adapter can also reset the Windows Firewall.

The simple way to reset your network adapter in Windows 11

To do this you will need to bring up the Settings app. There are four (4) different ways to get to the Settings app. You can either:

  • Left-click the Start button Windows logo to bring up the Start menu and select Settings in the pinned apps.
  • Right-click the Start button Windows logo to bring up the Power User menu, and then left-click on Settings.
  • Press the Windows logo key Windows logo key + X to bring up the Power User menu, and then press the letter N to select Settings.
  • Press the Windows logo key Windows logo key + I to bring up Settings.

Once you have the Settings app open:

  1. In the left-hand column, left-click on the Network and internet category.
  2. In the right-hand column, left-click on Advanced network settings.
  3. In the right-hand column, left-click on Network reset.
  4. Left-click on Reset now. You will get a prompt asking you are sure you want to reset your network settings.
  5. Left-click Yes, and your computer will restart within five (5) minutes.

The advanced way to reset your network adapter in Windows 11

Windows 11 has a command-line utility called Netsh (Network Shell) that allows you to display and modify your computer's network configuration. The most common use of Netsh is to reset the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) stack back to default. Since Netsh is a command-line tool, you will need to use a Command Prompt with Administrative privileges.

How to open a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges in Windows 11 (link will open in a separate window)

Netsh commands for resetting your network adapter in Windows 11

A Windows 11 administrative command prompt running Netsh commands

Note: This section is intended for advanced computer users. If you are not comfortable with advanced troubleshooting, ask someone for help. Follow these steps to manually reset the Windows Firewall, TCP/IP stack, and Winsock. You will have to restart your system to complete the reset.

The following is a list of the Netsh commands with descriptions that you can use to reset your network adapter in Windows 11:

netsh advfirewall reset

Restores the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security policy to the default policy. The current active policy can be optionally exported to a specified file. This command returns all settings to not configured and deletes all connection security and firewall rules in a Group Policy object.

netsh int ip reset

Removes all user-configured IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) settings. Restarting the computer is required before the default settings take effect.

netsh int ipv6 reset

Removes all user-configured IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) settings. Restarting the computer is required before the default settings take effect.

netsh winsock reset

Resets Winsock Catalog to a clean state. All Winsock Layered Service Providers, which were previously installed, must be reinstalled. This command does not affect Winsock Name Space Provider entries.

How to open a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges in Windows 11

Updated May 27, 2024

There may be a time when you need to bypass the Windows GUI (Graphical User Interface) and enter commands directly into an Administrative Command Prompt. Quite a few of our favorite Geeks Tips require the use of it. So here's how to open a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges in Windows 11.

The Command Prompt with Administrator privileges in Windows 11
The Command Prompt with Administrator privileges in Windows 11

Open a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges in Windows 11

  1. Left-click on the Start button Windows logo to bring up the Start menu.
  2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
  3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
  4. Right-click on Command Prompt.
  5. On the context menu that appears, left-click on Run as administrator. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

or

  1. Left-click on the magnifying glass to the right of the Start button Windows logo to bring up the Search dialog box.
  2. In the Search dialog box, type Command Prompt.
  3. In the list of results, the Command Prompt should be highlighted.
  4. In the right-hand column under Command Prompt, there is an options menu. Left-click on Run as administrator. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Using the Power User menu to open a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges in Windows 11

  1. Right-click on the Start button Windows logo to bring up the Power User menu.
  2. Left-click on Terminal (Admin). If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  3. On the title bar, left-click on the pull-down menu and left-click on Command Prompt.

or

  1. Press the Windows logo key Windows logo key + X to bring up the Power User menu.
  2. Press the letter A to select Terminal (Admin). If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  3. On the title bar, left-click on the pull-down menu and left-click on Command Prompt.

How to change the default program for Windows Terminal

  1. Right-click on the Start button Windows logo to bring up the Power User menu.
  2. Left-click on Terminal (Admin). If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  3. On the title bar, left-click on the pull-down menu
    The Settings pull down menu for Windows Terminal inside of Windows 11
    and left-click on Settings.
  4. In the center column under Startup, left-click on the Default profile pull-down menu
    The Default profile pull down menu for Windows Terminal inside of Windows 11
    and left-click on Command Prompt.

or

  1. Press the Windows logo key Windows logo key + X to bring up the Power User menu.
  2. Press the letter A to select Terminal (Admin). If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  3. On the title bar, left-click on the pull-down menu
    The Settings pull down menu for Windows Terminal inside of Windows 11
    and left-click on Settings.
  4. In the center column under Startup, left-click on the Default profile pull-down menu
    The Default profile pull down menu for Windows Terminal inside of Windows 11
    and left-click on Command Prompt.

Windows logo key shortcuts for Windows 11

Updated January 15, 2024

In 1995, Microsoft released Windows 95, and navigating Windows was changed forever. Along with introducing the Start menu, Microsoft also added a new control key to PC keyboards, the Windows logo key.

Windows logo key shortcuts for Windows 11

Like the Command key on Apple keyboards, it allows the user to run shortcuts to open programs or execute repetitive commands, like showing the Desktop. Windows 95 had only twelve Windows logo key shortcuts, while Windows 11 has over sixty. So here is the complete list of Windows logo key shortcuts inside Windows 11.

Windows logo key shortcuts for Windows 11

Press To
Windows logo key Open Start menu
Windows logo key + A Open Quick Settings (part of the Action Center)
Windows logo key + B Highlights Show Hidden Icons on Taskbar
Windows logo key + C Open Windows Copilot
Windows logo key + Shift + C Open Charms menu
Windows logo key + Ctrl + C Turn on Color Filters (must enable in Color Filter settings first)
Windows logo key + D Show Desktop
Windows logo key + E Open File Explorer
Windows logo key + F Open Feedback Hub
The following seven (7) Windows logo key shortcuts are for the Game Bar
Windows logo key + G Open the Game Bar
Windows logo key + Alt +B Turn HDR on or off (applies to the Xbox Game Bar app version 5.721.7292.0 or newer)
Windows logo key + Alt + G Record the last few moments of gameplay. (you can change the amount of time recorded in Game Bar > Settings)
Windows logo key + Alt + R Start / stop recording
Windows logo key + Alt + Print Screen Take a screenshot of your game
Windows logo key + Alt + T Show / hide the recording timer
Windows logo key + Alt + M Start / stop microphone recording
Windows logo key + H Open Speech Services (voice dictation)
Windows logo key + I Open Settings
Windows logo key + J Set focus to an available Windows tip
Windows logo key + K Open Cast (connect to wireless display and audio devices)
Windows logo key + Alt + K Toggle microphone mute in apps that support Call Mute
Windows logo key + L Switch users (lock computer if on a domain)
Windows logo key + M Minimize all open windows (show Desktop)
Windows logo key + Shift + M Restore open minimized windows
Windows logo key + N Opens Notification Center (part of the Action Center)
Windows logo key + O Lock device orientation
Windows logo key + P Open Project (project video to another screen)
Windows logo key + Q Opens Search dialog box
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Q Opens Quick Assist
Windows logo key + R Opens Run dialog box
Windows logo key + S Opens Search dialog box
Windows logo key + Shift + S Open the Snipping Bar
Windows logo key + T Set focus on Taskbar and cycle through pinned / running desktop apps
Windows logo key + U Opens Accessibility section in Settings
Windows logo key + V Displays Clipboard history
Windows logo key + W Opens Widgets
Windows logo key + X Opens Power User menu
Windows logo key + Z Opens Snap layouts menu
Windows logo key + 1-9 Go to the app at the given position on the Taskbar
Windows logo key + + (plus) Zoom in (Magnifier)
Windows logo key + - (minus) Zoom out (Magnifier)
Windows logo key + , (comma) Peek at the Desktop
Windows logo key + Spacebar Switch input language and keyboard layout
Windows logo key + Tab Show all open apps and view additional desktops
Windows logo key + Esc Close Magnifier
Windows logo key + Home Minimize non-active desktop windows
Windows logo key + Pause/Break Open System in Settings
Windows logo key + Left Arrow Snap desktop window to the left (+Shift to move window to left monitor)
Windows logo key + Right Arrow Snap desktop window to the right (+Shift to move window to right monitor)
Windows logo key + Up Arrow Maximize desktop window (+Shift to keep width)
Windows logo key + Down Arrow Restore/minimize desktop window (+Shift to keep width)
Windows logo key + F1 Opens How to get help in Windows 11 search in a browser
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter Turn Narrator on or off
Windows logo key + Ctrl + D Add a Desktop
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Right arrow Switch between desktops you’ve created on the right
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Left arrow Switch between desktops you’ve created on the left
Windows logo key + Ctrl + F4 Close the Desktop you’re using
Windows logo key + Shift + Right arrow Move an app to a monitor on the right
Windows logo key + Shift + Left arrow Move an app to a monitor on the left
Windows logo key + Period (.) or Semicolon (;) Open the emoji, kaomoji, and symbol panel

For more Windows keyboard shortcuts, see the links below:

Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts

General keyboard shortcuts

Natural keyboard shortcuts

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

Accessibility keyboard shortcuts

Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts

My first look at Windows 11

Microsoft recently announced that they are releasing a successor to Windows 10, aptly named Windows 11. So join me as I take a look at Windows 11.

My first look at Windows 11

When Microsoft announced the next version of Windows, I went looking for a beta or technical preview of Windows 11. I soon found out that the only way to get a version of Windows 11 is through their Insider Program.

Well, it just so happens that I had created a Virtual Machine (VM) a couple of years ago for the Windows 10 Insider Program. I started it, and sure enough, Windows informed me that I need to download a new build of Windows.

I went through the upgrade process, and when all was said and done, I had Windows 11 Insider Preview running inside a VM. So let's take a look at Windows 11.

Note: This build of Windows 11 that I am using for this article is just a beta, so the look and the way it operates may and probably will change before the final release of Windows 11.

Login Screen

The Windows 11 Logon Screen

Not much different here from Windows 10. The default font has changed, but other than that, it looks and feels like Windows 10.

Taskbar

The Windows 11 Taskbar

The first thing you will notice when the Desktop appears is that the Start button and pinned programs are centered in the Taskbar. Is this by default, and can it be easily changed back to left-justified.

Start Menu

The Windows 11 Start Menu

The Start Menu has gotten a makeover, with a new cleaner looking layout. All the same features are available, but they are arranged completely different.

Power User menu

The Windows 11 Power Users menu

It is still there, The only component of Windows 8.1 to still be inside of Windows. Don't remember Windows 8.1? That is one version of Windows I would love to forget.

Settings

The Windows 11 Settings app

As with the Start Menu, the Settings app has also received a makeover, getting broken into two (2) columns. The categories are now listed in the left-side column, and sub-categories are listed in the right-hand column.

Control Panel

The Windows 11 Control Panel

Microsoft has been trying to eliminate the Control Panel for a while now, but it still exists in the preview build I am running. Who knows if it will make it to the final build of Windows 11.

File Explorer

The Windows 11 File Explorer

File Explorer has gotten a small makeover too. The Ribbon appears to be gone, and a simple toolbar with the most commons functions has taken its place. We will have to wait until the final build to see if the Ribbon is truly gone.

The overall look and feel of Windows 11 is smoother than Windows 10. With rounded corners on dialog boxes and newer icons, Windows 11 looks like an excellent successor to Windows 10.

But of course, we will have to wait and see how the final build of Windows 11 looks and feels. For a more in-depth look at this version of Windows 11, check out the video below.

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