PC Settings, introduced first with Windows 8, has been rebranded as Settings in Windows 10. Microsoft has completely overhauled the Settings app to make it easier to use and include new settings.
While the classic Control Panel is still part of Windows 10 and we need to navigate to the Control Panel to access some settings, most of the Settings can be found under the Settings app. In fact, many of the newly added settings and options are available only in the Settings app.
Settings to personalize the Start menu or screen, lock screen, and many other options are available in the Settings app only. Additionally, the Settings app allows you to pin your favorite settings or settings that you need to access very often to the Start menu or screen.
The design language of the Settings app goes very well with the overall design of Windows 10. All settings and options have been placed into nine different categories: System, Devices, Network and Internet, Personalization, Accounts, Time and Language, Ease of Access, Privacy and Update, and security. Navigate to the category to view sub-categories.
In fact, in many ways, the Settings app is much easier to use and navigate than the classic Control Panel.
Although the Settings app icon is pinned to the left of the Start menu or screen by default for quick access, the following are some of the lesser-known ways to open the Settings app in Windows 10.
NOTE: If the Settings app fails to open or closes automatically soon after launching it, refer to our fix to Settings app not opening in Windows 10 guide.
Tip: If you are on Windows 11, refer to our 11 ways to open Settings in Windows 11.
Method 1 of 8
Open Settings with a keyboard shortcut
This is the easiest way to launch the Settings app in Windows 10.
Step 1: Simultaneously press the Windows logo and I keys (Windows + I) to quickly open Settings in Windows 10.
Method 2 of 8
Open Settings from Win + X menu
Step 1: Perform a right-click on the Start button on the taskbar and then click Settings to open the same.
Method 3 of 8
Open Windows 10 settings from Start
Step 1: Reveal the Start menu or screen by pressing the Windows logo key or clicking (tap if you’re on a touch device) the Start button on the extreme left of the taskbar.
Step 2: On the left side of the Start, simply click or tap the Settings or gear icon to launch the same.
Method 4 of 8
Launch Settings app from the search
Step 1: Open Start menu or screen.
Step 2: In the search box, type Settings and then press Enter key.
Method 5 of 8
Quickly open personalization section of Settings
Step 1: Right-click on the desktop to open the desktop context menu.
Step 2: Click or tap Personalize option to open the personalization section of Settings.
Method 6 of 8
Open Settings app from the Action Center
Step 1: Click on the Action Center icon in the taskbar and then click All Settings tile to open Settings.
Method 7 of 8
Pin Settings app to the taskbar for quick access
Step 1: Launch the Start menu or screen by either clicking the Start (Windows icon) button on the taskbar or pressing the Windows logo key on the keyboard.
Step 2: Right-click on the Settings icon in the Start menu/screen, and then click Pin to taskbar option. That’s it!
Method 8 of 8
Add Settings to the desktop
If you would like to have the Settings app shortcut on the desktop as well, there is a way to get it on the desktop. Refer to our add Settings app to Windows 10 desktop guide for directions.
If you have issues with opening Settings, refer to our Settings not opening in Windows 10 guide.
T says
I hate this “new version” of Windows… Can we just go back to SIMPLE??
Quetzalcoatl Temple says
I hate windows 10 Its just a vehicle to implant viruses in my computer. And I paid for it. I can’t find anything on my new computer. Your article hasn’t helped. It is a bad product.
DONNA CAPALBO says
Please help me!~!!!! I have been trying to fix this myself, but Microsoft INSISTS I am talking about the APPs, NOT Windoow!!!! HP took control on my pc and changed the type to BLURRY but accurate info in my type. It was clean and not or NEVER blurry. I can’t get into the Windows 10 settings that controls this–NOT THE SIZE OR COLOR OF THE TYPE…..THE TYPE ITSELF!!!~!! Please can you help me? I had no contol when HP did this. It is NOT a app that the type is blurry—–it is all of Windows type.
Thank you!
Gallienus says
Everybody knows “some stuff” can be found in the Settings app. We need to find the control panel because after all that playing we need to change something found there. Saying some stuff may be found here does no good.
Reece says
Why the hell do Microsoft make things so difficult??
Why do I “The Administrator” need permission from “The Administrator” to change things, I am sooo over the crap that Microsoft put into Windows 10.
Can someone please help me!!
Lawrence says
Trying to stop the screen from resizing. Every time a “solution” is presented the screen keeps resizing with every stroke of the touch pad. Nothing works. This is after a Windows 7 OS crash and now the horrors of Win 10 with this replacement laptop.
Nothing is clear, consistent or straightforward and it certainly does not help driving a poor user with a chronic illness into even worse condition by having no real solution to one of the most stupid problems microsoft has ever devised.
Not even sure I have the correct wording to prompt the right result from MS “Help” or an online search.
Maddening in a world where computer usage is the norm, essential and far from the user friendly ideals perpetuated by the propaganda machine.
Byron Pratt says
Microsoft seems bent on fucking things up. You like having your wallpaper changed once in a while? Wait for the next update. You think you’ve got your folders set like you like them? Hahahaha, wait for the next update. You think you know what the hell version of Windows you have? They might as well call them rutabega or sprout for all the sense it makes. And I am not sure MS knows either.
Aaron says
All I could read was a bunch of negative c****
Asarf Daka says
Have been requesting for help in fixing the problem of not accessing settings app and what appears on the screen is search.Help me fix this automatically as I cannot do anything.
Mike Walsh says
I would like to reduce the sensitivity on my keyboard
SUSAN says
how do I get to my DOCUMENTS?????
Kathi says
I am unable to remove individual items from the “most used” list. Apparently Microsoft will only allow me to remove non-Microsoft items from this list. Since those are the items I don’t use, this is completely unhelpful. This will be my last computer that comes with Microsoft anything.
janice says
I do not like windows 10 at all.
FRANCES says
WHY DOES MICROSOFT CONSTANTLY CHANGE FORMATS MAKING IT CONFUSING AND INCONSISTENT FOR THE DUPED CUSTOMERS?
WHY IS THERE NO PHONE NUMBER ACCESS TO THE MICROSOFT CORPORATE OFFICES?
WHY DO MICROSOFT’S SECURITY AND PROGRAMS NEED CONSTANT UPDATES THAT ONLY SLOW-UP THE SYSTEM BUT ALSO FOUL IT UP?
WHY CAN’T LOCAL MICROSOFT CALL CENTERS AND TECHS BE UTILIZED?
WHY DO MICROSOFT EMPLOYEES TALK FROM A SCRIPT AND THEN DON’T EVEN FOLLOW THROUGH ON THAT?
Sander Roos says
after reset and opening klondike all is synchronised and all scores are back
ISSAH KANNAYO says
Please I can’t download any app marketplace need help…
admin says
Gary, there seems to be a problem with the Settings app. Refer to our intowindows.com/fix-settings-app-not-opening-in-windows-10/ article.
Gary says
When I click on “settings” in the Windows key or type Windows + I keys, a window opens up but then quickly closes before I can see it. How do I get the Settings window to stay open so I can access it?
Graham says
Hi,
How can I start settings app from the Task Manager?
Davin Peterson says
In the new build, I noticed the hid the setting where you can change the display resolution.