How To Add Control Panel To Desktop In Windows 11

Until a few years ago, the Control Panel used to be the central place to change all settings and options in the Windows operating system.

With Windows 8, Microsoft introduced the Settings app as a replacement for the Control Panel, but the Settings app misses many options, even in the latest Windows 11.

So, users often need to open the Control Panel to access settings and options.

Like many others, if you often access the Control Panel to change a setting or two, you might want to add it to the desktop.

This guide shows you how to add the Control Panel icon to the desktop in Windows 11.

Tip: In addition to adding the Control Panel icon to the desktop, you can also use other methods out there to open the Control Panel in Windows 11.

Add Control Panel icon to Windows 11 desktop

Step 1: Open the Settings app using search or Windows logo + I hotkey.

Step 2: Go to Personalization > Themes page.

Step 3: On this page, click the Desktop icon settings link (found under Related Settings) to open the classic Desktop Icon Settings dialog.

Step 4: Finally, select the Control Panel icon and then click the Apply button to create the Control Panel icon on your Windows 10/11 desktop area.

You may now double-click on the Control Panel icon on the desktop to open the same.

NOTE: In addition to the Control Panel, the Desktop Icon Settings dialog offers options to add or remove the Computer, Recycle Bin, Network, and User profile folder.