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How to close the control panel. Quick access to Windows Control Panel applets

Panel Windows management- administrative interface, which is an integral part latest versions Windows. The panel allows you to control various components operating system, perform configuration and maintenance. The control panel organizes quick access to equipment parameters, audio devices, firewall and user accounts.

Microsoft started phasing out Control Panel back in Windows 8 when the new PC Settings Control Center was introduced. The company has continued to develop this concept, and we are already dealing with the application "Parameters".

Have Windows users there are several ways to open the control panel, but they may differ by different versions operating system.

However, over time, one way has remained the same - launching applets directly (although many applets have been removed).

Applet nameFile nameDescription
Programs and Featuresappwiz.cplUsed to remove installed programs and adding or removing Windows components
date and timetimedate.cplAllows you to set the time and date, change the time zone, add extra hours and synchronize the time with servers on the Internet
Device Managerhdwwiz.cplShows all the hardware components of the computer. Used to install and remove devices, install drivers and perform other tasks with hardware
Screendesk.cplShows screen settings, color profile, scaling options. In Windows 10, opens the corresponding page of the Settings app
Windows firewall firewall.cplAllows you to enable or disable the firewall, open the advanced settings window to block or allow connections
Infrared communicationirprops.cplAllows you to control infrared devices
Properties: Internetinetcpl.cplOpens the properties window of the web browser and allows you to configure settings Internet Explorer which can be used by other browsers as well
Gaming devicesjoy.cplAllows you to customize gamepads and other game controllers connected to the system
Properties: Keyboardmain.cpl keyboardProvides access to various keyboard parameters: delay, cursor blinking speed, and allows you to test installed keyboards
Languagecontrol input.dllAllows you to add, remove and change the priority of language packs
Properties: Mousemain.cplProvides access to various mouse parameters: cursor shape and color, button and mouse wheel behavior
Network connectionsncpa.cplNetwork connection management
Power supplypowercfg.cplOpens Power Options. You can customize the power scheme in detail
Regionintl.cplLets you change date and time formats as well as your location
Screensavercontrol desk.cplOpens the screen saver settings dialog box. In Windows 10, opens the corresponding page of the "Settings" application
Soundmmsys.cplLists the settings for playback and recording devices. You can customize sounds and voice communication
System propertiessysdm.cplDisplays device information and links to configure individual system components
Tablet and pen optionstabletpc.cplOptions are only available in tablet mode
Location informationtelephon.cplYou can customize the index, telephone code for modem services
wscui.cplManaging Windows Security Settings
user accountscontrol userpasswordsAccount management in the system

Windows Control Panel Canonical Names

The command “control / name Canonical name” allows you to run additional control panel applets if the .cpl files are not available for them.

Please note that some commands do not work in certain Windows versions.

  • Security and Service Center: control / name Microsoft.ActionCenter
  • Administration: control / name Microsoft.AdministrativeTools
  • Autostart: control / name Microsoft.AutoPlay
  • Biometric devices: control / name Microsoft.BiometricDevices
  • Disk encryption: control / name Microsoft.BitLockerDriveEncryption
  • Color management: control / name Microsoft.ColorManagement
  • Credential manager: control / name Microsoft.CredentialManager
  • date and time: control / name Microsoft.DateAndTime
  • Default programs: control / name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms
  • Device Manager: control / name Microsoft.DeviceManager
  • Devices and Printers: control / name Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters
  • Screen: control / name Microsoft.Display
  • Centre special features : control / name Microsoft.EaseOfAccessCenter
  • Parental control: control / name Microsoft.ParentalControls
  • File history: control / name Microsoft.FileHistory
  • Folder properties: control / name Microsoft.FolderOptions
  • Fonts: control / name Microsoft.Fonts
  • Home group: control / name Microsoft.HomeGroup
  • Indexing options: control / name Microsoft.IndexingOptions
  • Infrared communication: control / name Microsoft.Infrared
  • Properties: Internet: control / name Microsoft.InternetOptions
  • ISCSI Initiator: control / name Microsoft.iSCSIInitiator
  • ISNS Server: control / name Microsoft.iSNSServer
  • Properties: keyboard: control / name Microsoft.Keyboard
  • Language: control / name Microsoft.Language
  • Location: control / name Microsoft.LocationSettings
  • Properties: mouse: control / name Microsoft.Mouse
  • MPIOConfiguration: control / name Microsoft.MPIOConfiguration
  • Network Control Center and general access : control / name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter
  • Notification area icons: control / name Microsoft.NotificationAreaIcons
  • Pen and touch: control / name Microsoft.PenAndTouch
  • Personalization: control / name Microsoft.Personalization
  • Location information: control / name Microsoft.PhoneAndModem
  • Power supply: control / name Microsoft.PowerOptions
  • Programs and Features: control / name Microsoft.ProgramsAndFeatures
  • Recovery: control / name Microsoft.Recovery
  • Region: control / name Microsoft.RegionAndLanguage
  • Remote Desktop Connections and RemoteApp applications : control / name Microsoft.RemoteAppAndDesktopConnections
  • Sound: control / name Microsoft.Sound
  • Speech recognition: control / name Microsoft.SpeechRecognition
  • Disk space management: control / name Microsoft.StorageSpaces
  • Synchronization Center: control / name Microsoft.SyncCenter
  • System: control / name Microsoft.System
  • Options tablet computer : control / name Microsoft.TabletPCSettings
  • Task bar: control / name Microsoft.Taskbar
  • Troubleshooting: control / name Microsoft.Troubleshooting
  • TSAppInstall: control / name Microsoft.TSAppInstall
  • Accounts: control / name Microsoft.UserAccounts
  • Windows Anytime Upgrade: control / name Microsoft.WindowsAnytimeUpgrade
  • Windows Defender : control / name Microsoft.WindowsDefender
  • Windows firewall: control / name Microsoft.WindowsFirewall
  • Windows Mobility Center: control / name Microsoft.MobilityCenter
  • Windows To Go: control / name Microsoft.PortableWorkspaceCreator
  • Centre Windows updates : control / name Microsoft.WindowsUpdate
  • Working folders: control / name Microsoft.WorkFolders

Obsolete Canonical Names

  • Microsoft.BackupAndRestoreCenter / Microsoft.BackupAndRestore - Removed in Windows 8
  • Microsoft.CardSpace - Removed in Windows 8
  • Microsoft.DesktopGadgets - Removed in Windows 8
  • Microsoft.GetProgramsOnline - Removed in Windows 7
  • Microsoft.PeopleNearMe - Removed in Windows 8.1
  • Microsoft.PerformanceInformationAndTools - Removed in Windows 8.1
  • Microsoft.WindowsSidebarProperties - Removed in Windows 8
  • Microsoft.WindowsSideShow - Removed in Windows 8.1
  • You can find out which Control Panel (.cpl) files are available in your version of Windows by following the path C: \ Windows \ System32... There you will find all the available components.

  • You can open different tabs at once by adding the tab number to the command, for example sysdm.cpl, 4 to open the System Protection tab of the System Properties panel applet. This trick only works on the command line.
  • You can run applets with elevated privileges by running them from command line in administrator mode. Hold Ctrl and Shift on your keyboard while launching Command Prompt.
  • The canonical names used above can be used to refer to these items in the Group Policy Editor.

This article shows the steps by which you can deny access to the control panel and the application " Windows settings"In the Windows 10 operating system

If necessary, you can deny users access to Control Panel and Windows Settings using the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or using the Registry Editor.

How to deny access to Control Panel and Windows Settings app in Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)

This method is suitable for users of Windows edition professional or corporate.

In the opened window of the local editor group policy expand the following list items in sequence:

User Configuration ➯ Administrative Templates ➯ Control Panel
Next, in the right part of the window, double-click the policy setting with the name

In the window Deny access to control panel and computer settings, set the switch from Not set to On, and then press the button. OK

Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. To do without restarting the computer, in the open as administrator, run the command:

Now, when you try to launch the classic control panel, you will see a window with the message:

When you try to open the Windows Settings app, it simply won't start and you won't see any messages.

The method described above prohibits access to the Control Panel and the Windows Settings application only for the current account... If you want to deny access to the Control Panel and the Windows Settings application for other users, leaving enabled access for your account and not logging out of it, then read the article to learn how to do it.

How to deny access to Control Panel and Windows Settings in Registry Editor (regedit.exe)

This method is suitable for all editions of the operating room. Windows systems... Before making any changes to the registry, it is recommended that you export or export the registry key where the changes will be made directly.

Open the registry editor, to do this, press the key combination + R, in the window that opens, enter the regedit command and press the key Enter↵

To deny access to the Control Panel and the Windows Settings application for the user under which you are logged on, in the Registry Editor, go to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
If you want to deny access to Control Panel and Windows Settings for all users this computer, then go to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
Right click on the section Explorer and in the context menu that appears, select

New> DWORD Parameter (32 bit)... Name the created parameter NoControlPanel

The changes take effect immediately, and now when you try to launch the classic control panel, you will also see a window with the message:

The operation was canceled due to restrictions on this computer. Contact your system administrator.

Also, when you try to open the Windows Settings application, it simply will not start and you will not see any messages.


Note: B this method the local group policy editor is used, which is not available in the Home editions of Windows 7. If you have just such an operating system, skip ahead to the method of editing the registry.

First, click on the Start button, type gpedit.msc in the search field and press Enter.

After opening the Local Group Policy Editor, go to User Configuration -> Administrative Templates and select Control Panel. Double click on Deny access to control panel.

This parameter prevents the Control.exe program, which is responsible for the operation of the Control Panel, from starting. As a result, users cannot open the Control Panel window or launch any of the Control Panel items.

This option also removes the Control Panel command from the Start button menu and the Control Panel folder from the Explorer tree.

In the next window, select Enable, click OK and then close the Local Group Policy Editor.

Now if the user tries to select the Control Panel command in the Properties item context menu, a message is displayed stating that the operation was canceled due to the presence of restrictions on the computer and with a request to contact the administrator.

Disable control panel by editing the registry

You can also use registry editing to disable Control Panel. This method will work on all versions of Windows 7, Vista and XP.

In any case, before making any changes to the registry, you should do backup registry.

Click on the Start button, type regedit in the search box and press Enter.

In the left pane of Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer. If there is no Explorer section, then you need to create it.

Then, in the right pane of the editor, right-click in an empty space and create new parameter DWORD (32-bit).

Name the new parameter NoControlPanel. Then right-click on it and select Edit ...

In the Value field, enter the number 1 and click OK. Then close the registry editor and restart your computer to complete the process.

After booting up the computer, users will no longer see the control panel.

If you yourself want to return the control panel to yourself, then just go to the registry editor again, change the value of the NoControlPanel parameter you created yourself to 0 and restart the computer.

In general, disabling the control panel will be very useful if inexperienced users (or, on the contrary, too experienced) work on your computer and you do not want them to make any changes to the system settings. Good luck to you!

You write in the instructions: "open the control panel, select the program and components item", after which it turns out that not all users know how to open the control panel, and this item is not always present. Let's fill in the gap.

This guide contains 5 ways to enter the Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 Control Panel, some of which work in Windows 7. And along with a video demonstrating these methods at the end.

2017 update: on Windows 10 1703 Creators Update the Control Panel item disappeared from the Win + X menu, but you can return it:.

In Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, you can get to the control panel in just one or two clicks. For this:

However, in Windows 7 this can be done no less quickly - the required item is present in regular menu"Start" by default.

We use search

One of the smartest ways to launch something that you don't know how to open in Windows is to use the built-in search functionality.

In Windows 10, the search box is moved to the taskbar by default. In Windows 8.1, you can press the Win + S keys or just start typing from the Start screen (with app tiles). And in Windows 7, such a field is present at the bottom of the Start menu.

If you just start typing "Control Panel", then in the search results you will quickly see the desired item and you can launch it by simply clicking.

Additionally, when using this method in Windows 8.1 and 10, you can right-click on the found control panel and select "Pin to taskbar" to quickly launch it in the future.

Note that in some preview builds of Windows, as well as in some other cases (for example, after self installation language pack), the control panel is located only at the "Control Panel" entry.

Create a shortcut to launch

If you often need access to the control panel, then you can simply create a shortcut to launch it manually. To do this, right-click on the desktop (or in any folder), select "New" - "Shortcut".

After that, in the "Specify the location of the object" field, enter one of the following options:

  • control
  • explorer shell: ControlPanelFolder

Hotkeys for Opening the Control Panel

By default, Windows does not provide a hotkey combination to open the Control Panel, but you can create one without using additional programs.

To do this, follow these steps:

Done, now by pressing the combination of your choice, the control panel will start (just do not delete the shortcut).

Video - how to open the control panel

And finally, a video instruction on the topic of launching the control panel, which shows all the above methods.

I hope this information was useful for novice users, and at the same time helped to see that almost everything in Windows can be done in more than one way.

Can someone else sit at your computer besides you? Then it is worth thinking about protecting the operating system and securing it from changing settings in the Windows 7 control panel. This is often necessary if the computer is in a public place, such as an office or classroom.

Also, do not neglect this if the computer is at home and inexperienced household members have access to it. And if there are children, then in addition you need to think about the installation parental control... This is the only way you can keep windows in working order, as well as your nerves (when you come across that someone climbed in the control panel and changed your settings). Below we will look at how to protect control PanelWindows 7 from outside access.

To lock the Windows 7 Control Panel - you need to make some settings in the registry. Before you start working with the registry, we strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the "security rules when working with the registry", since not careful change of the registry will damage the operating system.

And so we begin:

1. On your keyboard, press "Win + R" write "regedit" and click Ok.