How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Start Shortcut

  1. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 1
    Make sure you're using Desktop view. While you can use the Start shortcut from within browsers or other programs, the easiest way to do so whilst unencumbered is to minimize all open windows first.
  2. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 2
    Hold down the Win key and tap X. This will bring up the Start shortcut. You can use this shortcut to access traditional programs like Command Prompt, File Explorer, and Task Manager.[1]
    1. You can also right-click the Start menu to open this menu.
  3. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 3
    Click the "Control Panel" option. You'll find Control Panel toward the bottom of the Start shortcut.[2]
  4. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 4
    Review your Control Panel settings. From here, you can do things like remove programs or change your system's security settings.
Method 2 of 3:

Using the Charms Bar

  1. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 5
    Navigate to your desktop. In order to browse the Charms bar unencumbered, you'll want to make sure your menus and/or windows are minimized.[3]
  2. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 6
    Move your cursor to the top or bottom right corner of your screen. This will prompt the Charms Bar to slide out from the right side of your screen.
    1. If your Windows 8 device has a touch screen, you can swipe left from the right side of the screen to open it.
  3. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 7
    Click the "Settings" option. You'll find this beneath a gear icon at the bottom of the Charms Bar.
  4. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 8
    Click "Control Panel". This should be near the top of the Settings menu.
  5. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 9
    Review your Control Panel. You should be able to access things like your Ease of Access settings and your User Accounts from here.
Method 3 of 3:

Using the Run App

  1. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 10
    Tap the Win key. This will open your Start menu from within any menu or window. You can access the Run app, which will allow you to open Control Panel directly, from here.
  2. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 11
    Type "Run" into the search bar. You should see an app entitled "Run" at the top of the subsequent search window.
    1. You can also open 'Run' using the keyboard shortcut Win+R
  3. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 12
    Click the Run app icon to open Run. The Run interface is fairly minimal, displaying only a text field and contextual buttons below it.
  4. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 13
    Type "Control Panel" into Run's text field. When you've done this, click "OK" or tap Enter to open Control Panel.
  5. How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8 Picture 14
    Review your Control Panel window. You should see all of the typical Control Panel options here, including Network settings, Hardware settings, and Personalization.
4 ★ | 2 Vote

May be interested

  • How to Sideload a Modern UI App on Windows 8Photo of How to Sideload a Modern UI App on Windows 8
    sideloading a modern ui app means to install it without using the windows store. this is typically done to beta test an app. this handy guide will teach you how to sideload a modern ui app on windows 8. note that you need a developer...
  • How to Add or Delete Items and Categories in the All Apps Screen of the Windows 8 Start MenuPhoto of How to Add or Delete Items and Categories in the All Apps Screen of the Windows 8 Start Menu
    in previous versions of windows, you were able to edit the items and folders in the all programs/all apps screen. the new windows 8 start menu lacks this ability. you can still pin and unpin custom items to the main screen of the start...
  • How to Search in Windows 8.1Photo of How to Search in Windows 8.1
    the operating system windows 8.1 offers several ways to search, depending on what you're trying to find. with these methods, you can locate files, apps (programs), and other results both on the web and on your computer or device. open the...
  • How to Use Windows 8Photo of How to Use Windows 8
    windows 8 is the next generation of microsoft windows operating systems. many of its features are essentially the same as windows 7, but designed to be more mobile friendly and streamlined. use the tiles. when you start the computer, after...
  • How to Install MSN on Windows 8Photo of How to Install MSN on Windows 8
    msn by microsoft windows offers a number of different services and apps that can help enhance your experience as a windows user. if you want additional msn services that aren't already installed on your windows 8 computer, you can install...
  • How to Use OneDrive as Your Default Save Location on Windows 8.1Photo of How to Use OneDrive as Your Default Save Location on Windows 8.1
    onedrive is a free cloud-based file storage solution built into windows 8.1 and windows rt 8.1. it enables you to store, browse, upload, save, and share files from multiple devices using just one platform. once you've saved a file to...