How to Open Control Panel in Windows 8

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Start Shortcut

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.
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.
Click the "Control Panel" option. You'll find Control Panel toward the bottom of the Start shortcut.^[2]
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

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]
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.
Click the "Settings" option. You'll find this beneath a gear icon at the bottom of the Charms Bar.
Click "Control Panel". This should be near the top of the Settings menu.
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

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.
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
Click the Run app icon to open Run. The Run interface is fairly minimal, displaying only a text field and contextual buttons below it.
Type "Control Panel" into Run's text field. When you've done this, click "OK" or tap ↵ Enter to open Control Panel.
Review your Control Panel window. You should see all of the typical Control Panel options here, including Network settings, Hardware settings, and Personalization.

Lesley Montoya

Update 04 March 2020

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