Windows 8 - Accessing the Control Panel
Due to significant differences between the user interface in Windows 8 and the user interface in previous versions of Windows, new Windows 8 users may have difficulty locating standard tools, including the Control Panel. The instructions below describe how to access the Control Panel from both the start screen and desktop interfaces of Windows 8.
Accessing the Control Panel from the Start Screen Interface
There are two different processes you can use to access the control panel from the start screen interface.
Option 1
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From the Start screen, begin typing Control Panel.
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A search menu should appear displaying a Control Panel option. Left-click or tap the Control Panel icon.
Option 2
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From the Start screen, tap to display the App Bar.
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Select the icon labeled All Apps to continue.
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On the Apps screen, scroll to the right until you reach a section of apps labeled Windows System.
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Click the icon labeled Control Panel in order to open the Control Panel.
Accessing the Control Panel from the Desktop Interface
There are two different processes you can use to access the control panel from the desktop interface.
Option 1
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Move your mouse cursor to the lower left corner of the screen until you see a small image appear. If you are currently viewing the Desktop, this image should be a shortcut to the Start screen (and vice versa).
- Right-click on this box to reveal the Windows Quick Access Menu.
- Click on Control Panel once to open it.
Note: The same menu appears regardless of whether you open it from the desktop or start screen interface.
Option 2
- Move your mouse cursor to the upper right corner of the screen to reveal the Charms Menu.
- On the Charms Menu, click the Settings icon to continue.
- On the Settings menu, select Control Panel in order to open the Control Panel.
