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8 Ways to Fix Windows 10/11 Control Panel Not Opening
Tested solutions to get the Control Panel running in minutes
6 min. read
Updated onMarch 20, 2024
updated onMarch 20, 2024
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Key notes
Windows 10 and 11 are definitely a great improvement when compared to the previous iterations in the Windows series. But, one of the problems that remained in all these is the Control Panel not opening.
The issue is certainly not new and has been faced by users for a long time. And it’s usually not the OS to blame but rather theWindows settingsor how things have been configured.
So, let’s find out why Control Panel is not opening in Windows 10 and 11 and the best ways to fix things.
Why is Control Panel not opening?
Here are the primary reasons you are facing the problem:
How do I fix Control Panel if it won’t open?
1. Run a full system scan
Did you know that malware causes many problems for Windows-based PCs? You can easily get rid of these problems by eliminating the malware using a reliable anti-malware program like Windows Security, a built-in tool.
In case it doesn’t work, there are alwayseffective third-party antivirusesthat should do the job.
2. Disable startup programs
There is a possibility that a program running at your PC’s startup is causing some sort of problem with the Control Panel and is behind it not opening in Windows 10. Disabling that program will do the trick in this case, though you will have to disable many others in the process.
3. Disable the Windows Error Reporting Service
If Control Panel is not showing in Windows 10, you may try disabling the Windows Error Reporting Service and verify if that makes a difference. For most of you, it should. In case it doesn’t work, head to the next method.
4. Run the System File Checker scan
If Windows 10 Control Panel won’t open, running the SFC scan can help fix things. It will identify the corrupt system files and replace them with their cached copies.
To save you more time, you can always rely onspecialized toolsthat will help you with the whole scanning and restoring process.
5. Clear the temporary files
When the Control Panel closes after opening, it could be the temporary files to blame. And clearing them should fix things.
6. Tweak the Registry
Many Windows 10 users confirmed that deleting theBagMRUandBagsfolders brought Control Panel back. Before you tweak your Registry, don’t forget to first back it up. In case anything goes wrong, you’ll be able to restore a working copy of it.
7. Change display scaling
Other users confirmed that changing the display settings fixed the problem. As surprising as this solution may seem, it worked for many, so it’s worth giving it a try.
In case you scaled your display beyond100%,this might explain why Control Panel is not available. So, if you are using any other setting for the text, or apps, scale it down to100%.
8. Reset Windows 10
Most users who reported that the Control Panel is not opening in Windows 10 started facing the issue after an upgrade. In this case, it’s likely that Windows didn’t install properly.
And the best option here would be tofactory reset Windows 10. You would lose the installed apps, configured settings, and saved files, but this is the method that worked for most.
How do I fix Control Panel if it won’t open on Windows 11?
When the Control Panel won’t open in Windows 11, your primary approach should be to run a malware scan using an effectiveantivirus compatible with Windows 11.
If that doesn’t work, try running the DISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)tool and the SFC(System File Checker)scan. These are effective at fixing corrupt system files, a likely cause behind the problem.
Andperforming a System Restoreshould also do when you cannot open Control Panel in Windows 11. In case nothing works, there’s always the option toreset Windows 11 to its factory settings, though it should be used as a last resort.
What is the shortcut key for Control Panel?
Microsoft doesn’t offer a shortcut key to open Control Panel in Windows, though the process to access it is simple, and there are several ways.
The easiest is to launch in from theRuncommand. Simply typeControland hitEnter. Other methods include theSearchmenu,Startmenu, andPower Usermenu.
These are some of the working solutions that have fixed things when the Control Panel is not opening in Windows.
Also, find out how toimprove the performanceof a Windows 10 PC.
If you know of any other solutions, kindly drop them in the comments section to help your fellow Windows users.
More about the topics:control panel,error
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
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