Operating Systems · Topic 9 of 15
Windows Settings and Control Panel
Find the right Control Panel applet or Settings area for Internet Options, Programs and Features, Power Options, user accounts, updates, privacy and more.
- 4 min
- Settings is the modern interface. The Control Panel still holds many advanced applets.
- Programs and Features uninstalls software and turns Windows features on or off.
- Internet Options sets security zones, privacy, proxy and connections.
What it is
Windows has two places for configuration. The Settings app is the modern interface and is where Microsoft now puts most options. The Control Panel is the older interface, and some advanced items still live only there.
A technician needs to know which one holds a given setting and how to reach it quickly.
How it works
Control Panel applets
An applet is a small settings tool inside the Control Panel. The Control Panel can be viewed by category or as large or small icons.
| Applet | What it configures |
|---|---|
| Internet Options | Browser security zones, privacy, proxy and connection settings, home page, advanced options |
| Devices and Printers | Connected devices, adding and removing printers |
| Programs and Features | Uninstall or repair software, turn Windows features on or off |
| Network and Sharing Center | Network status, adapters, sharing options |
| System | Computer name, remote settings, performance and System Protection |
| Windows Defender Firewall | Firewall rules and allowed apps |
| Microsoft Outlook profiles | |
| Sound | Playback and recording devices |
| User Accounts | Accounts, passwords, account types |
| Device Manager | Hardware and drivers |
| Indexing Options | Which locations are indexed for faster search |
| Administrative Tools | Shortcuts to management consoles, such as Services |
| File Explorer Options | Show hidden files and file extensions, folder view |
| Power Options | Power plans and what the power buttons do |
| Ease of Access | Accessibility features |
| Sync Center | Offline files and sync partnerships |
The command control opens the Control Panel from the Run box.
Settings app areas
The Settings app groups options into areas.
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| System | Display, sound, notifications, power, storage, remote desktop, about |
| Devices | Bluetooth, printers, mouse, touchpad |
| Network and Internet | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, virtual private network (VPN), proxy, airplane mode |
| Personalization | Background, colours, lock screen, taskbar |
| Apps | Installed apps, default apps, startup apps |
| Accounts | Sign in options, family, email accounts |
| Time and Language | Date, time zone, region, languages |
| Gaming | Game mode, captures |
| Privacy and security | App permissions for camera, microphone and location |
| Windows Update | Check for updates, pause updates, update history |
In Windows 10 the update and security options share one area called Update and Security, and the privacy options are separate. In Windows 11 they are named Windows Update and Privacy and security.
Power Options
Power plans balance performance and battery life. Common choices include Balanced, Power saver and High performance. Key terms:
- Sleep keeps the session in memory and uses a small amount of power. Resume is fast.
- Hibernate saves the session to disk and powers off completely. Resume is slower.
- Fast startup is a hybrid shutdown that saves part of the system state so booting is quicker, and it can hide problems that a full restart would fix.
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) selective suspend lets Windows power down idle USB ports to save battery.
The link Choose what closing the lid does sets the action for the lid, separately for on battery and plugged in. The choices are do nothing, sleep, hibernate and shut down. The link Change settings that are currently unavailable on the same screen unlocks the shutdown settings, including the fast startup option.
Internet Options in brief
Internet Options has tabs for General, Security, Privacy, Content, Connections, Programs and Advanced. Security sets zones such as Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites and Restricted sites. Connections holds proxy and VPN settings.
Reaching settings quickly
When the scenario names an old style item, such as Programs and Features, Internet Options or Device Manager, the answer is a Control Panel applet. Options for a modern feature, such as Bluetooth or the camera permission, are in Settings.
What to remember for the exam
- Settings is the modern interface. The Control Panel still holds many advanced applets.
- Programs and Features uninstalls software and turns Windows features on or off.
- Internet Options sets security zones, privacy, proxy and connections.
- File Explorer Options shows hidden files and file extensions.
- Power Options holds power plans, sleep, hibernate and fast startup.
- Indexing Options controls which locations are searched quickly.
- Sync Center manages offline files.
- Windows Update, Privacy and Accounts are Settings areas.
Common mistakes
Looking in the wrong place. If a setting is not in Settings, check the Control Panel, and the reverse.
Confusing sleep and hibernate. Sleep keeps power on for fast resume. Hibernate writes to disk and uses no power.
Trusting fast startup to clear a fault. A shutdown with fast startup does not fully reset the system, but a restart does.
Changing a setting for the wrong user. Many options apply only to the signed in account, so confirm which user the setting affects.
Check yourself
Where do you uninstall a desktop program or turn on an optional Windows feature?
Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
What is the difference between sleep and hibernate?
Sleep keeps the session in memory with low power, while hibernate saves it to disk and powers off.
Which applet shows hidden files and file extensions?
File Explorer Options.
Topic 9 of 15 in Operating Systems
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