The Control Panel may soon be removed from Windows 11, as Microsoft has been working to phase it out for almost a decade.
According to Neowin, a recent entry on Microsoft’s support website regarding System Configuration tools states, “The Control Panel is gradually being replaced by the Settings app, which provides a more contemporary and user-friendly interface.”
The document explains the reason for the Control Panel’s continued existence. “Although the Control Panel is still available for compatibility and for accessing certain settings that haven’t yet transitioned, users are recommended to use the Settings app whenever they can.”
However, it does not indicate when the Control Panel will actually be removed. Are we close to that time? This change has been expected since 2015, when Microsoft announced that the Settings app would eventually replace the Control Panel. Despite this, the classic version remains, albeit with some modifications—such as the removal of the option to uninstall updates via the Control Panel, which is now exclusively done through the Settings app.
The Windows Settings app still needs significant enhancements
As someone who frequently uses both Windows 11 and macOS 14, I find the Settings applications in both systems to be quite alike—and not very user-friendly. While the Settings app includes a search feature to help users find what they need, it’s not very intuitive; it seems better suited for mobile devices rather than desktop computers. If a search leads to incorrect results, users have to search again, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. Although it may have been designed with beginners in mind, the complex nested menus make it challenging to navigate.
I still find managing network settings or uninstalling programs much easier through the Control Panel. The Settings app is missing many functionalities that the Control Panel provides, and you might want to read Martin’s article on why Programs and Features in the Control Panel offers a superior user experience. It is also important that users still have the ability to edit the registry for changes not possible through the Settings app.
The reliable Control Panel works well and might simply benefit from a redesign rather than a complete replacement. Microsoft appears to want everything to showcase a “fluent design” and incorporate effects like mica. A visually attractive interface can be combined with a practical application; however, the design consistency across different areas of the operating system remains an issue.
Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that Microsoft intends to eliminate three applications with the release of the Windows 22H4 update: Tips, Cortana, and WordPad.
While I am not opposed to all changes; I appreciate the updates Microsoft has made to Notepad—such as tabs, auto-save, and spell-check—these enhancements are excellent. However, removing useful tools and options in favor of incomplete ideas seems counterproductive and feels like change for its own sake. In terms of controversial updates, Microsoft plans to reintroduce Windows Recall in October.
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