Is Microsoft really retiring the Control Panel from Windows? Let's take a look

Microsoft first added the Control Panel to Windows in 1985, and it has been a staple of the operating system ever since. The Control Panel allows users to access advanced settings for pretty much anything, from display options to audio, peripherals, security, privacy, and, later, the Internet.

However, for years, whispers and rumours suggested Microsoft’s intention to phase out the Control Panel in favour of a more modern solution, the Settings app. Initially hinted at with the release of Windows 8, the company aimed for a touch-friendly interface, sparking debates among users about the future of the Control Panel.

The existence of the two boards, the Control Panel and the Settings app, is not bothersome for Windows users, but each has advantages and disadvantages. They’re mainly focused on helping users navigate Windows, so their goal is more or less the same.

Last week, Microsoft officially hinted on a support page that the Control Panel’s days are numbered. The tech giant cited a shift towards a more streamlined and modern experience with the Settings app and said the Control Panel was being deprecated.

The Control Panel is in the process of being deprecated in favor of the Settings app, which offers a more modern and streamlined experience.

However, following a backlash from the tech community worldwide, the Redmond-based tech giant changed the text of the announcement to imply that it will not retire this essential capability.

The Control Panel is a feature that’s been part of Windows for a long time. It provides a centralized location to view and manipulate system settings and controls. Through a series of applets, you can adjust various options ranging from system time and date to hardware settings, network configurations, and more. Many of the settings in Control Panel are in the process of being migrated to the Settings app, which offers a more modern and streamlined experience.

Tip: while the Control Panel still exists for compatibility reasons and to provide access to some settings that have not yet migrated, you’re encouraged to use the Settings app, whenever possible.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Control Panel doesn’t show up on the list of deprecated capabilities from Windows Client, so even if Microsoft announced it on its forums, the list is more indicative of the company’s stance.

So, to answer the burning question: no. Microsoft will not retire the Windows control panel. The decades-old capability will still be an essential part of the Windows 11 experience and future experiences. It’s true that while the Settings are more streamlined and intuitive, the Control Panel is helpful to those who are not prone to change.