Control Panel Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

How to add the Control Panel to the Start Menu in Windows 11

Posted on June 15, 2024

As you probably know, Microsoft is constantly making subtle changes to the Windows user interface.

And as you also probably know, some of those changes make more sense than others.

In fact, some changes make you scratch your head and wonder just what the folks up in Redmond were thinking when they decided to make them.

One of the biggest head-scratchers of all is Microsoft’s decision to remove the Control Panel from the Start Button’s right-click menu (the menu that pops up when you right-click on the Start button) starting with Windows 10. [Read more…]

Q&A: Can the Settings app on a Windows PC be disabled?

Posted on January 1, 2024

Question from Kandi: I bought my 9 year old son a new laptop for his birthday. He loves it and uses it every day.

The problem is I have already had to take it to the Geek Squad twice to fix issues he caused by changing some system settings.

I know that’s what he’s doing because I saw him using the Settings app.

Is there a way to disable the Settings app on his computer to prevent that from happening again? I really need to preserve my sanity! [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I make my laptop shut down when I close the lid?

Posted on November 4, 2021

Question from Betty: I have an Acer laptop that came with Windows 8.1.

I updated it to Windows 10 and now I’m having a problem with it.

When I finish using the laptop I can click the Shutdown icon and it shuts down just fine.

The problem is if I close the lid it doesn’t shut the laptop down like it did when it had Windows 8.1. It goes into Sleep mode instead.

Is there a way to force this my laptop to shut down automatically when I close the lid? [Read more…]

How to add frequently used Control Panel and Settings options to the Start Menu in Windows 10

Posted on December 8, 2020

Do you find yourself changing a certain Windows 10 system setting or accessing a particular Control Panel option on a regular basis?

If so, you can save time and clicks by adding that particular setting or Control Panel option right to the Start Menu!

I have several tiles on my PC’s Start menu for the Settings and Control Panel options I use the most, and you can do the same on your PC. [Read more…]

How to disable the Control Panel and Settings app in Windows 10 (and why you might want to)

Posted on November 30, 2020

As you probably know, Windows 10 has both a Control Panel and a Settings app that make it easy to alter a plethora of Windows settings and features.

Unfortunately, these powerful tools also make it very easy for inexperienced users to make system changes that end up causing issues with either the Windows installation itself or the programs and apps that run under it.

[Read more…]