Where Is Control Panel On An HP Laptop? | Quick Access Guide

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On HP laptops, open Control Panel via Start search, Run “control”, or a desktop icon; location depends on Windows, not the brand.

If you use an HP notebook and can’t spot the Control Panel, you’re not alone. Windows tucks it behind search and shortcuts, and the entry point moves a bit between versions. The good news: you can reach it fast and keep it a click away.

Find Control Panel On HP Laptops: All The Ways

Below are the fastest methods. Pick the one that fits how you like to work, then set a permanent shortcut so it’s always right where you want it.

Method 1: Use Start Search

  1. Press Windows key or click the Start button.
  2. Type Control Panel.
  3. Select the app result. Right-click it and choose Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar for quick access next time.

This works on Windows 11 and Windows 10. If search is slow, rebuild the index later in the guide.

Method 2: Run The “control” Command

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
  2. Type control and press Enter.

The control command launches the classic hub instantly. You can also start specific pages with applets like appwiz.cpl (Programs and Features) or ncpa.cpl (Network Connections). Microsoft documents these commands in its guide on running Control Panel tools. It’s quick and reliable.

Method 3: Add A Desktop Icon

Prefer a desktop icon you can double-click?

  1. Open Settings → Personalization → Themes → Desktop icon settings.
  2. Check Control Panel → Apply → OK.

This surfaces a classic icon on your desktop.

Method 4: Create A Taskbar Or Start Tile

  1. Search for Control Panel once.
  2. Right-click the result and choose Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start.

One pin saves clicks.

Method 5: Open From File Explorer

  1. Open File Explorer with Windows + E.
  2. Click the address bar, type control, and press Enter.

Method 6: Command Prompt Or PowerShell

  1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  2. Type control and press Enter.

Use this when you’re already at a terminal, or when building scripts for admin tasks.

Open Specific Control Panel Pages Directly

You don’t always need the main landing screen. Use these applet commands to jump into common tasks. They work through Run, the address bar, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.

control
appwiz.cpl        # Programs and Features
ncpa.cpl          # Network Connections
sysdm.cpl         # System Properties
powercfg.cpl      # Power Options
mmsys.cpl         # Sound
intl.cpl          # Region
main.cpl          # Mouse

Microsoft’s page above lists more applets and names for different Windows builds.

Windows 11 Versus Windows 10: What’s Different?

On both versions, the classic hub still ships with the OS. Many settings moved into the modern Settings app. Some tasks appear only in one place, others in both, and the route can change after updates.

Key points:

  • Windows 11 puts Settings front-and-center, but the classic panels still launch and handle legacy tasks.
  • Windows 10 keeps similar paths. The search method and the control command work the same way.
  • Migration is ongoing, so you might notice certain pages redirect to Settings after updates.

HP-Specific Notes That Help

Your HP hardware doesn’t move or hide Windows features. Still, two small tips make life easier on these machines:

Check Action Keys Mode

Many HP laptops ship with Action Keys Mode enabled. That flips the function row so F1–F12 act as brightness, volume, and other shortcuts unless you hold Fn. If you rely on function keys for apps, switch the mode in BIOS Setup (press F10 at boot) and change Action Keys Mode to your preference. HP explains the steps in its guide on locking or unlocking the Fn key.

Update HP Drivers And BIOS

If search feels sluggish, panels open slowly, or devices don’t show correctly, update your chipset, graphics, and BIOS with HP’s utilities. Fresh firmware, drivers, and a reboot often fix odd glitches.

Make A Permanent Shortcut You Won’t Lose

Create A Desktop Shortcut

  1. Right-click the desktop → New → Shortcut.
  2. In the location box, enter control.exe and click Next.
  3. Name it and click Finish. Right-click → Properties → Change Icon to pick a classic icon.

Pin That Shortcut Wherever You Work

Drag the new shortcut to the taskbar or right-click it and choose Pin to Start. Now it’s always just one click away.

When To Use Settings Instead

The modern app keeps gaining features with each update. Many everyday tasks live there now: Bluetooth pairing, Wi-Fi, display scaling, theme settings, default apps, and privacy toggles. If you reach the classic hub and it forwards you to a Settings page, it’s simply Windows steering you to the current home for that control.

Troubleshooting: Control Panel Won’t Open Or Is Missing Results

Fix Search

  1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Searching Windows.
  2. Choose Enhanced if you want system-wide indexing.
  3. Click Advanced indexing options → Advanced → Rebuild.

Run System File Checks

Corrupted system files can block classic tools. Open an elevated terminal and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Create A New User Profile

If only one account is affected, create a fresh profile and test there. Profile corruption is a common cause of odd control issues.

Use Safe Mode Or Clean Boot

Third-party shell add-ons can interfere with system panels. Boot into Safe Mode or perform a clean boot to isolate startup items, then try the classic hub again.

Copy-And-Paste Shortcuts For Busy Days

Drop these into Run, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or the Explorer address bar. They open the exact area you need without hunting through menus.

# Open the main hub
control

# Devices and Printers
control printers

# Network Connections
ncpa.cpl

# Programs and Features
appwiz.cpl

# Power Options
powercfg.cpl

# System Properties
sysdm.cpl

# Sound
mmsys.cpl

Why You Still See The Classic Panels

Windows continues to move settings into the modern app, but the classic collection remains because many tools are mature and still needed by help desks and power users. That’s why you can still open it on current builds, even as new releases shift more toggles to the newer interface.

Set Up A Smooth Daily Workflow

Here’s a simple plan that keeps settings close and cuts friction:

  • Keep a pinned icon on your taskbar for one-click access.
  • Add the desktop icon for a visible target.
  • Memorize control and two applets you use weekly.
  • Use Settings for modern tasks and the classic hub for legacy tools.

Fast Paths Cheat Sheet

Goal Quick Path Works On
Open the main hub Windows + R → control Windows 11/10
Uninstall a program appwiz.cpl Windows 11/10
Change network adapter ncpa.cpl Windows 11/10
Adjust power plan powercfg.cpl Windows 11/10
Open System info sysdm.cpl Windows 11/10
Open Sound settings mmsys.cpl Windows 11/10

Sources You Can Trust

Microsoft documents command launches for classic applets in its article above, and HP explains how to toggle Action Keys Mode in BIOS if your function row behavior is different.

Tip: if you’re setting up a relative’s PC, pin a tile and teach the Windows + R → control habit. It sticks fast and works on almost any Windows box they’ll use.