Windows 10: Difference between settings & control panel?

I'm new the the Windows 10 Forums, and actually very new to the Windows 10 operating system (coming from using Apple products).

I find it a bit confusing that there seems to be sometimes two places for some settings, for instance I see two different areas for installing/uninstalling software, and I've noticed the same situation when making adjustments to my mouse settings. It's odd to me, since these options visually look different, but they seem to have many of the same options available to change.

1. Is this correct that there is essentially two areas (and two ways) for doing the same thing, one in "Settings" and one in the "Control Panel"?
2. Why does Windows separate these similar functions?

Thanks for any help

:)

 

The Control Panel (Category View)

My apologies, Brink but I still do not get it.

The steps for both options are identical, the only difference is the location of the desired icons will need to be accessible for all users for Option 2. That's it.

Moreover, both the Mail and Flash Player (32-bit) applets are not listed in the list of Control Panel items for both options.


Regards,
Andrew

 

windows 10 control panel

Hello,

Thank you for visiting Microsoft Community and providing us with the detailed description about the issue.

As per the description, I understand that you want to know how to access the control panel in Windows 10?

I certainly understand your concern and will try my best to help you.

I would suggest you to try the following steps to open the Control Panel in the system.

Step 1: Opening Control Panel in Windows 10.

• 
  Open Run command box by simultaneously pressing Windows and R keys (Windows + R).
  
• 
  In the Run dialog box, type
  Control and then press Enter key to open the classic Control Panel.
  

Step 2: Access Control Panel in Windows 10 from desktop.

• 
  Right-click on the Start button (Windows logo button at the bottom-left corner of the desktop) and then click Control Panel to open the same.
  

Step 3: Launch Control Panel using search.

• 
  Open Start menu or screen.
  
• 
  In the search box, enter Control Panel and then press Enter key to open the same.
  

Note: You can quickly access the search with the help of Windows + C hotkey.

Step 4: Create Control Panel shortcut on desktop.

• Right-click on desktop, click New, and then click Shortcut.
• In Type the location of the item box, type the following path.

explorer shell:ControlPanelFolder

• Click Next button.
• In the Type a name for this shortcut box, type Control Panel, and click Finish button. You can now double-click on the Control Panel icon on the desktop to quickly launch the same.

Step 5: Pin Control Panel to Start or taskbar.

• 
  In the Start search box, type Control Panel.
  
• 
  When you see search results, right-click on Control Panel entry and then click Pin to Start to pin it to the Start menu or screen.
  

Note: Clicking Pin to taskbar will pin the Control Panel to taskbar.

I hope this information is helpful.

Please do let us know if you need any further assistance, we will be glad to assist you.

Thank you.

 

Add Language: difference between Settings & Control Panel?

Hello Colb,

Regarding your concern, the Settings page of Windows 10 is actually like a new interface on Control panel. It listed common setting options that most users moderate or change. Even though Settings didn't show some of the options that you see in Control Panel,
it will still direct you to the Control Panel to access those options not listed. on the Settings page. The "Add language" option that you see in the Settings and from Control Panel are just the same.

Let us know if you need further assistance.