Microsoft is not yet ready to abolish the Control Panel

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Key findings

  • Microsoft has changed its plan to eliminate Control Panel; future plans are unclear.
  • The Control Panel will remain in Windows for now, with settings gradually migrating to the more modern Windows Settings app.
  • IT administrators should consider moving to Windows Settings as the future of Control Panel remains uncertain.



A few days ago, Microsoft updated the documentation on the Windows System Configuration Tools. This makes it clear that the company is finally moving away from Control panel in its operating system. Some senior Redmond officials had hinted at the end of the software in the past, but this was the first time the company confirmed such plans. Naturally, this sparked a debate among Windows users as to whether the Windows Settings app could ever truly replace the Control Panel, and now it seems Microsoft isn't sure either.


Wait, has Microsoft changed course?

Discovered by NeowinMicrosoft has updated its support article on the System Configuration Tools again. Surprisingly, it no longer states that the Control Panel is deprecated in favor of the more modern Windows Settings app. Instead, the text now reads as follows:


The Control Panel is a feature that has long been a part of Windows. It provides a central location for viewing and editing system settings and controls. Through a series of applets, you can adjust a variety of options, from system time and date to hardware settings, network configurations, and more.

Many of the settings in Control Panel are currently being migrated to the Settings app, which offers a more modern and streamlined experience.

It is obvious that Microsoft, at least for now, is not ready to completely eliminate the Control Panel.


What does all this mean?

Screenshot of Windows 11 notifications settings page

While the Redmond tech company isn't ready to flip the kill switch on Control Panel just yet, it's clear that this is part of the company's roadmap. The previous text that clearly confirmed the software's final demise suggests that the company may prioritize migrating all Control Panel functionality to Windows Settings. A tip in the support article emphasizes that Control Panel exists primarily for compatibility reasons and to access some features that haven't yet made it to the Modern app. With that in mind, now might be the right time to start planning your migration to Windows Settings, especially if you're an IT administrator.


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