The Quick Settings panel in Windows 11 is one of the most underused productivity features built into the operating system. Accessible with a single click on the Wi-Fi, speaker, or battery icons in the system tray, this flyout panel provides instant access to frequently used toggles and controls without navigating through the full Settings app. However, the default configuration only shows a handful of options, and many users never realise that the panel is fully customisable.
Where to Find the Quick Settings Panel
The Quick Settings panel appears when you click on the cluster of small icons in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar, next to the clock. Specifically, clicking on the Wi-Fi icon, the speaker icon, or the battery icon (on laptops) opens the panel. You can also press Windows Key + A on your keyboard to open it instantly.
The panel displays a grid of toggle buttons for system features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Aeroplane Mode, and Battery Saver, along with sliders for brightness and volume.
How to Add and Remove Quick Settings Toggles
Windows 11 allows you to add or remove toggles from the Quick Settings panel so that it contains exactly the controls you use most frequently.
1. Open the Quick Settings panel by pressing Windows Key + A.
2. Click the small pencil icon (Edit quick settings) in the bottom-left corner of the panel.
3. The panel enters edit mode. Each existing toggle now displays a small unpin icon (a pushpin with a line through it). Click this icon on any toggle you want to remove.
4. To add new toggles, click the + Add button at the bottom of the panel. A list of all available toggles appears, including options such as:
- Night Light — reduces blue light emission to ease eye strain.
- Nearby Sharing — allows you to wirelessly share files with nearby Windows devices.
- Project — quickly connect to external displays or projectors.
- Rotation Lock — prevents the screen from rotating on tablets and convertible laptops.
- Mobile Hotspot — shares your internet connection with other devices.
- VPN — quickly connect to a configured VPN.
- Cast — mirror your screen to a wireless display.
5. Click any toggle in the list to add it to your panel.
6. Once you have finished customising, click Done to save your changes.
How to Rearrange the Order of Toggles
While in edit mode (after clicking the pencil icon), you can click and drag any toggle to a new position within the grid. This allows you to place your most frequently used controls at the top of the panel where they are easiest to reach. For example, if you use Night Light and Bluetooth more than Aeroplane Mode, drag them to the first row.
Adjusting the Brightness and Volume Sliders
Below the toggle grid, the Quick Settings panel includes two sliders:
- Brightness slider — adjusts your display brightness. This is significantly faster than navigating to Settings > Display > Brightness.
- Volume slider — controls the system audio level. Click the small speaker icon next to the slider to mute audio entirely.
On laptops, a battery percentage indicator also appears at the bottom of the panel, along with a direct link to the battery settings page.
Quick Access to Related Settings
Each toggle in the Quick Settings panel also functions as a gateway to its full settings page. Instead of simply clicking a toggle to turn it on or off, right-click (or long-press on a touchscreen) on any toggle and select Go to Settings. This takes you directly to the relevant configuration page in the Settings app, saving you from manually navigating through multiple menus.
For example, right-clicking the Wi-Fi toggle and selecting “Go to Settings” opens the Wi-Fi settings page where you can manage saved networks, view network properties, and configure proxy settings.
Useful Quick Settings Configurations for Different Users
The ideal Quick Settings configuration depends on how you use your computer:
- Office workers: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Focus Assist, Night Light, Project.
- Students with laptops: Wi-Fi, Battery Saver, Night Light, Bluetooth, Rotation Lock.
- Presenters: Wi-Fi, Project, Cast, Bluetooth, Focus Assist.
- Remote workers: Wi-Fi, VPN, Bluetooth, Mobile Hotspot, Nearby Sharing.
By tailoring the panel to your daily workflow, you eliminate unnecessary clicks and gain instant access to the controls that matter most.
Troubleshooting Missing Toggles
If certain toggles are missing from the available options, this usually means the relevant hardware or feature is not present on your device. For example, the Mobile Hotspot toggle only appears on devices with a Wi-Fi adapter that supports hosted networks, and the Rotation Lock toggle only appears on tablets and convertible devices with an accelerometer.
If toggles you expect to see are missing, ensure your device drivers are up to date by checking Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.