How to Add the Control Panel to the Windows 11 Start Menu

Microsoft has been slowly migrating settings from the legacy Control Panel into the modern Windows Settings app for years. However, many advanced configuration options—such as deep networking tools, precise power plan management, and legacy hardware drivers—still require the old Control Panel.

Because Microsoft wants you to use the modern Settings app, the Control Panel is hidden by default in Windows 11. You usually have to search for it every time you need it. If you find yourself frequently needing legacy tools, you can easily pin the Control Panel directly to your Start Menu for instant access.

This guide explains how to add the Control Panel to your Windows 11 Start Menu.

Pinning the Control Panel to the Start Menu

The process is straightforward and uses the built-in Windows search function.

1. Click the Start button on your taskbar (or press the Windows key on your keyboard).
2. In the search bar at the very top of the Start Menu, type Control Panel.
3. The “Control Panel” app will appear as the Best Match result.
4. Instead of clicking it to open it, look at the options panel on the right side of the search menu.
5. Click on Pin to Start. (Alternatively, you can right-click the Control Panel icon in the search results and select “Pin to Start” from the context menu).

Organizing the Start Menu

By default, Windows places newly pinned apps at the very bottom of your pinned list. To make it more accessible:

1. Click the Start button again to open the main menu.
2. Scroll down through your Pinned apps until you find the Control Panel icon.
3. Click and hold the left mouse button on the Control Panel icon.
4. Drag the icon up to the very top row of your pinned apps and release the mouse button.

Now, whenever you open the Start Menu, the Control Panel will be immediately visible and just one click away.

How to Remove the Pinned Icon

If you no longer need quick access to the Control Panel, you can easily remove it from the Start Menu without uninstalling or deleting anything.

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. Right-click the Control Panel icon.
3. Select Unpin from Start from the context menu.

The icon will disappear, but you will still be able to find the Control Panel via the search bar whenever necessary.