The Control Panel might soon be eliminated from Windows 11, as Microsoft has been striving to phase it out for nearly ten years.
As reported by Neowin, a recent post on Microsoft’s support site regarding System Configuration tools mentions, “The Control Panel is being progressively substituted by the Settings app, which offers a more modern and user-friendly design.”
The document clarifies the rationale for the Control Panel’s ongoing presence. “Though the Control Panel remains accessible for compatibility purposes and to reach certain settings that haven’t been fully migrated, users are encouraged to utilize the Settings app whenever possible.”
Nonetheless, it does not specify when the Control Panel will be actually eliminated. Are we nearing that period? This transition has been anticipated since 2015, when Microsoft revealed that the Settings app would ultimately take over the Control Panel. In spite of this, the traditional version persists, albeit with a few alterations—such as the removal of the ability to uninstall updates through the Control Panel, which is now solely managed via the Settings app.
The Windows Settings app still requires considerable improvements
As someone who regularly uses both Windows 11 and macOS 14, I perceive the Settings applications in both platforms to be quite similar—and not particularly user-friendly. While the Settings app incorporates a search function to assist users in locating what they require, it’s not very intuitive; it appears to be more appropriate for mobile devices rather than desktop systems. If a search yields incorrect outcomes, users must search again, which can be aggravating and time-consuming. Despite seemingly being designed for novices, the complicated nested menus render it tough to navigate.
I still find it much simpler to manage network settings or uninstall applications through the Control Panel. The Settings app lacks numerous features that the Control Panel offers, and you might find value in reading Martin’s piece on why Programs and Features in the Control Panel provide an enhanced user experience. It is also vital that users retain the capability to modify the registry for adjustments not feasible through the Settings app.
The dependable Control Panel functions well and might simply require a redesign rather than an outright replacement. Microsoft seems to aspire for everything to exhibit a “fluent design” and include effects such as mica. A visually appealing interface can indeed coexist with a functional application; nevertheless, the coherence in design across various sections of the operating system continues to be a concern.
Furthermore, it’s notable that Microsoft plans to remove three applications with the launch of the Windows 22H4 update: Tips, Cortana, and WordPad.
While I am not against all modifications; I value the updates Microsoft has incorporated into Notepad—like tabs, auto-save, and spell-check—these enhancements are exceptional. However, eliminating beneficial tools and options in favor of incomplete concepts seems counterproductive and appears to be change for the sake of change. Regarding contentious updates, Microsoft intends to reintroduce Windows Recall in October.
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