How to Open Settings in Windows 10 and Find Any Control

Windows 10 Settings is where you change everyday controls like Wi-Fi, display, apps, privacy, and updates. When you need to open settings Windows 10 quickly, use the fastest entry point first, then search for the exact control instead of digging through menus.

Here are the current Microsoft-documented ways to open Settings, move around it, and get to the pages people use most.

1. Open Settings from Start

Start here if you want the standard route.

Select Start.
Select Settings.

For Windows 10 privacy controls, go to Start > Settings > Privacy. That opens the local privacy area for the device.

2. Press the Windows I shortcut

1.Press Windows + I.
2.Wait for the Settings app to open.

This is the fastest way once you remember it. Use it from the desktop, from an open app, or when you do not want to open the Start menu first.

3. Right-click Start for Settings

The Power User menu gives you another direct path: right-click Start, then select Settings.

For taskbar options, right-click an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. For Start options, select Start, right-click the bottom of the Start menu, then select Start settings.

4. Search for the setting you need

If you already know the control you want, search beats browsing.

1.Select Search on the taskbar, or press Windows + S.
2.Type Settings, or type the name of a setting such as display, Wi-Fi, apps, privacy, or update.
3.Select the matching app or setting result.

Press Enter to open the Best match.

5. Browse Windows 10 Settings categories

System for display, notifications, and related system controls.
Devices for connected hardware.
Network & Internet for internet and network options.
Personalization for the look of Windows.
Apps for installed app controls.
Accounts for account and backup-related settings.
Time & Language for region, language, and time settings.
Gaming for gaming options.
Ease of Access for accessibility settings.
Search for Windows search settings.
Privacy for privacy controls.
Update & Security for Windows Update and security-related settings.

Once Settings is open, choose the category that matches the change you want to make. Select a category, then select the page or control you need.

6. Find controls inside Settings

Settings has its own search box, which is useful when you are already inside the app.

1.Open Settings.
2.Select the search box labeled Find a setting.
3.Type the setting name.
4.Select a result.

Keyboard users can press Ctrl + E to move focus to Find a setting. Use Up arrow or Down arrow to move through results, then press Enter.

To move around Settings without a mouse, press Tab to move focus, use Up arrow or Down arrow between categories, press Enter to open a category, and press Backspace to return to the main Settings window.

7. Launch Settings pages with Run

1.Press Windows + R.
2.Type ms-settings:.
3.Press Enter.

The Run box is handy when you want a specific Settings page and know the command. That opens Settings.

To jump straight to a page, use a supported command such as ms-settings:display, ms-settings:network-wifi, ms-settings:appsfeatures, or ms-settings:windowsupdate. Individual ms-settings: pages vary by Windows version, edition, hardware, and whether the feature exists on the device.

8. Change common Windows 10 options

For app removal, go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Select the app, then select Uninstall.

For Action Center quick actions, go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions > Edit your quick actions. Select Add or unpin tiles, then select Done.
To open Action Center from the keyboard, press Windows + A.
For settings inside an app, open the app and look for a gear icon labeled Settings. In some apps, select More, then select Settings.

9. Skip old Settings advice

Use Settings, Search, Windows + I, or ms-settings: for current Windows 10 Settings access.

Do not rely on Cortana voice commands to open Settings. Microsoft retired Cortana voice assistance in Windows as a standalone app in spring 2023.

On work or school PCs, an organization can hide or show specific Settings pages. When a page is missing on a managed device, contact your administrator.