The Control Panel may finally be removed from Windows 11 soon. Here we go again, Microsoft has been migrating the Control Panel for almost a decade now.

As Neowin reports, an update to a document on Microsoft’s support portal, filed under System Configuration Tools, states that “Control Panel is currently being phased out in favor of the Settings app, which offers a more modern and streamlined experience.”

It also explains why the old app has not been removed yet. “Although Control Panel remains for compatibility reasons and to provide access to some settings that have not yet been migrated, we recommend using the Settings app whenever possible.”

Technically, there’s no word on when Control Panel will disappear. Are we there yet? This has been looming since 2015, when Microsoft confirmed that the Settings app would replace Control Panel. The classic version has survived the demise, however, despite some changes, such as removing the ability to uninstall updates from CP. This is now only possible via the Settings app.

The Windows Settings app still has a long way to go

As someone who uses both Windows 11 and macOS 14 on a daily basis, I feel like the Settings app in both operating systems are similar and both are garbage. Sure, the Settings app lets you find what you need using the search bar. But that’s not good design, it’s more useful on phones than computers. If search doesn’t show what a user wanted, they have to search again, which is just a waste of time. You could argue that it’s designed for beginners, but each of the options is buried in multiple menus, making it very difficult to navigate.

I still prefer changing network settings or uninstalling programs through Control Panel, it’s much easier to do that through Control Panel. The Settings app still lacks many options that are available in Control Panel. You might want to read Martin’s article on why the old Programs and Features still provide a better experience. Hopefully users can use Registry Editor to change things that the Settings app can’t.

The good old Control Panel still works fine, maybe it just needs a redesign. I don’t think it needs an update, but Microsoft wants everything to have a “fluid design and a shimmer effect, ooh!” A pleasant UI and a functional app can coexist, it’s just that the designs are inconsistent in several areas of the OS.

Oh, and as a reminder, the Redmond company will remove three apps with the release of Windows 22H4: Tips, Cortana, and WordPad.

I’m not against all change. I like what Microsoft has done with Notepad, Tabs, AutoSave, and Spell Check. These are fantastic improvements. But removing useful tools and options in favor of a half-baked idea is bad. It feels like change for the sake of change. Speaking of controversial things, Microsoft is bringing back Windows Recall in October.

What do you think about the Settings app? Do you prefer to use the Control Panel?

Summary

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Microsoft could finally remove the Windows Control Panel

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The Control Panel may soon be removed from Windows 11.

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Ashwin

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Ghacks Technology News

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