Windows 11 looks set to kill the classic Control Panel

Windows xi looks prepare to kill the classic Control Panel

Windows Control Panel alongside Setting app

(Paradigm credit: Future)

It's getting fourth dimension to say goodbye to the old faithful Windows Control Panel, equally Microsoft is seemingly putting the feature out to pasture in Windows 11.

Since Windows ten, Microsoft has been nudging users abroad from the legacy Control Panel and to the Settings app, which was introduced in Windows viii as has been fleshed out over fourth dimension. Now in the new test version of Windows xi control over advanced network settings has been moved into the Settings app, with some features for device and network settings automatically directing users to the app rather than opening the Command Panel by default.

The same is truthful of the feature to uninstall Windows updates, as well as uninstalling apps; a feature that currently bounces users to the Control Console in Windows 10.

This is all ultimately good news, as the Settings app in Windows eleven and Windows 10 is far more than user-friendly and modern looking than the Control Console of onetime, which has early 2000s vibes.

That's not to say that the Control Panel is being purged, rather information technology'southward existence pushed aside. And when such things happen it starts to look like the finish of the road for legacy Windows features.

For long-time Windows users like myself at that place's a pang of sadness here. While information technology'southward non difficult to navigate the Settings app, there's familiarity and virtual musculus memory built into years of diving around in the Control Panel to tackle things similar dodgy device drivers and odd networking issues.

But equally, the somewhat primitive aesthetic and user interface of Command Panel means its days were e'er likely to be numbered. And the visual entreatment and built-in instructions of the Settings app does make it very easy to use. So with more than advanced features coming to Settings, it should get the one-stop-shop for Windows eleven beginners and ability users, and further assist Microsoft create a slick and streamlined operating system that doesn't scrimp on options.

Still, I experience information technology's time to cascade 1 out for the Control Panel, and say 'so long, and thanks for all the tweaks' while looking forwards to seeing how Windows eleven evolves in 2022.

Roland Moore-Colyer is U.K. Editor at Tom'due south Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He frequently writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he's likewise got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can be constitute wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face.