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5 Ways to Open the Settings App on Windows 11

Quick Tips
  • Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I key shortcut.
  • Press the Windows + R shortcut to open the Run window > type ms-settings: > hit Enter.

Method 1: Utilize the Power User Menu

The Power User Menu contains shortcuts to all important applications including the Settings app. Press the Windows + X keys simultaneously to access the Power User Menu and click Settings to open it.

open the Power User Menu

Method 2: Open the Settings App via the Windows Search Menu

The Windows Search Menu is a one-stop solution to access all apps and installed programs on Windows 11. Press the Windows key, search Settings in the search bar, and press Enter to open it.

open Windows search menu

Method 3: Use the Action Center

The Windows Action Center is your central hub for notifications and essential controls, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Accessibility.

To open the Settings app via Action Center, press the Windows + A keys and click the Gear icon at the bottom right corner.

open action center

Method 4: Use Task Manager to Open Windows Settings

In addition to the Action Center, you can manually create a new task in the Task Manager to quickly open the Settings app.

Step 1: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager and click Run new task at the top right.

run a new task in the task manager app

Step 2: Type ms-settings: in the search bar and hit Enter to open the Settings app.

open the Settings app via the Task Manager app

Method 5: Open the Settings App via Command-Line Tools

Lastly, you can open the Windows 11 Settings app by executing a command on Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Command Prompt, and click to open it. Alternatively, search Windows PowerShell to launch it.

search command prompt

Step 2: Type start ms-settings: in the window and hit Enter.

execute command to open the Settings app

Useful Trick: Pin the Settings App to the Taskbar

If you don’t wish to execute commands, pin the Settings app shortcut directly to the taskbar to open it anytime.

Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app, right-click its Gear icon in the taskbar, and select Pin to taskbar.

pin settings app to taskbar

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Last updated on 22 May, 2024

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