Microsoft has been the forerunner in operating systems since the dawn of personal computing, with Windows being its flagship product. But every operating system must evolve, and that’s precisely what Microsoft appears to be hinting at, primarily in the form of a significant change to one of Windows’ longstanding features.
Farewell to the Control Panel?
If you’ve ever operated a Windows computer, chances are you’ve run into the Control Panel. This ancient feature, dating back many Windows versions, is where you’ve probably made changes to your screen saver, adjusted your computer’s sound settings, reconfigured your printer—you name it.
According to a note found on the Microsoft support site, however, it seems the Control Panel’s days might be numbered. The note implies that Microsoft is considering deprecating the Control Panel in favor of the relatively new Settings app.
New Kid on the Block: The Settings App
The Settings app is no stranger to Windows users. It made its first appearance back in 2012, with the launch of Windows 8, as a user-friendly touchscreen alternative to some Control Panel features. However, its transformation into a Control Panel substitute has been gradual.
Microsoft has steadily incorporated more Control Panel functions into the Settings app. By the time Windows 11 launched, the Settings app was fully equipped to replace the Control Panel—almost. There were a few exceptions made for particularly complex changes and those who simply liked doing things the old-fashioned way.
Why the Change?
Microsoft’s push to transfer more and more functions from the Control Panel to the Settings app could be seen as part of the company’s bid to streamline its operating system. The Settings app provides a modern and easy-to-navigate experience which, at its core, appears to be more in line with the aesthetics and functionality of contemporary apps.
The Control Panel has served Windows users well for nearly four decades, but like all technology, it has to adapt and evolve to continue meeting its users’ needs. With a more intuitive design and a similar depth of control options, the Settings app might just be the optimal solution for this.
What This Means for Users
If Microsoft does decide to completely phase out the Control Panel, it could mean a bit of a learning curve for long-time Windows users. Some users might miss the familiar interface and specific functionalities only found in Control Panel. However, if this change, as Microsoft implies, offers an improved and modernized user experience, the transition could be well worth it.
The Final Verdict
There is no explicit confirmation from Microsoft that the Control Panel will be fully removed, remembering how the Settings app has gradually absorbed Control Panel’s functionalities. However, given Windows’ historical trajectory and the note found in Microsoft’s support site, it’s plausible to think its retirement could be on the horizon.
While time will reveal the Control Panel’s fate, one thing remains clear: change is the only constant in the world of technology. As users, it’s on us to keep pace with this evolution, learning new features and embracing the seamless experiences they come to offer.