Create a Shortcut to Access the Control Panel

To create a shortcut icon that opens the Windows Control Panel on your desktop, follow these steps:

1. Create the Control Panel Shortcut

1. Right-click on your desktop.
2. Hover over New and click Shortcut.
3. In the Type the location of the item field, enter the following command:

   control

4. Click Next.
5. Name the shortcut something like Control Panel, then click Finish.

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2. Change the Icon (Optional)

To make the shortcut look like the traditional Control Panel icon:

1. Right-click the Control Panel shortcut you just created and select Properties.
2. Under the Shortcut tab, click Change Icon.
3. In the Look for icons in this file field, paste:

   %SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll

4. Hit Enter, and you’ll see a list of icons. Select the Control Panel icon (or any icon you prefer) from the list.
5. Click OK, then Apply, and finally OK to save the changes.

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3. Pin to Taskbar or Start (Optional)

For quick access, you can pin the Control Panel shortcut to the taskbar or Start menu:

1. Right-click the shortcut.
2. Select Show more options (if on Windows 11), then choose Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start.

Now you have a convenient icon to open the Control Panel directly from your desktop!