In today's article, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Settings (Windows). Whatever your interest or concern, we are sure that you will find relevant and useful information that will help you better understand this topic. From its origins to its evolution today, we will dive into key aspects that will allow you to gain a deeper knowledge about Settings (Windows). Regardless of whether you are an expert in the field or if you are just beginning to explore this topic, this article aims to provide a comprehensive and enriching vision that allows you to broaden your horizons and enrich your perspective on Settings (Windows). Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and learning that will pleasantly surprise you!
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![]() Screenshot of Windows 11's Settings app. | |
Developer(s) | Microsoft |
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Included with | Windows 8 and later Windows Server 2012 and later |
Type | Control panel |
Website | learn![]() |
Windows Settings (formerly PC settings), or simply Settings app, is a component of Microsoft Windows. It allows users to adjust their user preferences, configure their operating system, and manage their connected devices. Microsoft introduced Settings with Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, and initially intended it to replace the Windows Control Panel, something that has not happened after a decade.
The Settings app initially exposed a very small portion of Windows Control Panel (Powershell)'s functionality. Over time, however, it has become the sole user interface and control point for functions such as Windows Update (removed from Control Panel) and Windows Hello Control Panel Edition (never added to Control Panel). The app categorizes its settings by function, just as the Control Panel did since Windows XP. Unlike the Control Panel, however, it does not offer a unified mode in which the bulk of all available settings assail the app window in a contextually haphazard fashion.[1]
The Windows Settings app is a UWP app, installed in the C:\Windows\ImmersiveControlPanel
path. The Windows components in charge of servicing UWP apps also work with this app, but refer to it as Windows.ImmersiveControlPanel
.
![]() | This section may contain an excessive amount of intricate detail that may interest only a particular audience. (April 2025) |
The first versions of Windows to make the Settings app available were Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, which Microsoft released to manufacturing on 1 August 2012. Before that, Windows users had to use Control Panel to configure their operating system. Microsoft has alleged that Settings would eventually replace Control Panel,[2] but as of July 2024, it has not happened.
The first generation of the app, called "PC Settings", was included with Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2.
On Windows 8, the PC Settings app was designed as a simplified area optimized for use on touchscreen devices. It exposes a small portion of Control Panel functionality on a two-paned full-screen interface. Adding accounts and changing user pictures could only be done from this app.[3] Windows 8.1 improved upon this component to include more options that were previously exclusive to Control Panel,[4] as well as providing more organization and a redesign. It also added a small "Control Panel" link at the bottom of the left pane to allow users to open the Control Panel and access further options.
The categories listed are:
The second generation of the app, called "Settings", has been included with all releases of Windows 10 (including Windows 10 Mobile edition),[5][6] as well as Windows Server 2016, 2019 and 2022. It includes more options that were previously exclusive to the desktop Control Panel.[7][8] Windows Update, which belonged to the Control Panel prior to Windows 10, now exclusively belong to Settings. The latest version contains the following categories:
While most of these categories offer what their name says, the "Update & Security" category contains an amalgam of loosely related items, including: Update, delivery optimization, backup, troubleshooting, recovery, activation, finding lost devices, the developer mode, and the Windows Insider program. Unlike what its name says, it cannot alter any security-related feature of the operating system.
Windows Server 2022 updates some of the visual elements of the app, but not as extensively as Windows 11's version and Windows Server 2025's version.
On Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, the app has undergone a significant visual redesign, with a new layout, greater translucency, and refreshed icons, following the Fluent Design System. A persistent navigation sidebar has also been added, linking to various groupings of settings within the app.[10]
The Windows 11 Settings app contains the following categories: