3.

0 FEATURE ANALYSIS

3.1 Feature Name: Control Panel Vs. Settings

3.2 Description

The control panel and settings are two fundamental tools in Windows 11 for managing system
configurations. While both offer similar capabilities, they differ in their design, variety of
settings, and ease of use. The control panel has been a staple in the Windows environment,
featuring a traditional interface with icons and options for system settings and configurations.
These options are categorized into eight sections, providing users with in-depth control over
areas such as network, security, hardware, user accounts, customization of the computer, and
more. Conversely, the Settings app is a more contemporary and modern tool with a simplified
design and an intuitive layout that enhances navigation and personalization of the Windows
experience. This application provides straightforward access to settings related to hardware,
Windows updates, applications, privacy, devices, and user accounts, in line with the modern
aesthetics of recent Windows versions.(Rafique, 2023).

3.3 How to Access the Control Panel

Windows 11 has multiple methods to access the Control Panel as well as the Windows settings.

i. Using the Search Bar:

Press Windows + S, type Control Panel in the search bar, and then press Enter or Open.
 Figure 1: Search Bar

ii. Using the Run Command:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type control, and press Enter or Ok to open
the control panel.
 Figure 2: Run Command

iii. Using the Start Menu:

Click the start button on the taskbar, type Control, select it from the results by double-
clicking it, or open the option on the right.
 Figure 3: Start Menu

iv. Using the Command prompt or PowerShell:

Open the command prompt (cmd) or PowerShell from the search bar and type control or
Control Panel, then press Enter.
Figure 4: Command prompt
 Figure 5: PowerShell

The following are the applets the control Panel manages:

i. Systems and security: Manages the User Account Control (UAC), Windows Firewall.
And other security settings.
ii. Network and internet: Enables access to network settings, including network sharing,
and manages network adapters.
iii. Hardware and sound: Manages devices, including printers, sound devices, and Bluetooth
devices that are connected to the computer.
iv. Programs: The app manages the installed programs, including uninstalling and accessing
program features.
v. User Accounts: Manages user accounts, including creating new accounts, changing
account types, and managing passwords.
vi. Appearance and Personalization: Customize the desktop, theme, and lock screen
vii. Clock and Regions: Configure date, time, region, and language settings.
viii. Ease of Access: Adjust settings for users with disabilities, including screen readers,
voice control, and many more.

3.4 How to Access Windows Settings

Just like the Control panel, Windows settings also have several methods to access it:

i. From the Start Menu

Click Start > Settings (gear icon) and double-click on the icon to open it.

Figure 6: Start Menu

ii. Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Upon pressing Windows + I, the settings app opens instantly, as shown below:
 Figure 7: Keyboard Shortcut

iii. Using the Search Bar

Press Windows + S, type settings, and select the app from the search results.
 Figure 8: Search Bar

iv. Using Right-click Start Menu

Right-click the start button or press Windows + X, then select settings from the menu.
Figure 9: Right-Click Start Menu
 Figure 10: Windows + X

The following are the applets the Settings App manages:

i. System: It manages display settings, notifications, power and battery, and device settings.
ii. Accounts: Manage user accounts, including adding or removing users, changing account
types, and managing family settings.
iii. Time & Language: Configure date, time, region, and language settings.
iv. Privacy & Security: Control privacy settings, including location, microphone, camera, and
app permissions.
v. Apps: Manages installed apps, including uninstalling, updating, and accessing app
features.
vi. Network & Internet: Configure network connections, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet
settings.
vii. Personalization: Customize the desktop, theme, and lock screen.
viii. Accessibility: Adjust settings for users with disabilities, including screen readers, voice
control, and more.
ix. Bluetooth & Devices: Manage connected devices, including printers, mice, and keyboards
connected to the computer.
x. Windows Updates & Security: Checks for Windows updates and manages security
settings too.

3.5 Functions & Capabilities

In Windows 11, users can perform a wide range of tasks through both the Settings app and the
Control Panel, encompassing system management, personalization, and security, with the
Control Panel offering more advanced options while the settings app provides a more
streamlined interface. (Microsoft, n.d).

Control Panel (Legacy Settings)

i. Function:
The Control Panel is an outdated feature that allows users to access traditional system
settings and manage configurations that haven't been completely transferred to the
Settings app.
ii. Compatibility:
It is maintained for compatibility purposes, allowing older software and configurations to
operate properly.
Settings (Primary Interface)

i. Function:
The Settings app is the main interface for managing system settings in Windows 11,
providing a more modern and streamlined experience.
ii. Compatibility:
Offers access to various system settings, including hardware, software, security, network,
and user accounts.

3.6 Benefits & Use Cases

Benefits of Control Panel:

 i. Legacy Feature Access: The Control Panel maintains access to settings not yet transferred
to the Settings app, ensuring compatibility with older software and setups.
ii. User-Friendly Interface: The Control Panel provides a straightforward approach to adjust
system settings for those who are used to the previous interface.
iii. Advanced Settings: Control Panel remains the primary way to access advanced system
settings and troubleshooting options.

Use Cases:

i. Hardware and Software Management: Adding, removing, and configuring hardware and
software, including drivers and devices.

ii. System and Security: Managing firewall settings, Windows updates, and system
information.

iii. Network and Internet: Configuring network settings, connections, and sharing options.

iv. Troubleshooting: Accessing tools and options for diagnosing and resolving system
issues.

v. User Accounts: Managing user accounts, including creating, modifying, and deleting
them.

vi. Accessibility: Configuring accessibility features like screen readers, magnifiers, and
high-contrast settings.

Benefits of Settings App:

i. Modern Interface: The Settings app offers a more modern and streamlined user interface,
making it easier to navigate and find settings.

ii. Simplified Settings: Many settings have been simplified and made more user-friendly in
the Settings app.

iii. Centralized Location: The Settings app consolidates many system settings into a single
location, making it easier to find and manage them.
Use Cases:

i. Personalization: Changing the appearance of the operating system, including themes,

fonts, and display settings.
ii. Device Management: Setting up printers, Bluetooth devices, and other peripherals.
iii. Manage network and internet settings, including Wi-Fi connections and sharing.
iv. Security: Managing settings for Windows Defender and account security.
v. System Updates: Checking and applying Windows updates.

3.7 Limitations or Drawbacks

Control Panel Limitations in Windows 11:

i. The Control Panel's outdated layout does not align with the contemporary Windows 11
design language, leading to a clumsy and less intuitive user experience.
ii. Settings App Preference: Microsoft is advocating the usage of the options app for
managing system settings. Many options formerly only accessible through the Control
Panel are now available in the Settings app.
iii. Windows 11 redirects some settings entry points to the Settings app rather than the
Control Panel, underlining the shift towards this interface.
iv. Limited Functionality: Microsoft is gradually transferring Control Panel functionality to
the Settings app, which may result in some settings being moved or eliminated.
v. Compatibility concerns: Legacy apps or software may still rely on the Control Panel for
specific settings or functionality, causing compatibility concerns if it is deleted or
dramatically changed.
vi. Some users find the Control Panel confusing and difficult to manage, especially
compared to the more streamlined Settings app.

Settings App Limitations in Windows 11:

i. Reduced Customization and Organization: The new Start menu, while sleek, offers fewer
options for customization and organization compared to Windows 10, and the taskbar is
also less flexible.
 ii. Less Control over Updates: Windows 11 maintains a stringent approach to system
updates, offering less control to users over when and how updates are installed.

iii. Simplified Interface, Potential Loss of Detail: The "modern" interface in Settings can
sometimes present information in a touch-like way, potentially sacrificing detail or
granular control that was available in the Control Panel.

iv. Some Settings Moved or Removed: Some settings that were previously in the Control
Panel have been moved to the Settings app or removed altogether, potentially requiring
users to navigate through multiple interfaces to find the desired settings.

v. Lack of Right-Click Functionality: In the Settings App, right-clicking on an item often

doesn't provide any options, unlike the Control Panel, where right-clicking allows for
creating shortcuts or accessing other context-specific actions.

vi. Difficulties in Managing Multiple Instances of Programs: The grouping of applications

and programs in the Start Menu can make it difficult to manage multiple instances of
programs while not utilizing taskbar real estate.

vii. Cannot Remove "Recommended" from Start Menu: The "Recommended" section in the
Start Menu cannot be removed, which some users find unnecessary and a waste of space.

viii. Cannot Open Recent Files for a Specific Program: The Start Menu only shows a short list
of all recent files, but not files that are commonly used from a specific application.

4.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

(TechWiser, 2023) Describes in-depth comparison between the Control Panel and the Settings app,
discussing their functionalities and the gradual shift toward the Settings app in Windows 11. The
table below illustrates the differences between the Control Panel and vs. Settings App in terms of
their functionality:

Control Panel (Legacy) Settings App (Modern)

Interface and user The control Panel is a legacy The Settings app is a user-
experience interface, and many of its friendly interface for
functions are being migrated common settings and
 to the settings app. personalization.
Functionality and features It is used for more complex Any new major features
and technical settings, often added to Windows are
related to hardware, network, likely to be controlled by
security, and administrative the Settings App. Features
tools. like Windows update, app
permission, and
personalization.
Advanced customization Used for deep system, such as Better for user-friendly
and system management Device Manager, Firewall, changes like themes,
User Account Control (UAC), displays, accessibility, and
and Group Policy (for power settings. Some
Pro/Enterprise users) system management (e.g.,
network settings) is
migrating here.
Future and Deprecation Microsoft is gradually More features are expected
Trends phasing it out, redirecting to migrate here in the future
many features to the settings updates of Windows system
App. Some tools may remain management.
in the Windows Admin
Center.
Software and App Used for uninstalling legacy Modern app management
Management programs and managing (e.g., uninstalling store
system-wide software. apps, startup apps, and
optional features).
Networking and Security Provides advanced network Simplifies Wi-Fi, VPN, and
settings, like IP configuration, Ethernet settings, but
VPN settings, firewall rules, advanced network controls
and network adapters. still exist in Control Panel.

5.0 CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS

5.1 Challenges during testing:

i. Incomplete Migration: Not all settings have been migrated from the Control Panel to
the Settings app, meaning testers need to understand where specific settings are located
and ensure functionality across both interfaces.
ii. Legacy Compatibility: The Control Panel still exists for compatibility reasons, and
some third-party applications might rely on it, requiring testers to ensure that these
applications function correctly with the new Settings app.
iii. User Experience Differences: The Control Panel and Settings app have different
interfaces and navigation structures, which can lead to confusion for users, making it
crucial for testers to evaluate the user experience of both.
iv. Functionality Gaps: Some features or settings might be missing or have different
functionalities in the Settings app compared to the Control Panel, necessitating
thorough testing to ensure a complete user experience.

5.2 Limitations during testing:

i. Limited Test Coverage: It can be difficult to test all possible settings and functionalities
across both interfaces, potentially leading to undetected issues.

ii. Time Constraints: The complexity of testing both interfaces can be time-consuming,
potentially limiting the scope of testing.

iii. Resource Constraints: Testing both interfaces requires a dedicated team with expertise
in both the Control Panel and Settings app, which can be a resource constraint.

iv. Difficulty in Automation: Automating tests for both interfaces can be challenging due
to their different structures and functionalities.

(Simpson, 2024) States that if you upgrade from the original Windows 11, released in 2021,
virtually nothing is missing in the 2024 update. If you instead upgraded from Windows 8 or 10,
you will find the following features are missing:

i. Timeline: Windows 10 kept track of the apps and files you worked with for the past 30
days. Windows 11 removes the feature and offers no replacement.
 ii. Movable taskbar: The Windows taskbar normally lives along the screen’s bottom edge,
but previous versions of Windows let you move that taskbar to any edge you want. With
Windows 11, the taskbar remains affixed to the bottom of your desktop, with no option of
moving it.
iii. Synced wallpaper: In Windows 10, you can automatically sync your desktop wallpaper
across multiple computers. To the dismay of computer decorators, Windows 11 killed
that feature.
iv. Tablet Mode: Designed specifically for tablets with touchscreens, tablet mode quickly
spaced your icons further apart to accommodate thick fingertips. The start screen and
apps always fill the entire screen. Windows 11 dumps the tablet screen because Windows
11 is automatically finger-friendly.
v. Live tiles on the start menu: In Windows 10, the start menu sometimes resembled a
moving marquee, with animated tiles that changed their display. Windows 11 ditches the
animated tiles in favor of a simpler menu that merely shows static icons. In addition,
folders are no longer created on the start menu for storing related items.
vi. Groove: The groove app for playing music has vanished in this version. Media player is
the preferred app for music.
vii. Internet Explorer: Microsoft’s elderly browser, Internet Explorer, disappeared from
Windows 11 and has been replaced by Microsoft Edge.
viii. Cortana: Microsoft fired its little robot that tried to help you work but mostly got in the
way. You can still launch the Cortana app from the start menu, but Cortana won’t bother
you otherwise.
ix. Paint 3D: With Paint 3D, you can create three-dimensional images that rotate on the
screen. Few people used it, and even fewer will notice that it’s missing.

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSION

6.1 Recommendations
For most routine tasks, the user is required to use Settings as their primary tool for everyday
adjustments and user preferences. The Devices and Apps sections in Settings are more user-
friendly and allow quicker access to device and application management. Updates and Security,
Settings is recommended for managing security and backup options, as it offers a more modern
experience and provides regular updates. Conversely, the Control Panel is required when one
wants to advance system settings or specific network configurations that aren't available in
Settings. For legacy software management or older Windows components, the user still needs the
use of the Control Panel. Also, if one wants to manage or troubleshoot hardware devices, they
have to go for the Control Panel's Device Manager.

6.2 Conclusion

In conclusion, the key takeaways from this report are that the Control Panel is used for advanced
or legacy configurations, while the settings are used for most modern, everyday tasks.
Additionally, the control panel is a legacy interface in which many of its functions are being
shifted to the settings app. On the other hand, the Settings App is a modern, user-friendly
interface that has a more streamlined experience. Furthermore, the Control Panel is in the process
of being deprecated by Microsoft, whereas the Settings App is the future, but it hasn’t yet
replaced the Control Panel.

In summary, Microsoft is gradually migrating various features from the Control Panel to the
Settings app. Therefore, checking for system updates regularly is very important, as Settings will
continue to receive more advanced features, allowing you to stay up-to-date with new
technologies. Lastly, keyboard shortcuts can make work easier. You can use Windows key + X
to quickly access Device Manager and other advanced options available through the Control
Panel.

REFERENCES

Microsoft. (n.d, n.d n.d). Functions and Campabilities of Control panel and Settings. Retrieved
from Microsoft support: [Link]
 configuration-tools-in-windows-f8a49657-b038-43b8-82d3-28bea0c5666b#:~:text=The
%20Control%20Panel%20is%20a,type%20control%20and%20press%20Enter

Rafique, A. (2023, September 12). Control Panel vs Settings in Windows 11: What's the
difference? Windows Report.

Simpson, A. (2024). Windows 11 For Dummies. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

TechWiser. (2023). Control Panel vs Settings: How They Differ on Windows. Retrieved from
TechWiser: [Link]