Microsoft has tried to dumb down its Control Panel with a simple UI over the years, rather than a list of options, but there’s still a number of settings that don’t exist in the new PC Settings app.

Despite all their best efforts to marginalize the Windows 11 Control Panel, it’s still a vital tool for troubleshooting. We show you how to add direct access to your desktop.

Finally, More Start Menu Control One of the most frustrating parts of Windows 11’s Start menu is how Microsoft forces the Recommended section on you.

This new panel appears on the right side of the Start menu and should make it easier to check notifications, read text messages, and more.

Replacing the Windows Start menu If you want to really get serious about Start menu customization, you can replace the built-in offering with something completely new.

The Start menu is getting some exciting changes with the Windows 11 2023 Update, and here's what you need to know.

With the right code and edits to the Registry File, you can add access to the Control Panel directly into Windows 11 File Explorer.

You can choose from four different Start menu styles: the classic Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 11, and a fresh theme from Stardock. The Start11 menu also has folders and multiple monitor support.

You can completely remove or hide Recommended section from Windows 11 Start menu using Group Policy, Registry or ExplorerPatcher.