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How to Open the Classic “System” Control Panel on Windows 10

Oct 27, 2020

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Microsoft says the classic “System” properties Control Panel has been removed from Windows 10. As of the October 2020 Update (20H2), there’s no way to access it—or is there? Here’s a hidden command that opens the System Control Panel.

To run the command, press Windows+R to open the Run dialog. Copy-paste the following command into the Run dialog and press Enter:

explorer.exe shell:::{BB06C0E4-D293-4f75-8A90-CB05B6477EEE}

The System Control Panel will pop right up in all its former glory!

RELATED: Where Did the System Control Panel Go on Windows 10?

If you miss this page and wish it was easier to access, you can create a shortcut that opens it. On your desktop or in any folder, right-click and select New > Shortcut.

In the “Type Location” box, enter the command and click “Next”:

explorer.exe shell:::{BB06C0E4-D293-4f75-8A90-CB05B6477EEE}

Name the shortcut whatever you want—for example, “System.”

You now have a shortcut that opens the System Control Panel. To change its icon, right-click it, and select “Properties.” Click the “Shortcut” tab, click “Change Icon,” and choose whatever icon you like.

RELATED: How to Change the Icon of a Shortcut on Windows 10

We tested this on Windows 10’s final October 2020 Update, also known as 20H2. Microsoft may remove the System pane completely from future versions of Windows 10. If so, this command will stop working.

Thanks to Spartan@HIDevolution on the NotebookReview forums for discovering this trick!