It is no secret that Microsoft is modernizing absolutely every part of its operating system. And one of the oldest, which is bound to disappear sooner or later, is the Control Panel . This has been the advanced configuration section of Windows practically since its inception. However, with the arrival of the new Configuration panel, much more modern, simple and intuitive, many of the functions of this panel have become obsolete, as well as being redundant. And therefore, little by little they disappear.
The truth is that the new Settings menu is very useful and complete. From it, right now, we can do almost everything, from configuring the Windows IP to installing or removing fonts, managing updates, customizing the desktop, configuring the sound of the PC or repairing the system. And we can do everything from a very simple and intuitive interface.
The problem comes when a user wants to make an advanced configuration . This Configuration menu lacks some unnecessary functions for the ordinary user, and the Control Panel has always been the best for this type of task. Currently, in Windows 10 we can find both the control panel and the Settings menu. However, little by little, one of the two is gaining ground on the other.
And, facing the Windows 2021 update, the Control Panel will have even less prominence.
Replaced functions in the Control Panel
The first of the sections that has been removed from Windows 10 is the System section. Either from the control panel, or from the properties of This team, we could access a section from which we could see the summary of our PC and if Windows is activated. Now this section has been replaced by a new entry in Settings called ” About “.
From here we will be able to see a summary of all the characteristics of the computer so that, broadly speaking, we can do the same as in the other section. But depending a little more on this Configuration.
Another item that is disappearing from the control panel is the option to uninstall programs . This is because the Settings menu has its own uninstaller, a much more complete and powerful uninstaller than the one we could find in the classic Windows panel. From this we will be able to uninstall both normal programs and UWP apps, as well as search for the elements that we want and delete them very easily from the PC. A much faster, more complete and modern section than the “Add or remove programs” option in the control panel.
Another option that has been removed (or, at least, is in the works) is Disk Manager . The Insider versions of Windows 10 already have a new administrator that will allow us to control and manage our units. It will even allow us to control its temperature and state of life. An excellent tool, very simple and fast to use, although limited.
The UWP disk manager has nothing to do with the classic manager. Before making it disappear Microsoft must spend a lot of time adding all the essential functions and features that are in the normal disk manager.
Also related to storage, Microsoft is implementing its own storage spaces function within the Windows 10 Configuration menu. Currently, creating a disk “pool” could only be done from the Control panel itself, but this will change soon.
Are we ready to leave this panel?
It is clear that Microsoft is working hard to put an end to this panel as soon as possible. However, he still has a long way to go.
It is possible that we will see some known functions disappear, such as the information on the PC or the uninstallation of programs. However, there are many other applets that cannot be removed just like that when there is not yet an option, just as useful, in the Settings panel.
Sooner or later, the Control Panel will disappear . Or, at least, to stay as an option for advanced users, nothing to do with what we knew until today. But, as we say, there is still a long time to go. By 2022? 2023? Time will tell.