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To open the classic System Properties window, press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. This is the panel with tabs such as Computer Name, Hardware and Advanced.
If you only want to see the processor, installed RAM or Windows edition, open Settings > System > About. That is a different window. Right-clicking This PC and choosing Properties often opens About on recent Windows versions.
Pick the right Windows system window
| What you need | Open this | Quick way |
|---|---|---|
| Classic System Properties tabs | System Properties | Windows + R, then sysdm.cpl |
| Processor, RAM, system type and Windows edition | Settings > System > About | Search Start for About your PC |
| Detailed hardware and firmware information | System Information | Windows + R, then msinfo32 |
| Windows version and OS build | About Windows | Windows + R, then winver |
These commands open information or settings windows. Opening a window does not change a setting.
Open classic System Properties with Run
- Hold the Windows key and press R.
- Enter
sysdm.cpl. - Press Enter or select OK.
- Select the tab you need, such as Advanced.
You can also search Start for View advanced system settings. That normally opens System Properties with the Advanced tab selected.
What the System Properties tabs are for
| Tab | What you will find |
|---|---|
| Computer Name | The computer’s name and workgroup or domain details. |
| Hardware | Links to device-related controls. |
| Advanced | Performance options, user profiles, startup and recovery, and environment variables. |
| System Protection | System protection and restore-point controls where available. |
| Remote | Remote-access options supported by the Windows edition and setup. |
Tabs and controls can vary with the Windows edition, installed components and organization policies. If you are checking a Home-versus-Pro limitation, see our guide to Windows editions and Home-to-Pro changes before deciding you need a different edition.
For basic device pairing, use Windows Bluetooth settings. System Properties is not the main Bluetooth pairing screen.
Open About to check your PC’s specifications
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select System > About.
- Look under Device specifications for the processor, installed RAM and system type.
- Look under Windows specifications for the edition, version and OS build.
Some versions also show an Advanced system settings link on this page. If it is not visible, use sysdm.cpl instead of following an old screenshot.
Microsoft‘s device-information guide covers the About page and related checks.
Why Control Panel > System opens Settings
Windows has moved much of the old System overview into the About page. A redirect from Control Panel > System and Security > System is therefore expected on many current installations.
Old articles may suggest an Explorer shortcut with a long identifier in braces to bring back a specific Windows 10 screen. Those workarounds depend on the Windows build and should not be treated as a reliable route on every PC.
Use About for the overview and sysdm.cpl for the classic property tabs. Other Control Panel items still have their own purposes; for example, Internet Options opens the separate Internet Properties window.
Create a desktop shortcut to System Properties
- Right-click an empty part of the desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
- Enter
control.exe sysdm.cplas the location. - Select Next, name it System Properties, and finish.
This gives you a reusable shortcut without relying on the old System overview page.
If System Properties will not open
- Check the spelling of
sysdm.cpl, including the dot. - Try Start search for View advanced system settings.
- Check whether your work or school administrator has blocked access.
- If several built-in Windows tools fail, record the error message and investigate that wider Windows problem before changing advanced settings.
Leave performance, recovery and environment-variable values alone unless you are following a fix that calls for a specific change.
Common questions
Is System Information the same as System Properties?
No. System Information, opened with msinfo32, is a detailed report. System Properties is a settings panel. About is a simpler overview.
Does This PC > Properties still work?
It still opens system information, but recent Windows versions commonly send it to the About page. Use Run and sysdm.cpl when you need the classic tabs.