Microsoft Backtracks on Control Panel Removal in Windows 11

Microsoft has announced a change of plans regarding the future of the Control Panel in Windows 11. The company initially intended to discontinue the 39-year-old Control Panel in favor of the newer Settings app. However, after facing criticism and user feedback, Microsoft has decided to retain the Control Panel, although many settings will gradually transition to the modern Settings app. The original announcement indicated that the Control Panel would be completely removed. Microsoft has now updated their support page, stating that ‘many settings within Control Panel are in the process of migrating to the Settings app.’ It remains unclear whether this is a permanent policy change or simply a clarification of the original statement. Microsoft has not yet provided a definitive answer on whether the initial plan to remove the Control Panel has been completely abandoned. The Settings app, first introduced in Windows 8 in 2012, has steadily incorporated features from the older Control Panel in Windows 10. Currently, the Control Panel is still available in Windows 11 and its upcoming 24H2 version, and its immediate removal is not anticipated.