Bypass Windows 11 GUI bloat via CPL commands #

Today's HN discussion on How many layers of UI inconsistencies are in Windows 11? included a thread sparked by csours on working around Windows' byzantine maze of UI elements with CPL shortcuts.

Microsoft's documentation is woefully out of date, so here's a list of those found in %SystemRoot%\System32 on a clean Windows 11 Pro 21H2 install:

Filename Description
appwiz.cpl Programs and Features
bthprops.cpl Bluetooth & devices → Devices
desk.cpl System → Display
Firewall.cpl Windows Defender Firewall
hdwwiz.cpl Device Manager
inetcpl.cpl Internet Properties
intl.cpl Region
joy.cpl Game Controllers
main.cpl Mouse Properties
mmsys.cpl Sound
ncpa.cpl Network Connections
powercfg.cpl Power Options
sysdm.cpl System Properties
TabletPC.cpl Tablet and Pen Settings
telephon.cpl Phone and Modem
timedate.cpl Date and Time
wscui.cpl Security and Maintenance

Just press Winkey+R, type the desired CPL filename, and press Enter to open.

UPDATE: As of Windows 11 version 22H2, attempting to open "Devices and Printers" through the Control Panel or by using the command control printers will now redirect users to the Settings app. To access the traditional interface, enter control /name Microsoft.Printers or shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A} in the Run dialog box.

/windows | Jan 02, 2023


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