Open built-in window by a command












1















I always use Win+R then input a sysdm.cpl to open a window to set the PATH in my Windows 10, but I don't know why this command will work. Can anyone can give me a explanation for it? And now, if I right-click the ThisPC, then I click the Properties I can open a properties window. Can I open this window by another command in Win+R?



Furthermore, how to know which window can be open by those command in Windows 10?





As the answer of techturtle says:




You can access just about any Control Panel item if you know the name
of its actual command




But actually my question is how to find those commands about any windows?










share|improve this question

























  • The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet by name via the Run command (Win + R). Not sure what the second half of your question means but if I am guessing correctly, you can use Win + R and "control system" to get the same Window as "ThisPC -> Properties". Per @techturtle's answer, there are quite a few resources to for these kinds of commands.

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 27 '17 at 13:40













  • @Anaksunaman Crazy comment,I think it desever a answer. Actually I have read that answer but I don't know you how to find the command of control system.Could you give some explaination for it?

    – yode
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:22











  • I have posted a more complete answer below.

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 27 '17 at 22:39
















1















I always use Win+R then input a sysdm.cpl to open a window to set the PATH in my Windows 10, but I don't know why this command will work. Can anyone can give me a explanation for it? And now, if I right-click the ThisPC, then I click the Properties I can open a properties window. Can I open this window by another command in Win+R?



Furthermore, how to know which window can be open by those command in Windows 10?





As the answer of techturtle says:




You can access just about any Control Panel item if you know the name
of its actual command




But actually my question is how to find those commands about any windows?










share|improve this question

























  • The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet by name via the Run command (Win + R). Not sure what the second half of your question means but if I am guessing correctly, you can use Win + R and "control system" to get the same Window as "ThisPC -> Properties". Per @techturtle's answer, there are quite a few resources to for these kinds of commands.

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 27 '17 at 13:40













  • @Anaksunaman Crazy comment,I think it desever a answer. Actually I have read that answer but I don't know you how to find the command of control system.Could you give some explaination for it?

    – yode
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:22











  • I have posted a more complete answer below.

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 27 '17 at 22:39














1












1








1








I always use Win+R then input a sysdm.cpl to open a window to set the PATH in my Windows 10, but I don't know why this command will work. Can anyone can give me a explanation for it? And now, if I right-click the ThisPC, then I click the Properties I can open a properties window. Can I open this window by another command in Win+R?



Furthermore, how to know which window can be open by those command in Windows 10?





As the answer of techturtle says:




You can access just about any Control Panel item if you know the name
of its actual command




But actually my question is how to find those commands about any windows?










share|improve this question
















I always use Win+R then input a sysdm.cpl to open a window to set the PATH in my Windows 10, but I don't know why this command will work. Can anyone can give me a explanation for it? And now, if I right-click the ThisPC, then I click the Properties I can open a properties window. Can I open this window by another command in Win+R?



Furthermore, how to know which window can be open by those command in Windows 10?





As the answer of techturtle says:




You can access just about any Control Panel item if you know the name
of its actual command




But actually my question is how to find those commands about any windows?







windows-10 command-line






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Sep 28 '17 at 3:50









miroxlav

7,40352569




7,40352569










asked Sep 27 '17 at 13:08









yodeyode

233214




233214













  • The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet by name via the Run command (Win + R). Not sure what the second half of your question means but if I am guessing correctly, you can use Win + R and "control system" to get the same Window as "ThisPC -> Properties". Per @techturtle's answer, there are quite a few resources to for these kinds of commands.

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 27 '17 at 13:40













  • @Anaksunaman Crazy comment,I think it desever a answer. Actually I have read that answer but I don't know you how to find the command of control system.Could you give some explaination for it?

    – yode
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:22











  • I have posted a more complete answer below.

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 27 '17 at 22:39



















  • The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet by name via the Run command (Win + R). Not sure what the second half of your question means but if I am guessing correctly, you can use Win + R and "control system" to get the same Window as "ThisPC -> Properties". Per @techturtle's answer, there are quite a few resources to for these kinds of commands.

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 27 '17 at 13:40













  • @Anaksunaman Crazy comment,I think it desever a answer. Actually I have read that answer but I don't know you how to find the command of control system.Could you give some explaination for it?

    – yode
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:22











  • I have posted a more complete answer below.

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 27 '17 at 22:39

















The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet by name via the Run command (Win + R). Not sure what the second half of your question means but if I am guessing correctly, you can use Win + R and "control system" to get the same Window as "ThisPC -> Properties". Per @techturtle's answer, there are quite a few resources to for these kinds of commands.

– Anaksunaman
Sep 27 '17 at 13:40







The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet by name via the Run command (Win + R). Not sure what the second half of your question means but if I am guessing correctly, you can use Win + R and "control system" to get the same Window as "ThisPC -> Properties". Per @techturtle's answer, there are quite a few resources to for these kinds of commands.

– Anaksunaman
Sep 27 '17 at 13:40















@Anaksunaman Crazy comment,I think it desever a answer. Actually I have read that answer but I don't know you how to find the command of control system.Could you give some explaination for it?

– yode
Sep 27 '17 at 16:22





@Anaksunaman Crazy comment,I think it desever a answer. Actually I have read that answer but I don't know you how to find the command of control system.Could you give some explaination for it?

– yode
Sep 27 '17 at 16:22













I have posted a more complete answer below.

– Anaksunaman
Sep 27 '17 at 22:39





I have posted a more complete answer below.

– Anaksunaman
Sep 27 '17 at 22:39










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















2














Adding a real answer to your question because existing answers do not address this.




But actually my question is how to find those command about any windows?




▶ All control panel applets are registered in Registry database under HKCRCLSID. This is described in MSDN article How to Register Executable Control Panel Items.



Example: You can find there for example this registry key and its data:



{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}


System.ApplicationName: Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters    (← this is value you can refer to)
System.ControlPanel.Category: 2



So the Windows creates list of all such keys (Registry "folders") which qualify and creates Control Panel items from them.



Summary: You can learn all commands available in your Windows from Registry. Use Nirsoft RegScanner to list all registered items at once (or their related commands etc.) by searching for specific registry value, for example System.ApplicationName.



Further reading (main topic): Implementing Control Panel Items






share|improve this answer


























  • Amazing........

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 3:26



















3














.cpl files are usually Control Panel widgets. Typing sysdm.cpl in the Run box is the same as if you went to the Control Panel, clicked on System, then clicked on Advanced System Settings. You can access just about any Control Panel item if you know the name of its actual command. The My Computer properties window you mentioned can be accessed by a keyboard shortcut of Win+Pause/Break.



https://www.groovypost.com/howto/windows-10-keyboard-shortcuts/ has a very comprehensive list of shortcut keys you can use and items you can type into the Run box to go directly to a variety of Windows settings and options.






share|improve this answer
























  • But how to know the name of any Control Panel item?Is there any method?You link just give a several command..

    – yode
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:20













  • I don't know how to directly discover the name of a specific command. Some can be found using Task Manager or Process Explorer. In the list I linked, you can do a search for the title or description of the feature you want and it's likely to find it.

    – techturtle
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:38



















1














Per this Microsoft article —




The user or an application can start a Control Panel item by executing it directly from the command line prompt.




The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet (the .cpl extension) by name via the Run command (Win + R).



sysdm



This same file is linked to certain selections in Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem as well, such as Advanced system settings or changing your computer's name.




If I right-click ThisPC and then I click Properties, I can open a properties window. Can I open this window with another command in Win+R?




To access Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem (which is the same as right-clicking ThisPCProperties) there is a different method — Win + R then type "control system".



control panel



control panel 32



As you can see, "system" acts as a parameter to control.exe (indicating which panel to show).




How can I find these commands to Run any given window?




Please forgive me if I misunderstand anything or go over anything you already know. =)



Unfortunately, similar to @techturtle, I am not aware of any command to list just the possible Control Panel options directly.



Update: As @miroxlav's answer suggests, you can use utilities to go through the registry. This could have the added benefit of identifying custom, non-standard Control Panel items (such as those installed by certain software or by a computer manufacturer).



Specifically for the Control Panel, there is also sometimes overlap between commands. For instance, "control date/time", "control /name Microsoft.DateAndTime", "control timedate.cpl" and "timedate.cpl" all bring up the Date/Time settings panel on Windows 7/8/10.



Control Panel Item Lists



However, there are some helpful lists produced by Microsoft. In addition to the official list of default Control Panel applets/commands linked earlier, Microsoft also has a listing of all the canonical (official) names for every default Control Panel item.



This second set of items can generally be opened with Win + R and then by entering "control /name" along with the proper name listed e.g "Microsoft.Troubleshooting".



Troubleshooting Example



Notes




  • For clarity, some of these commands may not work with Start → Search (e.g. "sysdm.cpl" will but "control access.cpl" will not). All commands should be run with Win + R (as you have).


  • This blog entry seems to have a good list of duplicate Control Panel commands.


  • In case you remember what a panel looks like but can't recall its name, this link seems to have a pretty complete list of all the possible control panel items with screenshots. Currently you have to click on "Show Full Article" to see all the entries.


  • @techturtle's Groovypost link is interesting because it has command-line/Run details for non-Control Panel items as well, such as Microsoft Management Console Snap-Ins (ending with .msc). These could be useful since e.g. something like the Services panel is not part of the Control Panel but it can be started with "services.msc".







share|improve this answer


























  • Thanks very much..your answer packed a lot information..:)

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 1:57













  • Your welcome... glad to help. =)

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 28 '17 at 2:36













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3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes








3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









2














Adding a real answer to your question because existing answers do not address this.




But actually my question is how to find those command about any windows?




▶ All control panel applets are registered in Registry database under HKCRCLSID. This is described in MSDN article How to Register Executable Control Panel Items.



Example: You can find there for example this registry key and its data:



{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}


System.ApplicationName: Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters    (← this is value you can refer to)
System.ControlPanel.Category: 2



So the Windows creates list of all such keys (Registry "folders") which qualify and creates Control Panel items from them.



Summary: You can learn all commands available in your Windows from Registry. Use Nirsoft RegScanner to list all registered items at once (or their related commands etc.) by searching for specific registry value, for example System.ApplicationName.



Further reading (main topic): Implementing Control Panel Items






share|improve this answer


























  • Amazing........

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 3:26
















2














Adding a real answer to your question because existing answers do not address this.




But actually my question is how to find those command about any windows?




▶ All control panel applets are registered in Registry database under HKCRCLSID. This is described in MSDN article How to Register Executable Control Panel Items.



Example: You can find there for example this registry key and its data:



{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}


System.ApplicationName: Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters    (← this is value you can refer to)
System.ControlPanel.Category: 2



So the Windows creates list of all such keys (Registry "folders") which qualify and creates Control Panel items from them.



Summary: You can learn all commands available in your Windows from Registry. Use Nirsoft RegScanner to list all registered items at once (or their related commands etc.) by searching for specific registry value, for example System.ApplicationName.



Further reading (main topic): Implementing Control Panel Items






share|improve this answer


























  • Amazing........

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 3:26














2












2








2







Adding a real answer to your question because existing answers do not address this.




But actually my question is how to find those command about any windows?




▶ All control panel applets are registered in Registry database under HKCRCLSID. This is described in MSDN article How to Register Executable Control Panel Items.



Example: You can find there for example this registry key and its data:



{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}


System.ApplicationName: Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters    (← this is value you can refer to)
System.ControlPanel.Category: 2



So the Windows creates list of all such keys (Registry "folders") which qualify and creates Control Panel items from them.



Summary: You can learn all commands available in your Windows from Registry. Use Nirsoft RegScanner to list all registered items at once (or their related commands etc.) by searching for specific registry value, for example System.ApplicationName.



Further reading (main topic): Implementing Control Panel Items






share|improve this answer















Adding a real answer to your question because existing answers do not address this.




But actually my question is how to find those command about any windows?




▶ All control panel applets are registered in Registry database under HKCRCLSID. This is described in MSDN article How to Register Executable Control Panel Items.



Example: You can find there for example this registry key and its data:



{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}


System.ApplicationName: Microsoft.DevicesAndPrinters    (← this is value you can refer to)
System.ControlPanel.Category: 2



So the Windows creates list of all such keys (Registry "folders") which qualify and creates Control Panel items from them.



Summary: You can learn all commands available in your Windows from Registry. Use Nirsoft RegScanner to list all registered items at once (or their related commands etc.) by searching for specific registry value, for example System.ApplicationName.



Further reading (main topic): Implementing Control Panel Items







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited Sep 28 '17 at 3:41

























answered Sep 28 '17 at 2:37









miroxlavmiroxlav

7,40352569




7,40352569













  • Amazing........

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 3:26



















  • Amazing........

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 3:26

















Amazing........

– yode
Sep 28 '17 at 3:26





Amazing........

– yode
Sep 28 '17 at 3:26













3














.cpl files are usually Control Panel widgets. Typing sysdm.cpl in the Run box is the same as if you went to the Control Panel, clicked on System, then clicked on Advanced System Settings. You can access just about any Control Panel item if you know the name of its actual command. The My Computer properties window you mentioned can be accessed by a keyboard shortcut of Win+Pause/Break.



https://www.groovypost.com/howto/windows-10-keyboard-shortcuts/ has a very comprehensive list of shortcut keys you can use and items you can type into the Run box to go directly to a variety of Windows settings and options.






share|improve this answer
























  • But how to know the name of any Control Panel item?Is there any method?You link just give a several command..

    – yode
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:20













  • I don't know how to directly discover the name of a specific command. Some can be found using Task Manager or Process Explorer. In the list I linked, you can do a search for the title or description of the feature you want and it's likely to find it.

    – techturtle
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:38
















3














.cpl files are usually Control Panel widgets. Typing sysdm.cpl in the Run box is the same as if you went to the Control Panel, clicked on System, then clicked on Advanced System Settings. You can access just about any Control Panel item if you know the name of its actual command. The My Computer properties window you mentioned can be accessed by a keyboard shortcut of Win+Pause/Break.



https://www.groovypost.com/howto/windows-10-keyboard-shortcuts/ has a very comprehensive list of shortcut keys you can use and items you can type into the Run box to go directly to a variety of Windows settings and options.






share|improve this answer
























  • But how to know the name of any Control Panel item?Is there any method?You link just give a several command..

    – yode
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:20













  • I don't know how to directly discover the name of a specific command. Some can be found using Task Manager or Process Explorer. In the list I linked, you can do a search for the title or description of the feature you want and it's likely to find it.

    – techturtle
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:38














3












3








3







.cpl files are usually Control Panel widgets. Typing sysdm.cpl in the Run box is the same as if you went to the Control Panel, clicked on System, then clicked on Advanced System Settings. You can access just about any Control Panel item if you know the name of its actual command. The My Computer properties window you mentioned can be accessed by a keyboard shortcut of Win+Pause/Break.



https://www.groovypost.com/howto/windows-10-keyboard-shortcuts/ has a very comprehensive list of shortcut keys you can use and items you can type into the Run box to go directly to a variety of Windows settings and options.






share|improve this answer













.cpl files are usually Control Panel widgets. Typing sysdm.cpl in the Run box is the same as if you went to the Control Panel, clicked on System, then clicked on Advanced System Settings. You can access just about any Control Panel item if you know the name of its actual command. The My Computer properties window you mentioned can be accessed by a keyboard shortcut of Win+Pause/Break.



https://www.groovypost.com/howto/windows-10-keyboard-shortcuts/ has a very comprehensive list of shortcut keys you can use and items you can type into the Run box to go directly to a variety of Windows settings and options.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered Sep 27 '17 at 13:29









techturtletechturtle

7,069103063




7,069103063













  • But how to know the name of any Control Panel item?Is there any method?You link just give a several command..

    – yode
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:20













  • I don't know how to directly discover the name of a specific command. Some can be found using Task Manager or Process Explorer. In the list I linked, you can do a search for the title or description of the feature you want and it's likely to find it.

    – techturtle
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:38



















  • But how to know the name of any Control Panel item?Is there any method?You link just give a several command..

    – yode
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:20













  • I don't know how to directly discover the name of a specific command. Some can be found using Task Manager or Process Explorer. In the list I linked, you can do a search for the title or description of the feature you want and it's likely to find it.

    – techturtle
    Sep 27 '17 at 16:38

















But how to know the name of any Control Panel item?Is there any method?You link just give a several command..

– yode
Sep 27 '17 at 16:20







But how to know the name of any Control Panel item?Is there any method?You link just give a several command..

– yode
Sep 27 '17 at 16:20















I don't know how to directly discover the name of a specific command. Some can be found using Task Manager or Process Explorer. In the list I linked, you can do a search for the title or description of the feature you want and it's likely to find it.

– techturtle
Sep 27 '17 at 16:38





I don't know how to directly discover the name of a specific command. Some can be found using Task Manager or Process Explorer. In the list I linked, you can do a search for the title or description of the feature you want and it's likely to find it.

– techturtle
Sep 27 '17 at 16:38











1














Per this Microsoft article —




The user or an application can start a Control Panel item by executing it directly from the command line prompt.




The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet (the .cpl extension) by name via the Run command (Win + R).



sysdm



This same file is linked to certain selections in Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem as well, such as Advanced system settings or changing your computer's name.




If I right-click ThisPC and then I click Properties, I can open a properties window. Can I open this window with another command in Win+R?




To access Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem (which is the same as right-clicking ThisPCProperties) there is a different method — Win + R then type "control system".



control panel



control panel 32



As you can see, "system" acts as a parameter to control.exe (indicating which panel to show).




How can I find these commands to Run any given window?




Please forgive me if I misunderstand anything or go over anything you already know. =)



Unfortunately, similar to @techturtle, I am not aware of any command to list just the possible Control Panel options directly.



Update: As @miroxlav's answer suggests, you can use utilities to go through the registry. This could have the added benefit of identifying custom, non-standard Control Panel items (such as those installed by certain software or by a computer manufacturer).



Specifically for the Control Panel, there is also sometimes overlap between commands. For instance, "control date/time", "control /name Microsoft.DateAndTime", "control timedate.cpl" and "timedate.cpl" all bring up the Date/Time settings panel on Windows 7/8/10.



Control Panel Item Lists



However, there are some helpful lists produced by Microsoft. In addition to the official list of default Control Panel applets/commands linked earlier, Microsoft also has a listing of all the canonical (official) names for every default Control Panel item.



This second set of items can generally be opened with Win + R and then by entering "control /name" along with the proper name listed e.g "Microsoft.Troubleshooting".



Troubleshooting Example



Notes




  • For clarity, some of these commands may not work with Start → Search (e.g. "sysdm.cpl" will but "control access.cpl" will not). All commands should be run with Win + R (as you have).


  • This blog entry seems to have a good list of duplicate Control Panel commands.


  • In case you remember what a panel looks like but can't recall its name, this link seems to have a pretty complete list of all the possible control panel items with screenshots. Currently you have to click on "Show Full Article" to see all the entries.


  • @techturtle's Groovypost link is interesting because it has command-line/Run details for non-Control Panel items as well, such as Microsoft Management Console Snap-Ins (ending with .msc). These could be useful since e.g. something like the Services panel is not part of the Control Panel but it can be started with "services.msc".







share|improve this answer


























  • Thanks very much..your answer packed a lot information..:)

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 1:57













  • Your welcome... glad to help. =)

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 28 '17 at 2:36


















1














Per this Microsoft article —




The user or an application can start a Control Panel item by executing it directly from the command line prompt.




The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet (the .cpl extension) by name via the Run command (Win + R).



sysdm



This same file is linked to certain selections in Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem as well, such as Advanced system settings or changing your computer's name.




If I right-click ThisPC and then I click Properties, I can open a properties window. Can I open this window with another command in Win+R?




To access Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem (which is the same as right-clicking ThisPCProperties) there is a different method — Win + R then type "control system".



control panel



control panel 32



As you can see, "system" acts as a parameter to control.exe (indicating which panel to show).




How can I find these commands to Run any given window?




Please forgive me if I misunderstand anything or go over anything you already know. =)



Unfortunately, similar to @techturtle, I am not aware of any command to list just the possible Control Panel options directly.



Update: As @miroxlav's answer suggests, you can use utilities to go through the registry. This could have the added benefit of identifying custom, non-standard Control Panel items (such as those installed by certain software or by a computer manufacturer).



Specifically for the Control Panel, there is also sometimes overlap between commands. For instance, "control date/time", "control /name Microsoft.DateAndTime", "control timedate.cpl" and "timedate.cpl" all bring up the Date/Time settings panel on Windows 7/8/10.



Control Panel Item Lists



However, there are some helpful lists produced by Microsoft. In addition to the official list of default Control Panel applets/commands linked earlier, Microsoft also has a listing of all the canonical (official) names for every default Control Panel item.



This second set of items can generally be opened with Win + R and then by entering "control /name" along with the proper name listed e.g "Microsoft.Troubleshooting".



Troubleshooting Example



Notes




  • For clarity, some of these commands may not work with Start → Search (e.g. "sysdm.cpl" will but "control access.cpl" will not). All commands should be run with Win + R (as you have).


  • This blog entry seems to have a good list of duplicate Control Panel commands.


  • In case you remember what a panel looks like but can't recall its name, this link seems to have a pretty complete list of all the possible control panel items with screenshots. Currently you have to click on "Show Full Article" to see all the entries.


  • @techturtle's Groovypost link is interesting because it has command-line/Run details for non-Control Panel items as well, such as Microsoft Management Console Snap-Ins (ending with .msc). These could be useful since e.g. something like the Services panel is not part of the Control Panel but it can be started with "services.msc".







share|improve this answer


























  • Thanks very much..your answer packed a lot information..:)

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 1:57













  • Your welcome... glad to help. =)

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 28 '17 at 2:36
















1












1








1







Per this Microsoft article —




The user or an application can start a Control Panel item by executing it directly from the command line prompt.




The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet (the .cpl extension) by name via the Run command (Win + R).



sysdm



This same file is linked to certain selections in Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem as well, such as Advanced system settings or changing your computer's name.




If I right-click ThisPC and then I click Properties, I can open a properties window. Can I open this window with another command in Win+R?




To access Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem (which is the same as right-clicking ThisPCProperties) there is a different method — Win + R then type "control system".



control panel



control panel 32



As you can see, "system" acts as a parameter to control.exe (indicating which panel to show).




How can I find these commands to Run any given window?




Please forgive me if I misunderstand anything or go over anything you already know. =)



Unfortunately, similar to @techturtle, I am not aware of any command to list just the possible Control Panel options directly.



Update: As @miroxlav's answer suggests, you can use utilities to go through the registry. This could have the added benefit of identifying custom, non-standard Control Panel items (such as those installed by certain software or by a computer manufacturer).



Specifically for the Control Panel, there is also sometimes overlap between commands. For instance, "control date/time", "control /name Microsoft.DateAndTime", "control timedate.cpl" and "timedate.cpl" all bring up the Date/Time settings panel on Windows 7/8/10.



Control Panel Item Lists



However, there are some helpful lists produced by Microsoft. In addition to the official list of default Control Panel applets/commands linked earlier, Microsoft also has a listing of all the canonical (official) names for every default Control Panel item.



This second set of items can generally be opened with Win + R and then by entering "control /name" along with the proper name listed e.g "Microsoft.Troubleshooting".



Troubleshooting Example



Notes




  • For clarity, some of these commands may not work with Start → Search (e.g. "sysdm.cpl" will but "control access.cpl" will not). All commands should be run with Win + R (as you have).


  • This blog entry seems to have a good list of duplicate Control Panel commands.


  • In case you remember what a panel looks like but can't recall its name, this link seems to have a pretty complete list of all the possible control panel items with screenshots. Currently you have to click on "Show Full Article" to see all the entries.


  • @techturtle's Groovypost link is interesting because it has command-line/Run details for non-Control Panel items as well, such as Microsoft Management Console Snap-Ins (ending with .msc). These could be useful since e.g. something like the Services panel is not part of the Control Panel but it can be started with "services.msc".







share|improve this answer















Per this Microsoft article —




The user or an application can start a Control Panel item by executing it directly from the command line prompt.




The command works because you are directly accessing a Windows control panel applet (the .cpl extension) by name via the Run command (Win + R).



sysdm



This same file is linked to certain selections in Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem as well, such as Advanced system settings or changing your computer's name.




If I right-click ThisPC and then I click Properties, I can open a properties window. Can I open this window with another command in Win+R?




To access Control PanelSystem and SecuritySystem (which is the same as right-clicking ThisPCProperties) there is a different method — Win + R then type "control system".



control panel



control panel 32



As you can see, "system" acts as a parameter to control.exe (indicating which panel to show).




How can I find these commands to Run any given window?




Please forgive me if I misunderstand anything or go over anything you already know. =)



Unfortunately, similar to @techturtle, I am not aware of any command to list just the possible Control Panel options directly.



Update: As @miroxlav's answer suggests, you can use utilities to go through the registry. This could have the added benefit of identifying custom, non-standard Control Panel items (such as those installed by certain software or by a computer manufacturer).



Specifically for the Control Panel, there is also sometimes overlap between commands. For instance, "control date/time", "control /name Microsoft.DateAndTime", "control timedate.cpl" and "timedate.cpl" all bring up the Date/Time settings panel on Windows 7/8/10.



Control Panel Item Lists



However, there are some helpful lists produced by Microsoft. In addition to the official list of default Control Panel applets/commands linked earlier, Microsoft also has a listing of all the canonical (official) names for every default Control Panel item.



This second set of items can generally be opened with Win + R and then by entering "control /name" along with the proper name listed e.g "Microsoft.Troubleshooting".



Troubleshooting Example



Notes




  • For clarity, some of these commands may not work with Start → Search (e.g. "sysdm.cpl" will but "control access.cpl" will not). All commands should be run with Win + R (as you have).


  • This blog entry seems to have a good list of duplicate Control Panel commands.


  • In case you remember what a panel looks like but can't recall its name, this link seems to have a pretty complete list of all the possible control panel items with screenshots. Currently you have to click on "Show Full Article" to see all the entries.


  • @techturtle's Groovypost link is interesting because it has command-line/Run details for non-Control Panel items as well, such as Microsoft Management Console Snap-Ins (ending with .msc). These could be useful since e.g. something like the Services panel is not part of the Control Panel but it can be started with "services.msc".








share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited Sep 28 '17 at 4:07

























answered Sep 27 '17 at 22:37









AnaksunamanAnaksunaman

5,18821222




5,18821222













  • Thanks very much..your answer packed a lot information..:)

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 1:57













  • Your welcome... glad to help. =)

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 28 '17 at 2:36





















  • Thanks very much..your answer packed a lot information..:)

    – yode
    Sep 28 '17 at 1:57













  • Your welcome... glad to help. =)

    – Anaksunaman
    Sep 28 '17 at 2:36



















Thanks very much..your answer packed a lot information..:)

– yode
Sep 28 '17 at 1:57







Thanks very much..your answer packed a lot information..:)

– yode
Sep 28 '17 at 1:57















Your welcome... glad to help. =)

– Anaksunaman
Sep 28 '17 at 2:36







Your welcome... glad to help. =)

– Anaksunaman
Sep 28 '17 at 2:36




















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