The Control Panel is one of the most important aspects of the computer. The Windows Control Panel is a user interface that is an access point to the internal elements of the computer. You can customize and alter most of the computer's settings and programs through the Control Panel. Accessing the Control Panel is quite simple. It just requires a little navigation through your computer.

Access the Control Panel

The Control Panel is stored within the computer's Start menu options, so there's no confusion or complication with locating it. Simply click on the "Start" menu icon, which is on the taskbar at the bottom of your computer screen. The Control Panel folder will be listed in the Start menu list. Click on the "Control Panel" tab in the list, and the Control Panel will open in a pop-up window. All of the icons that will appear are considered the Control Panel's components. Each folder has a purpose when it comes to your computer's settings, installed programs and customizations.

Administrative User Account

If you cannot access the Windows Control Panel, lack of administrative access may be the problem. The administrative user account is the most important account on a computer with a Windows operating system. This account allows the user to make changes to the operating system. It also gives you the power alter certain settings and programs that other users cannot access. Administrative account access gives the user full access to all of the Control Panel's configurations and settings. The account is usually password protected. In most cases, you will be unable to access the Control Panel's folders and functions without access to this account. So make sure you have administrative access before you attempt to access the computer's Control Panel.

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