Adjusting your settings

At some point, you may want to adjust your computer's settings . For example, you might want to change your desktop background or modify your Internet settings . You can change these settings and more from the Control Panel .

However, in Windows 10, the Control Panel has mostly been replaced by the Settings app . The Control Panel is still available, but most of the tasks and settings are now also located in the Settings app.

To open the Settings app (Windows 10):

Click the Start button, then select the gear icon .

To open the Control Panel (Windows 10):

Right-click the Start button, then select Control Panel .

To open the Control Panel (Windows 8):

In Windows 8, you can open the Control Panel directly from the Start screen. Using your keyboard, type Control Panel and press the Enter key.

To open the Control Panel (Windows 7 and earlier):

1. Click the Start button, then select Control Panel .
   
2. The Control Panel will appear. Simply click a setting to adjust it. In this example, we'll click Change desktop background to choose a new wallpaper for our desktop.
   

Adjusting application settings

You'll also be able to change the settings for different applications on your computer. You will usually find application settings under File > Options , Tools > Options , or within a separate Settings menu. Keep in mind that the location will vary, and some applications may not have any settings you can change.