The applets listed below are components of the Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...

 control panel

Control Panel (Windows)

The Control Panel is a part of the Microsoft Windows graphical user interface which allows users to view and manipulate basic system settings and controls via applets, such as adding hardware, adding and removing software, controlling user accounts, and changing accessibility options...

, which allows users to define a range of settings for their computer

Computer

A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...

, monitor the status of devices such as printers and modems, and set up new hardware

Computer hardware

Personal computer hardware are component devices which are typically installed into or peripheral to a computer case to create a personal computer upon which system software is installed including a firmware interface such as a BIOS and an operating system which supports application software that...

, programs

Computer software

Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it....

 and network

Computer network

A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....

 connections. Each applet is stored individually as a separate file (usually a .cpl file), folder or DLL

Dynamic-link library

Dynamic-link library , or DLL, is Microsoft's implementation of the shared library concept in the Microsoft Windows and OS/2 operating systems...

, the locations of which are stored in the registry

Windows registry

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...

 under the following keys:

1. HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Control Panel\Cpls
   This contains the string format locations of all .cpl files on the hard drive used within the control panel.
2. HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\ControlPanel\Namespace
   This contains the location of the CLSID variables for all the panels not included as cpl files. These are commonly folders or shell applets, though Windows Vista
   Windows Vista
   Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
   
    allows physical programs themselves to be registered as well. The CLSID then allows items such as the icon, infobox and category to be set and gives the location of the file to be used.

The control panel then uses these lists to locate the applets and load them into the control panel program (control.exe) when started by the user. In addition to using the control panel, a user can also invoke the applets manually via the command processor

Cmd.exe

Command Prompt is the Microsoft-supplied command-line interpreter on OS/2, Windows CE and on Windows NT-based operating systems...

. For instance, the syntax "Control.exe inetcpl.cpl" or "control.exe /name Microsoft.InternetOptions" will run the internet properties applet in Windows XP or Vista respectively. While both syntax examples are accepted on Windows Vista, only the former one is accepted on Windows XP.

Standard applets

Accessibility Options (Access.cpl)
Allows users to configure the accessibility of their PC. It comprises various settings primarily aimed at users with disabilities or hardware problems. The behavior of the keyboard Computer keyboard In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...  can be modified, this is aimed at people who have difficulty pressing key-combinations, or pressing a key just once. (StickyKeys Sticky keys StickyKeys is an accessibility feature to help computer users who have physical disabilities, but it is also used by others as a means to reduce RSI... , FilterKeys FilterKeys FilterKeys is a feature of Microsoft Windows. It is an accessibility function that tells the keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, in order to make typing easier for people with hand tremors.... and ToggleKeys) Behavior of sounds can be modified. (SoundSentry and ShowSounds) High contrast mode can be activated. The keyboard cursor Cursor (computers) In computing, a cursor is an indicator used to show the position on a computer monitor or other display device that will respond to input from a text input or pointing device. The flashing text cursor may be referred to as a caret in some cases...  can be customized. The mouse pointer can be controlled using the keyboard. (MouseKeys Mouse keys Mouse keys is a feature of some graphical user interfaces that uses the keyboard as a pointing device... ) Note that in the next generation of Windows, the Ease of Access Ease of Access Ease of Access is a control panel that is included in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. It allows for a simpler method for Windows to adapt to computer users with accessibility needs or who want additional features...  control panel superseded the simple access.cpl control panel in previous versions.
Add New Hardware (hdwwiz.cpl)
Launches a wizard Wizard (software) A software wizard or setup assistant is a user interface type that presents a user with a sequence of dialog boxes that lead the user through a series of well-defined steps. Tasks that are complex, infrequently performed, or unfamiliar may be easier to perform using a wizard...  which allows users to add new hardware devices to the system. This can be done by selecting from a list of devices or by specifying the location of the driver installation Installation (computer programs) Installation of a program is the act of putting the program onto a computer system so that it can be executed....  files.
Add or Remove Programs (appwiz.cpl) (Renamed “Programs and Features” in Windows Vista and later)
The Add/Remove Programs dialog allows the user to manipulate software installed on the system in a number of ways; Allows users to uninstall and change existing software packages, as well as indicating how much space individual programs take and how frequently they are used. Allows users to manually install software from a CD-ROM CD-ROM A CD-ROM is a pre-pressed compact disc that contains data accessible to, but not writable by, a computer for data storage and music playback. The 1985 “Yellow Book” standard developed by Sony and Philips adapted the format to hold any form of binary data....  or Floppy Disk Floppy disk A floppy disk is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles... , and install add-ons from Windows Update. Allows users to change which Windows components are installed, via the Windows setup Wizard, which includes Internet Explorer Internet Explorer Windows Internet Explorer is a series of graphical web browsers developed by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, starting in 1995. It was first released as part of the add-on package Plus! for Windows 95 that year... , Windows Media Player Windows Media Player Windows Media Player is a media player and media library application developed by Microsoft that is used for playing audio, video and viewing images on personal computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system, as well as on Pocket PC and Windows Mobile-based devices...  and Windows Messenger Windows Messenger Windows Messenger is a client by Microsoft that is included in the Windows XP operating system. Designed for use by corporate users as well as home users, it was originally created as a streamlined and integrated version of MSN Messenger... Finally, it allows users to specify the default applications for certain tasks, via the 'set program access and defaults' wizard, such as internet browsers, media players and email programs and whether access to these programs is available
Administrative Tools (control admintools)
Contains tools for system administration, including security, performance and service configuration. These are links Hard link In computing, a hard link is a directory entry that associates a name with a file on a file system. . The term is used in file systems which allow multiple hard links to be created for the same file. This has the effect of creating multiple names for the same file, causing an aliasing effect: e.g...  to various configurations of the Microsoft Management Console Microsoft Management Console Microsoft Management Console is a component of Windows 2000 and its successors that provides system administrators and advanced users an interface for configuring and monitoring the system.- Snap-ins and consoles :...  such as the local services list Windows Service On Microsoft Windows operating systems, a Windows service is a long-running executable that performs specific functions and which is designed not to require user intervention. Windows services can be configured to start when the operating system is booted and run in the background as long as...  and the Event Viewer Event Viewer Event Viewer, a component of Microsoft's Windows NT line of operating systems, lets administrators and users view the event logs on a local or remote machine. In Windows Vista, Microsoft overhauled the event system.- Overview :... .
Automatic Updates (wuaucpl.cpl)
This is used to specify how the Automatic Updates client (wuauclt.exe) should download updates from the Microsoft Update Website, by default this is set to download and install Installation (computer programs) Installation of a program is the act of putting the program onto a computer system so that it can be executed....  daily, however this can be changed to a more suitable frequency. This also allows the user to specify whether to ask permission before downloading and/or installing updates or to simply switch off Automatic Updates all together.
Date and Time (timedate.cpl)
Allows user to change the date and time stored in the machines BIOS BIOS In IBM PC compatible computers, the basic input/output system , also known as the System BIOS or ROM BIOS , is a de facto standard defining a firmware interface.... , change the time zone Time zone A time zone is a region on Earth that has a uniform standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes. In order for the same clock time to always correspond to the same portion of the day as the Earth rotates , different places on the Earth need to have different clock times...  and specify whether to synchronize the date and time with an Internet Time Server and which server Server (computing) In the context of client-server architecture, a server is a computer program running to serve the requests of other programs, the "clients". Thus, the "server" performs some computational task on behalf of "clients"...  to use.
Display (control desktop) (desk.cpl)
Allows the user to change the display characteristics of their computer; Allows users to change the desktop background (wallpaper) Computer wallpaper Wallpaper is an image used as a background of a graphical user interface on a computer screen or mobile communications device. On a computer it is usually for the desktop, while for a mobile phone it is usually the background for the 'home' or 'idle' screen...  to a picture of their choice and specifies how it should be shown. Allows the user to change or disable the screensaver Screensaver A screensaver is a type of computer program initially designed to prevent phosphor burn-in on CRT and plasma computer monitors by blanking the screen or filling it with moving images or patterns when the computer is not in use... , and specify how long it takes to activate and whether to ask for a password Password A password is a secret word or string of characters that is used for authentication, to prove identity or gain access to a resource . The password should be kept secret from those not allowed access....  on resume Allows the user to specify the color styles of all elements within the system, primarily whether to use the Windows XP Windows XP Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...  / Vista Windows Vista Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...  styles (blue by default in XP) or to use the classic Windows 98 Windows 98 Windows 98 is a graphical operating system by Microsoft. It is the second major release in the Windows 9x line of operating systems. It was released to manufacturing on 15 May 1998 and to retail on 25 June 1998. Windows 98 is the successor to Windows 95. Like its predecessor, it is a hybrid...  / Me Windows Me Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows Me , is a graphical operating system released on September 14, 2000 by Microsoft, and was the last operating system released in the Windows 9x series. Support for Windows Me ended on July 11, 2006....  styles, this also allows the user to change the My Computer and Recycle Bin icons. Allows the user to change the screen resolution Display resolution The display resolution of a digital television or display device is the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. It can be an ambiguous term especially as the displayed resolution is controlled by all different factors in cathode ray tube , flat panel or projection...  and colour quality, and provides trouble shooting advice for displays.
Folder Options (control folders)
This item allows for configuration of how folders and file Computer file A computer file is a block of arbitrary information, or resource for storing information, which is available to a computer program and is usually based on some kind of durable storage. A file is durable in the sense that it remains available for programs to use after the current program has finished... s are presented in Windows Explorer Windows Explorer This article is about the Windows file system browser. For the similarly named web browser, see Internet ExplorerWindows Explorer is a file manager application that is included with releases of the Microsoft Windows operating system from Windows 95 onwards. It provides a graphical user interface... . More specifically it allows the user to specify general settings like whether folders open in a new window or the existing window and whether the common tasks pane is shown, as well as more advanced tasks such as whether windows should hide critical system files and whether to show file extensions. It is also used to modify file type associations in Windows Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal... ; i.e., which program opens which type of file and other settings like actions for each file type and the file extension.
Fonts (control fonts)
Displays all font Typeface In typography, a typeface is the artistic representation or interpretation of characters; it is the way the type looks. Each type is designed and there are thousands of different typefaces in existence, with new ones being developed constantly.... s installed on the computer. Users can remove fonts, install new fonts or search for fonts using font characteristics. Note that "explorer \Windows\Fonts" has the same effect.
Internet Options (inetcpl.cpl)
Allows the user to change the way the computer manages internet connections and browser settings for Internet Explorer Internet Explorer Windows Internet Explorer is a series of graphical web browsers developed by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, starting in 1995. It was first released as part of the add-on package Plus! for Windows 95 that year... , it has several tags specifying different attributes; General - This specifies the homepage Homepage A home page or homepage has various related meanings to do with web sites:* It most often refers to the initial or main web page of a web site, sometimes called the front page ....  and color schemes and allows the user to delete internet usage history. Security & Privacy - These specify whether the computer should allow websites to undertake certain processes Process (computing) In computing, a process is an instance of a computer program that is being executed. It contains the program code and its current activity. Depending on the operating system , a process may be made up of multiple threads of execution that execute instructions concurrently.A computer program is a...  and download cookies HTTP cookie A cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, is used for an origin website to send state information to a user's browser and for the browser to return the state information to the origin site... , this panel also gives access to the inbuilt pop-up Pop-up ad Pop-up ads or pop-ups are a form of online advertising on the World Wide Web intended to attract web traffic or capture email addresses. Pop-ups are generally new web browser windows to display advertisements...  blocker (Windows XP SP2 Windows XP Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...  and later) and the phishing Phishing Phishing is a way of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Communications purporting to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT...  controls (Internet Explorer 7 Internet Explorer 7 Windows Internet Explorer 7 is a web browser released by Microsoft in October 2006. Internet Explorer 7 is part of a long line of versions of Internet Explorer and was the first major update to the browser in more than 5 years... ). Content - Allows the parental controls and auto-complete to be configured and also specifies how to deal with certificates Public key certificate In cryptography, a public key certificate is an electronic document which uses a digital signature to bind a public key with an identity — information such as the name of a person or an organization, their address, and so forth... . Connections, Programs and Advanced - These give access to other aspects of internet settings such as the default modem Modem A modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to reproduce the original digital data...  connection and email Email Electronic mail, commonly known as email or e-mail, is a method of exchanging digital messages from an author to one or more recipients. Modern email operates across the Internet or other computer networks. Some early email systems required that the author and the recipient both be online at the...  client, proxy Proxy server In computer networks, a proxy server is a server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, connection, web page, or other resource available from a different server...  settings and other advanced configurations.
Game Controllers (joy.cpl)
Allows you to add, display, troubleshoot, and use advanced settings on joysticks and game controllers
Keyboard (control keyboard) (main.cpl)
Lets the user change and test keyboard settings, including cursor blink rate and key repeat rate.
Mail (mlcfg32.cpl) (mlcfg.cpl)
Mail allows for configuration of the mail client in Windows, usually Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Outlook is a personal information manager from Microsoft, available both as a separate application as well as a part of the Microsoft Office suite... . Microsoft Outlook Express cannot be configured with this item; it is configured through its own interface. mlcfg.cpl is used for 64 bit office applications first available with the Office 2010 release.
Mouse (control mouse) (main.cpl)
Mouse allows the configuration of pointer options, such as the double click and scroll speed, and includes visibility options such as whether to use pointer trails and whether the pointer should disappear when typing. This also allows the user to specify the pointer appearance for each task, such as resize and busy.
Network Connections (control netconnections) (ncpa.cpl)
Displays and allows the user to edit or create network Computer network A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....  connections such as Local Area Networks (LAN) Local area network A local area network is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building...  and internet Internet The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...  connections. It also offers troubleshooting functions in case the computer has to be reconnected to the network.
Phone and Modem Options (telephon.cpl)
Manages telephone Telephone The telephone , colloquially referred to as a phone, is a telecommunications device that transmits and receives sounds, usually the human voice. Telephones are a point-to-point communication system whose most basic function is to allow two people separated by large distances to talk to each other...  and modem Modem A modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to reproduce the original digital data...  connections.
Power Options (powercfg.cpl)
Includes options to manage energy consumption such as; Specify how long it takes to switch off the display and hard drives and how long it takes for the system to enter standby Sleep mode Sleep mode refers to a low power mode for electronic devices such as computers, televisions, and remote controlled devices. These modes save significant electrical consumption compared to leaving a device fully on and idle, but allow the user to avoid having to reset programming codes or wait for a... , if at all. To decide what to do when the computer's on/off button Button (control) A push-button or simply button is a simple switch mechanism for controlling some aspect of a machine or a process. Buttons are typically made out of hard material, usually plastic or metal. The surface is usually flat or shaped to accommodate the human finger or hand, so as to be easily depressed...  is pressed, such as whether to shut down or to enter standby. Whether to allow Hibernation Hibernate (OS feature) Hibernation in computing is powering down a computer while retaining its state.Upon hibernation, the computer saves the contents of its random access memory to a hard disk or other non-volatile storage...  (some systems become unstable when restarting). Allows the user to configure UPS Uninterruptible power supply An uninterruptible power supply, also uninterruptible power source, UPS or battery/flywheel backup, is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source, typically mains power, fails...  (if available).
Printers and Faxes (control printers)
Displays all the printer Computer printer In computing, a printer is a peripheral which produces a text or graphics of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies. Many printers are primarily used as local peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable or, in most new printers, a... s and fax Fax Fax , sometimes called telecopying, is the telephonic transmission of scanned printed material , normally to a telephone number connected to a printer or other output device... es currently installed on the computer, and has two main uses; Firstly, it shows the all the jobs queued for each printer, the file size File size File size measures the size of a computer file. Typically it is measured in bytes with a prefix. The actual amount of disk space consumed by the file depends on the file system....  and status of each job and which user they belong to, it also allows each job to be paused, canceled or moved up or down the list. Secondly, it allows the user to set the printing or faxing preferences, such as paper size and quality via the manufacturers own preferences pane and also specifies how to share the printer across a computer network Computer network A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....  , the device drivers, ports Computer port (hardware) In computer hardware, a port serves as an interface between the computer and other computers or peripheral devices. Physically, a port is a specialized outlet on a piece of equipment to which a plug or cable connects...  etc.
Regional and Language Settings (intl.cpl)
Various regional settings can be altered, for instance: The way numbers are displayed (e.g. decimal separator Decimal separator Different symbols have been and are used for the decimal mark. The choice of symbol for the decimal mark affects the choice of symbol for the thousands separator used in digit grouping. Consequently the latter is treated in this article as well.... ). How Currency Currency In economics, currency refers to a generally accepted medium of exchange. These are usually the coins and banknotes of a particular government, which comprise the physical aspects of a nation's money supply...  values are displayed, including the Currency sign Currency sign A currency sign is a graphic symbol used as a shorthand for a currency's name, especially in reference to amounts of money. They typically employ the first letter or character of the currency, sometimes with minor changes such as ligatures or overlaid vertical or horizontal bars... . Time and date notations, such as the date separator and whether the clock should be in 12 or 24 hours. Cultural location of the user's computer (The time zone is set in Date and Time). Language; Input language. Keyboard layout (mapping between key strokes and characters). Display language for Menus Menu (computing) In computing and telecommunications, a menu is a list of commands presented to an operator by a computer or communications system. A menu is used in contrast to a command-line interface, where instructions to the computer are given in the form of commands .Choices given from a menu may be selected...  and Dialog Boxes. Whether files necessary for Asiatic language support must be installed. Installed code page Code page Code page is another term for character encoding. It consists of a table of values that describes the character set for a particular language. The term code page originated from IBM's EBCDIC-based mainframe systems, but many vendors use this term including Microsoft, SAP, and Oracle Corporation... s.
Security Center (wscui.cpl) Renamed "Action Center" in Windows 7
First added in Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Security Center gives the user access to the inbuilt Windows Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...  security components, as well as providing information about any existing antivirus software such as McAfee McAfee McAfee, Inc. is a computer security company headquartered in Santa Clara, California, USA. It markets software and services to home users, businesses and the public sector. On August 19, 2010, electronics company Intel agreed to purchase McAfee for $7.68 billion...  or Zone Alarm. It includes access to Windows Update Windows Update Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft that provides updates for the Microsoft Windows operating system and its installed components, including Internet Explorer... , where users can specify whether the computer should check for updates regularly (also available through the Windows Update panel), and options for managing internet security settings. It also includes links to internet articles about PC security and current virus Computer virus A computer virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability...  threats and notifies the user when the PCs security is compromised.
Sounds and Audio Devices (mmsys.cpl)
This panel contains various audio-related functions; Change the speaker volume and type and specify whether to show the volume icon in the notification area. Change the sounds played for the system or specific programs when a certain event occurs, i.e. Windows Startup or Critical Stop. Change default devices for music playback, recording, voice recognition, MIDI etc. Change the Sound card Sound card A sound card is an internal computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs. The term sound card is also applied to external audio interfaces that use software to generate sound, as opposed to using hardware...  settings and whether to use Hardware acceleration Hardware acceleration In computing, Hardware acceleration is the use of computer hardware to perform some function faster than is possible in software running on the general-purpose CPU... . Display the audio devices installed on the computer, and allows them to be configured.
Speech (Sapi.cpl)
This applet has two main functions, the first is specify settings for Speech synthesis Speech synthesis Speech synthesis is the artificial production of human speech. A computer system used for this purpose is called a speech synthesizer, and can be implemented in software or hardware... , allowing the user to select the voice the computer should use to narrate Narrator A narrator is, within any story , the fictional or non-fictional, personal or impersonal entity who tells the story to the audience. When the narrator is also a character within the story, he or she is sometimes known as the viewpoint character. The narrator is one of three entities responsible for...  text and how fast it should read. The second is to specify settings for Speech recognition Speech recognition Speech recognition converts spoken words to text. The term "voice recognition" is sometimes used to refer to recognition systems that must be trained to a particular speaker—as is the case for most desktop recognition software... , allowing the user to set up different profiles detailing how the computer should deal with an individuals dialect, for instance; The amount of grammatical errors in a persons voice (punctuality sensitivity). The speed at which the person speaks, and the time delay between words. This also allows the user to access the voice recognition training wizard, in which an individual 'teaches' the computer to recognize a person voice interactively using the microphone.
System (Sysdm.cpl)
This is used to view and change core system settings, a user can for instance: Display general information on the user's machine such as the amount of RAM Ram -Animals:*Ram, an uncastrated male sheep*Ram cichlid, a species of freshwater fish endemic to Colombia and Venezuela-Military:*Battering ram*Ramming, a military tactic in which one vehicle runs into another... , CPU speed and type, the version of Windows Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...  the system is using and the manufacturer. Edit the computer name in a network workgroup Workgroup (Computer networking) A workgroup is Microsoft's terminology for a peer-to-peer Windows computer network.Microsoft operating systems in the same workgroup may allow each other access to their files, printers, or Internet connection... . Manage and Configure hardware devices, and view information such as the manufacturer, user access and driver version of any hardware device installed on the system via Device Manager Device Manager The Device Manager is a Control Panel applet in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It allows users to view and control the hardware attached to the computer. When a piece of hardware is not working, the offending hardware is highlighted for the user to deal with... . Enable/Disable system features such as automatic updates and System restore monitoring. Specify advanced features such as performance logs, virtual memory settings and roaming profiles.
Taskbar and Start Menu (rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 1)
Allows the user to change the behavior and appearance of the task bar and Start Menu Start menu The Start Menu and Start Button are user interface elements used in the later versions of the Microsoft Windows operating systems and in some X window managers... ; Specifies whether to use Windows XP/Vista or Classic 9x Windows 9x Windows 9x is a generic term referring to a series of Microsoft Windows computer operating systems produced since 1995, which were based on the original and later modified Windows 95 kernel... /Me Windows Me Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows Me , is a graphical operating system released on September 14, 2000 by Microsoft, and was the last operating system released in the Windows 9x series. Support for Windows Me ended on July 11, 2006....  styles on the taskbar and start menu. Whether the taskbar should Auto-Hide. Whether to show the clock in the notification area. Allows the user to manage the tray icons. Advanced options such as whether to show Printers & Faxes in the start menu and whether to display My Documents My Documents On Microsoft Windows computer operating systems , My Documents is the name of a special folder on the computer's hard drive that the system commonly uses to store a user's documents, music, pictures, downloads, and other files.- Overview :Microsoft first introduced the "My Documents" folder in...  as a menu or as a link to a new window.
User Accounts (nusrmgr.cpl)
This allows the user to configure their account and other accounts used in the system, should they have sufficient privileges. They can change their username and password Password A password is a secret word or string of characters that is used for authentication, to prove identity or gain access to a resource . The password should be kept secret from those not allowed access.... , their picture (if enabled) and their .net passport. If the current user has an administrators System administrator A system administrator, IT systems administrator, systems administrator, or sysadmin is a person employed to maintain and operate a computer system and/or network...  account they can also add, delete and modify other user accounts as well as make changes to core system settings. This panel also specifies whether the guest account should be active and whether to use the Welcome screen while Windows Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...  loads.

Peripheral devices

These are options in the control panel that show devices connected to the computer. They do not actually offer a direct interface to control these devices, but rather offer basic tasks such as removal procedures and links to wizards (Printers & faxes is the exception).

Such Applets include;

• Scanners and Cameras
• Game Controllers
• Portable Media Devices

Other Microsoft-distributed applets

Bluetooth Devices (bthprops.cpl)
Available with bluetooth Bluetooth Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...  enabled systems running XP SP2 or later, this enables users to configure a Bluetooth connection, showing a list of all bluetooth devices interacting with the system, an addition to the following items; Allowing users to create incoming and outgoing 'virtual' COM Ports, which allow devices to have dedicated connections to the system. Allowing users to specify general bluetooth characteristics such as whether the computer is discoverable and the computers name which is broadcast.
Color (color.cpl)
Enables a more advanced control of color settings within Windows Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...  than is available in 'display', suitable for developers and visual specialists it allows users to create and load International Color Consortium International Color Consortium The International Color Consortium was formed in 1993 by eight industry vendors in order to create a universal color management system that would function transparently across all operating systems and software packages....  compliant color profiles, associate screen color with printers and cameras and view a 3D graphics plot of the color gamut Gamut In color reproduction, including computer graphics and photography, the gamut, or color gamut , is a certain complete subset of colors. The most common usage refers to the subset of colors which can be accurately represented in a given circumstance, such as within a given color space or by a... . By default this applet is not installed, however it can be installed for free from the Microsoft Website
Infrared (irprops.cpl)
Similar to the Bluetooth applet, this is used to configure how the computer manages any wireless infrared Infrared Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...  ports installed, including options such as connectivity and security.
CSNW (nwc.cpl)
The Client Service for NetWare applet is used to select a default tree and context in a Novell Directory Services (NDS) environment, or the NetWare server used most frequently in a non-NDS environment. Requirement: Installing the Client Service for NetWare.
Software Explorers
Part of Windows Defender Windows Defender Windows Defender, formerly known as Microsoft AntiSpyware, is a software product from Microsoft to prevent, remove, and quarantine spyware in Microsoft Windows... , allows users to view detailed information about software that is currently running on the computer that can affect the users' privacy or the security of the computer.

Third-party applets

Third-party software vendors have released many applets. Although it is impossible to mention all of them, some of them are listed here:

Icon	File name	Description
AC3 Filter	ac3filter.cpl	Configures speaker configuration and other parameters of the AC3 decoder filter.
Adobe Gamma	Adobe Gamma.cpl	For altering the screen display with Adobe Systems Adobe Systems Adobe Systems Incorporated is an American computer software company founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Jose, California, United States...  Imaging Software such as Photoshop.
Adobe Version Cue CS2	VersionCueCS2.cpl	To configure Adobe Version Cue Adobe Version Cue Adobe Version Cue is a computer program sold by Adobe Systems, only available as a part of the Adobe Creative Suite. Version Cue enables users to track and manipulate file versions and metadata. Users can see previews of older versions and can restore or delete versions at any time... .
Application paths	apppaths.cpl	Sets application paths, start-up commands and system services, coded by Gregory Braun.
Autodesk Plotter Manager	plotman.cpl	Adds, remove and changes plotters properties for AutoCAD AutoCAD AutoCAD is a software application for computer-aided design and drafting in both 2D and 3D. It is developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. First released in December 1982, AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal computers, notably the IBM PC...  products.
AvantGo Connect	agcpl.cpl	Synchronizes mobile versions (called "channels") of websites to a smartphone Smartphone A smartphone is a high-end mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone. The first smartphones were devices that mainly combined the functions of a personal digital assistant and a mobile phone or camera...  or PDA Personal digital assistant A personal digital assistant , also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Current PDAs often have the ability to connect to the Internet... , see AvantGo AvantGo AvantGo was a Web page / file synchronization service for personal digital assistants and smartphones. The system consisted of a browser client software running on the device, a synchronization server, and an Internet-connected PC to transfer Web pages into the mobile device... .
Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition	avconfig.cpl	Configures Avira Avira Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG is a German antivirus software company. When founded, the company was called "H+BEDV Datentechnik GmbH". Its antivirus applications are based on the AntiVir scan engine also known as "Luke Filewalker" , first launched in 1988. For aesthetic reasons, the name was...  Antivirus program.
BACKPACK Finder	bpcpl.cpl	To configure the Micro Solutions BackPack CD driver.
BDE Administrator	bdeadmin.cpl	To configure the Borland Borland Borland Software Corporation is a software company first headquartered in Scotts Valley, California, Cupertino, California and finally Austin, Texas. It is now a Micro Focus subsidiary. It was founded in 1983 by Niels Jensen, Ole Henriksen, Mogens Glad and Philippe Kahn.-The 1980s:...  Database Engine.
Boot Camp Control Panel		Setting for Mac OS X Mac OS X Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...  based computers
ClearCase	cc.cpl	To configure IBM Rational ClearCase.
Color Settings	3dcc.cpl	Changes the look and feel of Windows, see http://jote.pai.net.pl/jn/3dcc/
Compaq Diagnostics	cpqdiag.cpl	To view information a computer's hardware and software configuration, legacy application.
Control Panel	controlp.cpl	Control Panel Customization Toy, coded by Ali Lokhandwala.
Control Version System	cvsnt.cpl	Control Panel Customization Toy, by Brian Berliner. david d 'zoo' zuhn, Jeff Polk. Tony Hoyle
Creative Element Power Tools		To configure Creative Element Power Tools, a free-to-try program providing access to additional Windows tools.
Corel Versions	verscpl.cpl	Configures Corel Corel Corel Corporation from the abbreviation is a computer software company headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, that specializes in graphics processing, similar to Adobe Systems...  versions.
DANS	danetsvc.cpl	Configures the Shaffer Solutions DiskAccess Network Services, NFS client for Windows.
DiskAccess	dacfg.cpl	Configures how the Shaffer Solutions DiskAccess makes connections to remote NFS servers.
Flash Player	FlashPlayerCPLApp.cpl	For changing settings for the Flash Player. Updated version of the one online (http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager.html)
Folder size	FolderSize.cpl	Folder Size for Windows shows the size of folders in Windows Explorer.
FirebirdSQL Service Manager	fmmgr.cpl	Configures Firebird (database server) Firebird (database server) Firebird is an open source SQL relational database management system that runs on Linux, Windows, and a variety of Unix. The database forked from Borland's open source edition of InterBase in 2000, but since Firebird 1.5 the code has been largely rewritten ....  service options.
HP Jetadmin	jetadmin.cpl	HP Jetadmin configures and monitors HP printers.
HP Lock	Hplock.cpl	A Windows 95 utility to lock the PC keyboard, mouse and on/off switch in one click on legacy HP Vectra HP Vectra The HP Vectra was a line of business-oriented personal computers manufactured by Hewlett-Packard. It was introduced in October 1985 as HP's first IBM compatible PC.-External links:* , HP Computer Museum* , HP Computer Museum... .
IconPackager	ipcpl.cpl	To customize Windows icons and cursors, see IconPackager.
ImDisk Virtual Disk Driver	imdisk.cpl	Administration of ImDisk Virtual Disk Driver.
Intel Extreme Graphics	igfxcpl.cpl	To change advanced settings on systems using Intel GPUs
IP Office Voicemail Pro	ims.cpl	To configure Avaya Avaya Avaya Inc. is a privately held computer networking, information technology and telecommunications company that is a global provider of business communications systems. The international head quarters is in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States...  IP Office Voicemail Voicemail Voicemail is a computer based system that allows users and subscribers to exchange personal voice messages; to select and deliver voice information; and to process transactions relating to individuals, organizations, products and services, using an ordinary telephone...  Pro.
Java	jpicpl32.cpl	For changing settings with Java Runtime Console Java (Sun) Java refers to several computer software products and specifications from Sun Microsystems, a subsidiary of Oracle Corporation, that together provide a system for developing application software and deploying it in a cross-platform environment... .
JInitiator 1.x.y.z	plugincpl1xyz.cpl	To configure Oracle Oracle Database The Oracle Database is an object-relational database management system produced and marketed by Oracle Corporation.... ’s JInitiator, note x.y.z are version numbers.
MSConfig	MSConfig.cpl	Launches the Microsoft System Configuration Utility MSConfig MSConfig is a system utility to troubleshoot the Microsoft Windows startup process... .
MultiSite	ms.cpl	To configure IBM Rational ClearCase Multisite.
Nero BurnRights	NeroBurnRights.cpl	For specifying who is allowed to use the CD burner with Nero Nero Burning ROM Nero Multimedia Suite is a popular software suite for Microsoft Windows by Nero AG . Version 10 of this product was released in April 2010.- Included products :The following applications are included in Nero 11 :Disc authoring... .
nVIDIA Control panel	nvidia.cpl	To change advanced settings on systems using nVIDIA NVIDIA Nvidia is an American global technology company based in Santa Clara, California. Nvidia is best known for its graphics processors . Nvidia and chief rival AMD Graphics Techonologies have dominated the high performance GPU market, pushing other manufacturers to smaller, niche roles...  GPUs
Pointer Devices	tbctlpnl.cpl	To configure the Touch-Base Universal Pointer Device Driver (UPDD).
Quicktime	quicktime.cpl	For specifying settings of the Apple Quicktime Player.
RealPlayer	prefscpl.cpl	To configure the RealPlayer RealPlayer RealPlayer is a cross-platform media player by RealNetworks that plays a number of multimedia formats including MP3, MPEG-4, QuickTime, Windows Media, and multiple versions of proprietary RealAudio and RealVideo formats.-History:...  preferences, older versions.
Realtek AC97 Audio Control Panel	alsndmgr.cpl	To configure the Realtek Realtek Realtek Semiconductor Corp. , a fabless IC design house situated in the Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan, was founded in October 1987, and subsequently approved as a listed company on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in 1998...  audio controller.
RESTrick Control Panel	rest2.cpl	Windows Tuning and system restrictions setup, by Rtsecurity.
Safarp	safarp.cpl	Safarp is a small and fast alternative to the Add or Remove Programs applet.
Send To Toys	sendtotoys.cpl	To configure the Send To right click system menu in Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal... .
Services and Devices	pserv.cpl	From p-nand-q to manage Windows services and devices and uninstall applications.
SNTP Service	sntpserv.cpl	From Dillobits Software, to manage the SNTP client service.
Startup	startup.cpl	Control programs that run at system start-up, coded by Mike Lin.
Symantec LiveUpdate	s32lucp2.cpl	Configures the Symantec LiveUpdate update service.
System Information	Sancpl.cpl	Launches SiSoftware SiSoftware SiSoftware, founded in 1995, is a provider of computer analysis, diagnostic and benchmarking software. The flagship product, known as "SANDRA", was launched in 1997 and has become notably popular in its field....  Sandra utility.
System Info for Windows	siw.cpl	Launches the SIW application.
Trust-No-Exe	trustnoexe.cpl	Configures the Beyond Logic Trust-No-Exe executable filter.
VMware Tools	VMControlPanel.cpl	To configure VMware VMware VMware, Inc. is a company providing virtualization software founded in 1998 and based in Palo Alto, California, USA. The company was acquired by EMC Corporation in 2004, and operates as a separate software subsidiary .... Tools.
WIBU-KEY	wibuke32.cpl	To configure the WIBU-KEY Software Protection.
Winlogos	wnlgo.cpl	To change the windows start-up and shutdown screens in Windows 98 or ME, coded by Ali Lokhandwala.
X-Setup Pro	xqdcXSPApplet.cpl	Launches X-Setup Pro, a Windows tweaker application.

External links

• How to run Control Panel tools by typing a command at microsoft.com