How to Put a Control Panel Icon on the Desktop in Windows 7

There are an incredible amount of settings and options that you can configure in Windows 7 to suit your preferences. Whether you want to change your user password or stop the print spooler, the setting that you are looking for is probably accessible through the Control Panel.

If you have trouble remembering how to access the Control Panel, however, or if you are setting up a computer for someone and simply want an easy way for them to find it, then adding a Control Panel shortcut to the desktop can be very convenient.

It is a little different from creating a typical desktop shortcut, however, so our tutorial below will walk you through the steps of making the Control Panel easier to locate.

Our tutorial on the AppData folder in Windows 7 will show you how to find this important store of files that you might need when troubleshooting various issues.

Add a Shortcut for the Control Panel to the Windows 7 Desktop

The steps in this article will show you how to use the Personalize menu in Windows 7 to add shortcut icons to your desktop. We have previously written about how to do this in order to add a Recycle Bin icon, and our guide below will show you how to place a Control Panel icon on your desktop as well.

Step 1: Right-click in an open space on your Desktop, then click the Personalize option. This will open a new window.

open the personalize menu

Step 2: Click the Change desktop icons link at the left side of this window.

select the change desktop icons option

Step 3: Check the box to the left of Control Panel in the section at the top of the window.

select the control panel option

Step 4: Click the Apply button at the bottom of the window, then click the OK button.

click apply, then click ok

Now that you know how to put a shortcut icon for the Control Panel on your desktop in Windows 7, you can make opening this menu to adjust your computer’s settings a little easier.

Do you need to find a file or folder in Windows 7, but it is hidden? This can occur commonly when you are looking for something in the AppData folder. This article will show you how to show hidden files and folders in Windows 7.

Related: Can I Put a Chrome Shortcut on Desktop in Windows?

Join Our Free Newsletter

Featured guides and deals

You may opt out at any time.
Read our Privacy Policy