Microsoft's decision to replace the Control Panel with the Settings app is intended to provide users with a more modern and streamlined experience. The Settings app, first introduced in Windows 8, has evolved over the years, particularly with Windows 10 and Windows 11, where it has seen significant improvements and feature additions. Despite these enhancements, not all settings have been migrated from the Control Panel to the Settings app, so the Control Panel remains accessible for now. The company advises users to utilize the Settings app whenever possible, as it will be the primary interface for system configuration in future Windows versions. However, some settings and third-party configuration tools still rely on the old Control Panel interface. These are expected to be phased out gradually as Microsoft continues its migration efforts.
The Control Panel has been a core feature of Windows for decades, offering a user-friendly way to adjust operating system settings and manage third-party applications. However, as Microsoft continues to modernize the Windows experience, the Control Panel's relevance has diminished. Its eventual removal is seen as a natural progression toward a more unified and cohesive system configuration experience within the Settings app.
While the support document specifically mentions Windows 11, it is unclear whether the Control Panel will also be removed from Windows 10. Microsoft has not provided details on whether both versions will undergo the same transition. The Control Panel's omission from Microsoft's list of deprecated features suggests that its removal is still under consideration, and a timeline has yet to be established.
Source: Microsoft
