Using the Control Panel
- How to quickly control all your computer can do from a single place
- How the control panel works in Windows Vista, on a Windows XP computer and a new PC running Windows 7
- Improving your computer's security
- Giving your computer an MOT
Which? Archive
This article, Using the Control Panel, was last updated on 31 July 2009 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Technology articles.
What's in this guide
Access and customise the Control Panel
Where to find the control panel in Microsoft Windows and how to customise it to your needs.
Use the Control Panel to maintain your computer
How to give your computer an MOT.
Using the Device Manager
How to use the Device Manager to check the status of the hardware components of your PC.
Using the Control Panel to improve your computer's security
Use firewall, anti-spyware features and more.
Hardware and sound: change default media settings
Changing your computer's media settings.
How to uninstall unwanted software
Use the control panel to uninstall software that you don't want.
Using the mobility centre to control a computer on the move
Useful features for PC users while they're out and about.
Creating a new user account and setting up safety controls
Everyone in your household can have their own user account with personalised folders and settings.
Using the Control Panel to change how Windows looks
It's simple to use the Control Panel to change the way that Windows looks.
