FIX – Control Panel Not Opening in Windows 11

The Control panel is an essential program on every Windows device. It helps modify system settings and offers utilities to fix, update and enhance your device’s performance. But recently, many people have reported about Control Panel not opening in Windows 11. As Control Panel is an important part of Windows, fixing this issue is crucial. Keep reading to know how to do it.

This error mainly occurs due to damaged installation files. However, there are other issues due to which you may face this error. With the Control Panel not opening, you won’t be able to access User Account settings, Bitlocker Encryption, Appearance, Personalisation, etc. Below we have compiled a list of some troubleshooting methods that may help you fix this problem.

Also Read- Fix Green Screen of Death Error in Windows 11

Best Ways to Fix Control Panel Not Opening in Windows 11

If the Control panel isn’t opening on your Windows 11 device, follow the methods mentioned below to fix the issue:

Fix 1: Restart Your PC

Try restarting your PC before getting started with complex methods to fix this issue. A simple restart then sometimes fixed small bugs and errors like this; once your device reboots, try opening Control Panel again. If it still doesn’t open, continue with the methods below.

Fix 2: Scan Your PC

Problems like these can also because due to a malicious program or file installed on your device. Windows Defender can easily eliminate them by scanning and detecting any malware or virus on your device. You can also use third-party antivirus software to scan your computer.

Fix 3: Run SFC

This Windows error can also occur because of corrupted files present on your system. Run an SFC or System File Checker scan to get rid of these corrupted files. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc/scannow and hit enter.
3. Restart your device and check if Control Panel opens.

Fix 4: Check if Windows Licensing Service is Running

Here is how you can do it:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box, type services.msc and enter.
2. Check if Windows License Manager Service is running.
3. If the service isn’t running, right-click on it and select Start.

Fix 5: Tweak the Registry

Make sure you don’t make any mistakes, as it can corrupt your operating system. Deleting the BagMRU and Bags folders in Windows Registry Editor can sometimes solve this problem. Here is how you can do it:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box, type regedit, and press enter.
2. Navigate to the following path.

   Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell

3. Right-click on BagMRU and Bags folders one by one and click on Delete.
4. Once done, restart your device and check if the Control Panel is opening.

Fix 6: Check the Local Group Policy Settings

You can also fix this error by using Local Group Policy Settings to enable the Control panel on Windows 11. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open Local Group Policy and navigate to the following path.

   User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel

2. Select the Control Panel folder and double click on Prohibit access to Control Panel and PC settings.
3. In the Prohibit access to the control panel and PC settings window, check the Not Configured option and click on the Apply button at the bottom.
4. Restart your device and check if the issue is resolved or not.

Fix 7: Delete Temporary Files

If your PC gets clogged up with temporary files, this error can also occur. These temporary files sometimes get corrupted and cause problems on your PC. Here is how you can delete temporary files from your PC:

1. Open the Run dialogue box and type %temp% and hit enter.
2. Press CTRL + A to select all temporary files.
3. Now press Shift + Del to delete all files permanently.
4. Restart your device once you have deleted all temporary files and check if the issue is fixed or not.

Fix 8: Run DISM Scan

System image corruptions can also cause Control Panel to not work in Windows. Run a DISM scan to find and repair any system image corruptions on your PC. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one and hit enter.

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

3. Restart your device and check if Control Panel opens.

Fix 9: Clean Boot your Device

Sometimes a third-party application installed on your device can be responsible for Control Panel not opening. Clean boot your PC to restrict all third-party applications. Here is how you can do it:

1. Click on Start, search for System Configuration and open it.
2. Navigate to the General tab > Selective Startup option.
3. Under this Selective Startup option, check the Load System Services option.
4. Then navigate to the Services tab and click on the Hide all Microsoft Services option.
5. Then click on the Disable all option at the right and then on Ok to save changes.
6. Restart your device and try to reaccess Control Panel.

Fix 10: Reset Your PC

If none of those mentioned above steps could help you, factory reset your PC. Sometimes, the error is in the Windows core files that cannot be repaired manually. Here is how you can factory reset your PC:

1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Recovery.
2. Finally, click on Reset this PC and follow the instructions on the screen.

FAQ’s

How do I manually open the Control Panel?

Press Windows + X to open the Quick Access Menu, then choose Control Panel in it. You can also open Control Panel via Windows Settings.

How do I fix Control Panel not opening?

Control panel not opening in Windows 11 is a very common issue that mainly occurs due to damaged installation files. Follow the troubleshooting methods mentioned above to fix this issue. And if none of them help you reset your device.

What is Control Panel in Windows 11?

A Control panel is a utility in Windows that helps modify system settings and fix, update and enhance the device’s performance.

Wrapping Up

That’s all on how you can fix control panel not opening in Windows 11. We hope that the troubleshooting methods mentioned above were able to help you. If you have any suggestions or doubts, let us know in the comments section or contact Microsoft Support.