PC settings Shortcut for Windows 8

How to Create a PC settings Shortcut in Windows 8 and 8.1


information   Information
PC settings is organized into categories. Below, you can click a category name on the left to see links to help for that category on the right.

Most of the settings you'll want to change in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 are in PC settings. You'll find things like screen resolution, adding and removing devices, personalizing the lock screen, changing the date and time, and adding user accounts.

This tutorial will show you how to create or download a modern PC settings shortcut that you can use or pin where you like in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.


EXAMPLE: PC settings

Windows-8-PC-settings.jpg

PC_settings_8.1_Update.jpg







OPTION ONE

To Download a PC settings Shortcut


1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download the ZIP file below.​
PC_settings_Shortcut.zip
download

2. Save the .zip file to your desktop.
3. Open the .zip file, and extract (drag and drop) the PC settings shortcut to the desktop.
4. Unblock the PC settings shortcut.​
5. Go to step 4 in OPTION TWO below to download and use a custom icon for this shortcut.​
6. If you like, you can Pin to Taskbar on desktop, Pin to Start screen, add to Quick Launch, assign a keyboard shortcut to it, or move this shortcut to where you like for easy use.​
7. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .zip file on the desktop if you like, or save it to use again.






OPTION TWO

To Manually Create a PC settings Shortcut


1. Right click or press and hold on a empty area of the desktop, and click/tap on New and Shortcut.​
2. Copy and paste the command below into the location area, and click/tap on the Next button. (see screenshot below)​
Code:
explorer.exe shell:Appsfolder\windows.immersivecontrolpanel_cw5n1h2txyewy!microsoft.windows.immersivecontrolpanel
shortcut-1.png

3. Type PC settings for the name, and click/tap on the Finish button. (see screenshot below)​
NOTE: You can name this shortcut anything you would like though.
shortcut-2.png

4. Click/tap on the Download button below to download a custom PC_settings.ico file to use for this shortcut. Unblock the .ico file, then move it to where you would like to keep it saved at.​
download

5. Right click or press and hold on the new PC settings shortcut, and click/tap on Properties.​
6. Click/tap on the Shortcut tab, then click/tap on the Change Icon button. (see screenshot below)​
shortcut-3.jpg

7. Click/tap on the Browse button, navigate to and select the PC_settings.ico file from step 4, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot above)​
NOTE: You can use any icon that you would like instead though.​
shortcut-4.jpg

8. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below step 6)​
9. If you like, you can Pin to Taskbar on desktop, Pin to Start screen, add to Quick Launch, assign a keyboard shortcut to it, or move this shortcut to where you like for easy use.​



That's it,
Shawn

 

Attachments

  • PC_settings_Shortcut.zip
    859 bytes · Views: 3,210
  • PC_settings_Icon.zip
    16.4 KB · Views: 1,133
  • PC_settings.png
    PC_settings.png
    5.4 KB · Views: 300
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks Shawn
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build
    CPU
    i5 4670K
    Motherboard
    ASUS z87-Pro
    Memory
    G-Skill 1600 @10-10-10-27
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASIS GTX 660 Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 24 inch
    Hard Drives
    250GB 850 EVO, 2250GB 840 EVO, 2TB WD spinner
    PSU
    Corsair AX-1200
    Case
    TT Urban S31 (quiet case)
    Cooling
    Corsair H100
    Keyboard
    Logitech G15
    Mouse
    Logitech M500
    Internet Speed
    Cable
You're most welcome Kip. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Thank you Shawn. :D

I was looking for a shortcut to the PC Settings. I can't believe Microsoft made it so difficult to get to PC Settings quickly. :confused:
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Pack
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
You're most welcome N30. Glad it could help. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hello Ginger,

Sorry about that. The link has been updated. Please try again. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
They really do make it confusing. In my All-Users Start Menu folder
("C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs")
there's a shortcut that is called "PC Settings" and its icon looks the same as the Settings charm.
But it actually opens the "Control Panel" folder on the Desktop!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP 23-D030
Hello Dragon Drop,

LOL, yeah things like that sure don't help. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
If i were to delete the shortcut in programdata/windows/xxx/PC Settings would this still work? Im trying to remove it from my start screen yet still have access to it. I deleted the shortcut previously but found out not long thereafter that I couldnt access it even via the link in the charms/metrosidebar thingy.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Enterprise x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i7 4790K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X - OC Force
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 2133 (32GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX TITAN SC x4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2713H x3
    Screen Resolution
    4680x2560
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO x2 (512GB)
    Seagate Barracuda x2 (4TB)
    PSU
    EVGA NEX1500 Supernova x2
    Case
    Corsair Obsidian 900D
    Cooling
    EK Supremacy & XSPC RX360
    Keyboard
    Razer Deathstalker Ultimate
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic
    Internet Speed
    AT&T Uverse 45Mbp/s
    Browser
    Chromium x64
If i were to delete the shortcut in programdata/windows/xxx/PC Settings would this still work? Im trying to remove it from my start screen yet still have access to it. I deleted the shortcut previously but found out not long thereafter that I couldnt access it even via the link in the charms/metrosidebar thingy.


Hello Kevin,

If you delete the PC settings shortcut in the Start screen folder location, it would break PC settings. The shortcut will need to remain there.

If you like, you could unpin PC settings from the Start screen to only have it on your Apps screen.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2352-start-screen-pin-unpin-app-folder-drive-windows-8-a.html
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hrm. probably beating a dead horse but their is no way to move the location the system checks for said file or anything like that then?

I already have everything unpinned from the actual "start" menu as I dont use it whatsoever. When/if I said start menu I meant apps list. Ultimately id like it to have just "apps" of the "i personally installed them myself" variety :p I have managed to remove every single solitary windows pre installed app/metro app bar this one. If i were able to access it only via charms bar I would be elated.

If we're being honest - ill likely never use it again but having the link broken would drive me nuts since im ocd/anal ESPECIALLY about my pc lol.

Aaaanyhow, it is what it is i suppose. I know im not alone so if their was a reasonable way, id imagine it would have found its way here by now.

Thanks for trying to help anyhow. Your the best :p
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Enterprise x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i7 4790K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z87X - OC Force
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 2133 (32GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX TITAN SC x4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2713H x3
    Screen Resolution
    4680x2560
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO x2 (512GB)
    Seagate Barracuda x2 (4TB)
    PSU
    EVGA NEX1500 Supernova x2
    Case
    Corsair Obsidian 900D
    Cooling
    EK Supremacy & XSPC RX360
    Keyboard
    Razer Deathstalker Ultimate
    Mouse
    Razer Naga Epic
    Internet Speed
    AT&T Uverse 45Mbp/s
    Browser
    Chromium x64
Not that I'm aware of. Removing the "PC settings" shortcut from the Apps screen will completely break "PC settings" everywhere. :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Removing the "PC settings" shortcut from the Apps screen will completely break "PC settings" everywhere.


That is absolutely fvcking ridiculous. I contacted Microsoft Support about this - there is absolutely no way to get rid of that shortcut without breaking the 'PC Settings' screen entirely.

You can't access it from anywhere else in the entire operating system unless that shortcut is in your start menu.

Microsoft is a complete joke. That is not how a professional operating system should work. A vital function of the computer should not hinge upon the existence of a shortcut in your start menu. There is no fvcking reason for it.

This is a ridiculous design oversight.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro
Removing the "PC settings" shortcut from the Apps screen will completely break "PC settings" everywhere.


That is absolutely fvcking ridiculous. I contacted Microsoft Support about this - there is absolutely no way to get rid of that shortcut without breaking the 'PC Settings' screen entirely.

You can't access it from anywhere else in the entire operating system unless that shortcut is in your start menu.

Microsoft is a complete joke. That is not how a professional operating system should work. A vital function of the computer should not hinge upon the existence of a shortcut in your start menu. There is no fvcking reason for it.

This is a ridiculous design oversight.

If you like, you could just "Unpin from Start" PC settings to only have it on your Apps screen. ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Like an earlier poster, I have already removed everything from my 'Start Menu' screen. It's completely empty, and I never use it - the start menu button opens directly to my (mostly empty) 'Apps' screen.

I would like to remove the icon from the 'Apps' screen, because it does not belong there. Like that other commenter, if I were able to access it only via charms bar, I would be elated.

I called the 'Apps' screen the Start Menu because its contents are, for me, mostly pulled from...

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

...and therefore the 'Apps' screen, to me, is the Start Menu - Microsoft just renamed it for some reason.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro
Yeah, it would be nice, but removing any of the modern app shortcuts from the "Apps" screen will break them. :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
And that's absurd. I shouldn't need to have a shortcut in my start menu to not break my computer...

That's the only 'app' I use, because I am forced to, because there is no other way to change those settings or access that information. Couldn't they have just put that stuff in with the regular control panel, where everything else like that is?

No, that would have made too much sense.

Actually...I guess I could just remove the shortcut, and only replace it when I need those functions. I shouldn't have to do this, but it's the only way I can think of to get around this awful oversight.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro
Back
Top