Microsoft: Five Control Panel Sections That Should Be Moved to Windows 11 Settings App

In September 2025, Windows 11 received a notable non-security update that introduced several enhancements to the operating system. Among these features are improvements in language, time, mouse, and keyboard settings, streamlining user experiences without the legacy Control Panel. Customizing date and time formats, adding additional clocks, and adjusting keyboard repeat delays can all now be managed directly from the Settings app. Nevertheless, several key functionalities from the Control Panel remain unaddressed in this modernization effort. Below, we explore five critical elements that deserve to be integrated into the Settings app.

1. BitLocker Drive Encryption

The introduction of BitLocker Drive Encryption as a default feature in Windows 11 versions 24H2 and newer necessitates a reevaluation of how users interact with it. While accessing BitLocker settings is straightforward—right-clicking on a drive and selecting “Manage BitLocker”—many of the controls remain confined to the outdated Control Panel. This is problematic given that the Control Panel lacks dark mode support and is not optimized for touchscreen or accessibility features. As Microsoft encourages wider adoption of BitLocker, enhancing this critical security feature’s settings to align with modern design principles is essential.

2. File Explorer Options

The File Explorer Options section in the legacy Control Panel continues to provide essential settings for customizing user file management experiences. Unfortunately, there has not yet been a commitment from Microsoft to migrate these functionalities to the modern Settings app. Although dark mode support has recently been implemented within the File Explorer Options, the persistence of its outdated Win32-based interface is disappointing. Users who prefer a cohesive design across the entire operating system are left waiting for updates that may never come.

3. Sounds

Windows 11 has reintroduced the option for startup sounds, including a new jingle designed to revive a nostalgic experience for users. However, many users prefer a quieter interface, making the option to disable sounds extremely important. While other elements of theme customization—such as backgrounds, colors, and cursors—have received modern updates within the Settings app, sound settings still require access to the legacy applet. This discrepancy highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to settings modernization.

Control Panel and Sound Settings in Windows 11

4. Device and Disk Management

Device and Disk Management tools, while not daily utilities for most users, are crucial components within Windows. Unfortunately, these features still reflect an outdated design and lack proper dark mode support, rendering them visually unappealing, especially on high-DPI displays. As users increasingly adopt higher resolution monitors, the need for visually consistent and refined user interfaces grows more pressing. The inability to properly scale these applets at resolutions higher than 100% leads to a frustrating experience in 2025.

5. Recovery Options

Although Windows 11 includes a dedicated Recovery section in the Settings app, it is missing several vital functionalities. Users can find troubleshooting guides, reset options, and access advanced startup, but features like creating recovery drives or configuring system restore points remain buried within the legacy Control Panel. These functions are integral for maintaining system health and should be more prominently featured in the updated interface to enhance usability and efficiency.

Is It Time for Change?

While the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”often resonates, it does not apply uniformly to software interfaces like Windows. While certain elements have transitioned to the Settings app, others remain neglected, leading to confusion among users. Microsoft has made strides in modernizing Windows, and halting this progress would only complicate the user experience by maintaining dual settings management systems. While it may take time to fully transition from the old Control Panel to a comprehensive Settings app, prioritizing the most frequently used features is crucial for improving overall user satisfaction.

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