Trending Now - Microsoft Delays Complete Removal of Windows Control Panel

WHO:

The Verge - March Rogers, partner director of design at Microsoft, is involved in the migration of Control Panel items to the Settings app.

Windows Latest - March Rogers confirmed the migration process in response to user comments.

WHAT:

The Verge - Microsoft is migrating all old Control Panel items into the modern Settings app in Windows 11.

Windows Latest - The Control Panel, which has been in use for 40 years, is being phased out, but the transition is complex.

The Verge - Last year, Microsoft migrated several settings, including clock settings, keyboard character repeat delay, mouse cursor blink rate, and formatting for time, number, and currency into the Settings app.

WHERE:

The Verge - The migration is taking place within the Windows 11 operating system.

WHEN:

The Verge - Microsoft began efforts to remove the Control Panel in 2012 with the launch of Windows 8.

Windows Latest - The redesign of the Settings app is occurring in April 2026.

WHY:

The Verge - Microsoft is taking a careful approach to avoid breaking various network and printer devices and drivers during the migration process.

Windows Latest - The legacy Control Panel is considered superior in certain areas, such as Network settings and Printer Properties, which complicates the transition.

HOW:

The Verge - Microsoft is redesigning the Settings interface for clarity and making improvements to Windows 11 as part of a broader effort to enhance the operating system.

Windows Latest - The migration process is being conducted carefully to ensure compatibility with existing devices and drivers.

(UPDATED April 8, 2026 13:23 UTC)

Microsoft is currently migrating all old Control Panel items into the modern Settings app in Windows 11, a process confirmed by March Rogers, the partner director of design at Microsoft. This transition, which began with efforts in 2012, is complex due to the legacy Control Panel's advantages in areas like network settings and printer properties, and the redesign is taking place this month. As part of a broader effort to enhance the operating system, Microsoft is carefully managing the migration to avoid compatibility issues with existing devices and drivers.