Common Fixes
- Update Windows 11: Press the Windows + I shortcut to open the Settings app, select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and install available system updates.
- Perform a clean boot: A recently installed software might be conflicting with the Control Panel app. Clean boot your Windows 11 system, and retry opening it.
- Restart the Windows Explorer: The Control Panel app may fail to open if there’s an issue with the Windows Explorer process. Restart it manually and reopen the Control Panel.
Fix 1: Open the Control Panel Using the Run Dialog
If the Control Panel app isn’t opening directly on Windows 11, you can use the following nifty trick to regain access.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R shortcut to open the Run dialog, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
Step 2: Click Control Panel Home at the top left to access the app’s home screen.
Fix 2: Repair Corrupt System Files to Fix the Control Panel
The Control Panel app may fail to open if Windows system files are corrupt. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans to repair and restore your system image.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type SFC /scannow in the console and press Enter to let System File Checker repair corrupt system files.
Step 3: Next, execute the following DISM commands sequentially and reboot your PC.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Fix 3: Manually Restart the Windows Services
When one of the Windows services stops working in the background, the system might fail to open the Control Panel. Start them manually from the Services window and try reopening the app.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Services, and click Run as administrator.
Step 2: Locate and double-click Software Protection, and click Start.
Step 3: Finally, double-click Windows Error Reporting Service, click Start, and retry opening the Control Panel.
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Last updated on 12 July, 2024
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