In the Control Panel, there is an advanced mode that lets you access, from one place, all the configuration tools of the system. This menu is intended for developers, and although any user can access it easily, it should be used with caution.

To activate it, log on to Windows with an account that has administrator privileges. Then, in a free space on the desktop, click the right mouse button to open the context menu. Open the New section, and then, select Folder.

Create a new folderCreate a new folder

Once the new folder is created, change its name to FOLDER.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. Press the Enter key to confirm.

Give the folder a nameGive the folder a name

Immediately, the folder will change its icon and its name will disappear. You have just created a shortcut to the most advanced mode of the Control Panel.

Hidden folder in the control panelHidden folder in the control panel

Double click on it to access. In the window that will open, you can see the full list of Windows Control Panel options. As you can see in the following image, they are arranged by categories.

Control panel advanced modeControl panel advanced mode

With this list, you get direct access to each of the actions available from the Control Panel. However, it is important to remember that this Windows element is doomed to disappear. Microsoft is gradually transferring all its functions to the new Configuration application. As this happens, the advanced options view will lose tools.

Also, many of these shortcuts lead to functions designed for earlier versions of Windows, such as the backup tool. Although they are kept in the Control Panel, these actions are already available from the Settings application.