Settings app was first introduced with Windows 8 to make finding and changing default Windows settings easier on touch devices. The app has been completely overhauled in Windows 10 to include new settings.
The Settings app in Windows 10 is not just for touch devices, but it has been tailored for desktop users as well. While the classic Control Panel has been retained in Windows 10, you will see yourself launching Settings app more often than the Control Panel as most of the newly added settings are exclusive to the Settings app only. In simple words, whether you’re on desktop, notebook, or touch device, you will have to open the Settings app to access specific settings.
Pin specific settings to the Windows 10 Start menu
One of the cool things about Settings is that you can pin your favorite settings to the Start menu for quick access. That is, the settings that you access very often can be pinned to the Start menu so that you can access those settings right from the Start menu without having to navigate through the Settings app. For instance, if you frequently visit the Start section of the Settings app to change default settings of the Start menu, you can pin it to the Start menu.
Tip: Just like the Settings app, the classic Control Panel also allows supports pinning applets to the Start menu. When you’re in Control Panel, change the view to small icons, right-click on an applet to see Pin to Start option. As you can see, you can pin your favorite Control Panel applets to Windows Explorer Quick Access as well.
Pin a specific setting to Start in Windows 10
Step 1: Open Settings app by either clicking or tapping the Settings icon in the Start menu or using Windows + I hotkey.
Step 2: Navigate to the setting that you want to pin to the Start.
Step 3: In the left pane, right-click (touch and hold on a touch screen) on the Setting that you want to pin, and then click or tap Pin to Start option.
Step 4: When you get the confirmation dialog, click the Yes button. That’s it! The newly pinned setting will appear on the right side of the Start menu.
Note that you can pin as many settings as you want to the Start menu. There is no limitation whatsoever, but make sure you don’t end up with a cluttered Start menu!
Pro tip: If you want quick access settings without pinning them to the Start menu, you can use the taskbar or Star search to find a setting quickly. For instance, typing Lock Screen in the search box and pressing Enter key will launch Lock Screen settings.
How do you like the new Settings app in Windows 10?
