Microsoft Revises Windows 11 Documentation Amid Controversy: Control Panel Deletion On Hold

Earlier, Landian.news  reported that Microsoft had updated its Windows 11 introduction and support documents to clearly state that the Control Panel would be deprecated in favor of the new Settings app, recommending users to adopt the latter.

This was the first official acknowledgment from Microsoft about phasing out the Control Panel, a discussion that dates back to before the release of Windows 8 in 2011, suggesting a move towards a new settings interface even then.

Thirteen years on, the Control Panel still exists, albeit with some options now moved to the Settings app, such as the Network and Sharing Center and Programs and Features.

For many users, the Control Panel remains the preferred method for adjusting system settings. Microsoft's announcement about its discontinuation drew significant attention, leading to a swift revision of the page's wording.

Original Statement by Microsoft:

The Control Panel is being deprecated in favor of the Settings app, which offers a more modern and streamlined experience. While the Control Panel will remain for compatibility reasons and to provide access to some settings not yet migrated, it is recommended to use the Settings app wherever possible.

Revised Statement:

Many settings in the Control Panel are being migrated to the Settings app, which offers a more modern and streamlined experience. The Control Panel will continue to exist for compatibility reasons and to provide access to some settings not yet migrated, with a recommendation to use the Settings app wherever possible.

The key difference in the revision is the removal of any reference to the Control Panel being deprecated, marking the removal of the only official statement from Microsoft about its discontinuation. It's unclear if Microsoft retracted due to significant user backlash, planning to address the issue more gradually.

Regardless, it seems inevitable that the Control Panel will eventually be phased out, as Microsoft continues to port more options to the Settings app. It's unlikely that Microsoft will maintain the traditional Control Panel while also enhancing the Settings app, suggesting that the Control Panel's discontinuation, though possibly far off, is certain.