Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars - Expand the Control Panel to a Menu

SUMMARY: Provide easier access to Control Panel items via the Windows Vista Start Menu.

Normally, accessing Control Panel items from the Windows Vista Start Menu is a multi-step process. If you are using the standard Windows Vista Start Menu, you must click on "Control Panel" from the "Start Menu", wait for the "Control Panel" window to open, and then select your desired applet. Or, if you are using the Classic Start Menu, there are even more steps - click the Start Menu, then select "Settings", then "Control Panel", and then select your desired applet once the "Control Panel" window appears.

Would you like to save a step by making the Control Panel automatically expand from the Start Menu, providing easier access to configuration applets?

1. Right-click an empty area of the Windows Taskbar and choose "Properties".

2. When the "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, click the "Start Menu" tab.

3. One "Customize" button should be enabled, depending on your selected Start Menu. Click it.

If you are using the Windows Vista Start Menu:

4. The "Customize Start Menu" dialog box appears. Scroll down to the "Control Panel" section and click the "Display as a menu" radio button.

5. Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them.

If you are using the Classic Start Menu:

4. The "Customize Classic Start Menu" dialog box appears. Check "Expand control panel'.

5. Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them.

Now, when you access the Control Panel from the Start Menu you can quickly access such options as "Date and Time", "Fonts", and "Mouse" without opening the Control Panel dialog box. However, if you still want to open the dialog box, right-click on "Control Panel" from the Start Menu and choose "Open".

To reverse this procedure:

If you are using the Windows Vista Start Menu, perform the above related steps but choose the "Display as a link" radio button. Classic Start Menu users should repeat the above steps but uncheck "Expand control panel".