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Windows 7

Expand Control Panel in Start Menu

SUMMARY: Access Control Panel applets directly from the Windows 7 Start Menu.

By default, when clicking on "Control Panel" from the Windows 7 Start Menu, you will be shown a Control Panel window where you can choose the configuration item you wish to access. If desired, you can save some clicking and make these applets available directly from the Start Menu.

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

Expanded Control Panel in the Windows 7 Start Menu

2. The "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" multi-tabbed dialog box appears. Click the "Start Menu" tab.

3. Click the "Customize" button.

4. The "Customize Start Menu" dialog box appears. Underneath "Control Panel" click the "Display as a menu" radio button.

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

This tip was written for Windows 7 RC. Screenshots and information are subject to change between this and the official release of Windows 7.