7.1.3 Windows 11: Control Panel and System Security

Control Panel Overview

• Control Panel allows customization of device features and configuration of computer appearance and behavior.
• Applets within Control Panel are used to configure specific features or devices.

Opening Control Panel in Windows 11

• Select Start -> All apps, choose a letter (e.g., C), then select Windows Tools. Control Panel is listed as a tool.
• Select the Search icon on the taskbar and type "control," then select Control Panel from the results.
• Press the Windows Key + R. Type control and press Enter.
• Right-click Start and select Settings. In the Settings search field, type control panel and then select Control Panel.

System and Security Applet

• Contains options for configuring how the Windows system operates.

Security and Maintenance

• Used to check for system problems and resolve them.
• Newer versions of Windows conduct regular maintenance, including software updates, security scans, and system diagnostics.
• Maintenance settings can be adjusted to determine when maintenance occurs.
• Manual starting of the maintenance process is also an option.

Windows Defender Firewall

• Configures the host-based firewall to protect the system from unwanted connections.
• Settings allow configuration of the firewall.

System

• A shortcut to system information in the Settings app.
• Displays computer name, RAM, and system type (32- or 64-bit).
• Shows the Windows version number and installation date.
• Provides a link to verify operating system activation.

Power Options

• Adjust settings like what happens when the lid closes, when the display turns off, and when the computer goes to sleep.
• Most commonly used for laptops.

File History

• Saves copies of files for restoration if they are lost or damaged.
• Keeps multiple versions of files.

Backup and Restore

• Allows creating a system image, which is an exact copy of the computer's hard disk.
• Can back up selected personal data.
• Backups can be scheduled.

BitLocker Drive Encryption

• Encrypts the hard disk and its contents.
• Protects data if the computer is lost or stolen.

Storage Spaces

• Creates multiple copies of data over two or more drives.
• Uses two-way mirroring and parity.

Work Folders

• Centrally located storage, typically on a server.
• Allows employees to store data without saving it on their personal computers.

Windows Tools

• Provides quick access to tools like Performance Monitor, Local Security Policy, and Services.

Network and Internet Applet

• Manages network connections via the Network and Sharing Center.
• Change adapter settings configures how the network card gets its IP address.
• Internet Options configure web browser behavior, including security settings.

Network and Sharing Center

• View network status
• Connect to a network
• View network computes and devices

Internet Options

• General: Modifies browser home page, startup window, tabs, history and appearance
• Security: Determines security zone and security levels
• Privacy: Manages website privacy, and enables/disables pop-ups and InPrivate browsing
• Content: Views certificate, AutoComplete and Feeds and Web Slices settings
• Connections: Sets up an internet connection
• Programs: Manages default browser, add-ons, other internet programs and file associations
• Advanced: Sets and resets advanced browser settings

Hardware and Sound Applet

• Manages devices such as printers.
• Configures AutoPlay settings for CDs and DVDs.
• Configures system sounds for certain events.
• Contains Windows Mobility Center for managing mobile device settings, such as display brightness and volume.

Devices and Printers

• Used to add, configure and manage printing options

Sounds

• Used to configure which sound you want the system to play for certain events.

Windows Mobility Center

• A central location to manage specific settings for mobile devices (adjust display brightness and volume).

Programs Applet

• Uninstall programs.
• Turn Windows features on or off.
• View installed updates.
• Default Programs specifies which extension to base the opening of files on.
• Run programs from previous versions of Windows
• Get additional programs
• Change default settings for media and devices

User Accounts Applet

• Manages user accounts on the system.
• Change account name or type.
• Remove accounts.
• Modify UAC settings.
• Manage Windows credentials

Appearance and Personalization Applet

• Contains Taskbar and Navigation settings (another link to the Settings app).
• Ease of Access Center enables accessibility settings.
• File Explorer Options configure File Explorer behavior.
• Fonts adds or removes fonts from the system.

Taskbar and Navigation

• Link to Settings app
• Configure taskbar properties

Ease of Access Center

• Enable accessibility settings
• Configure on-screen keyboards
• Make computer easier to see
• Make mouse easier to use

File Explorer Options

• Configure File Explorer more granularly
• Decide whether it requires a single or double-click to open folders
• Show hidden files

Clock and Region Applet

• Configures date, time, time zone, and language.
• Configures regional settings such as date, time, and number formats.

Ease of Access Applet

• Links to Ease of Access settings.
• Configures speech recognition.
• Sets up a microphone.
• Optimize visual display
• Modify Sound and visual cues
• Change mouse and keyboard settings

Control Panel Summary

• Used to configure the Windows system.