3 Ways to Open the Windows Programs and Features Tool

The Programs and Features tool lists all the applications on your PC. It’s a quick and easy way to manage installed programs, updates and Windows features with just a few clicks. There are many ways to access it; I’ll show you three of the fastest.

1

Use the Run command

The easiest way to open Programs and Features in Windows 11 or 10 is through the Run command dialog box. Just hit it Win + R on your keyboard, and a small window will appear. Type appwiz.cpl in the text field, then press enter or click OK.

This action is a quick and easy way to get to Programs and Features without clicking through multiple menu options.

2

Use the Command Prompt

Another method to open Programs and Features is through the Command Prompt, PowerShell or Windows Terminal. This is useful if you like to work in the command line instead of the Windows graphical interface.

To open the Command Prompttype cmd in the Windows search bar and press Enter. You can also press Win+X to open the Power User Menu and select Terminal, Command Prompto PowerShell (depending on what you have chosen as default). For this purpose, everyone works the same.

Then, write start appwiz.cpl in the command line and hit enter. The panel will launch momentarily.

3

Use the Control Panel

The classic Control Panel is still available in Windows 11, and you can use it to access Programs and Features if you prefer to click to type. To open the Control Panelpress the Windows key and type “Control Panel” in the search bar. Then choose the option that opens. Once you are in, you can see from category o Icons top right.

In order categoryclick on Programs > Programs and features. If you see by icons, select it Programs and features. Either way, you’ll end up in the Programs and Features window.

These are the easiest methods to access the Programs and Features window in Windows – through the Run menu, the command line or Control Panel. But do not forget that this menu is old-school, and many of the same options are available in modern Settings app below Apps rubric