What is Control Panel Extention

Fast access to various Windows OS settings or what is .cpl files

Using .cpl files we able to access quickly to different Windows OS system settings and other applications.

Usually we log in to the server when something went wrong and troubleshooting or configuration needed and .cpl files here is saving time solution. Of course we can use command line but sometimes GUI just simply easier…

For example configuration of NIC takes place. Instead of doing Start –> Control Panel –> Network and Internet –> Network and Sharing Center –> Change adapter settings and only here can start changing or Right Mouse Click on Network icon –> waiting for menu –> Open network and sharing center…. When you connecting through couple jump servers via RDP and video looks more like slide show as well as control your mouse pointer…it’s really hard…  you know .

Solution is .cpl files! Simply Win+R (Start –> run…) and type ncpa.cpl and here this configuration window.. easy heh?

Mostly all .cpl files located in %systemroot%\system32 folder. But some of them can be in other folders. You can start them from cmd or from right click and Open with default app: Open with control panel (may not works).

Below the most commonly used .cpl files:

ncpa.cpl – Network Connections

hdwwiz.cpl – Device Manager

sysdm.cpl – System Properties

timedate.cpl – Date and Time

intl.cpl –Region and Language

firewall.cpl – Windows Firewall

appwiz.cpl –Programs and Features

inetcpl.cpl – Internet Properties

and some others…

Full list with description:

For Windows 6.1 versions:

• appwiz.cpl – Programs and Features
• desk.cpl – Screen Resolution
• firewall.cpl – Windows Firewall
• hdwwiz.cpl – Device Manager
• inetcpl.cpl – Internet Properties
• intl.cpl –Region and Language
• main.cpl – Mouse Properties
• mmsys.cpl – Sound Properties
• powercfg.cpl – Power Options
• sapi.cpl – Speech Properties
• sysdm.cpl – System Properties
• telephon.cpl – Voice Modem Settings
• timedate.cpl – Date and Time

For Windows 6.2 versions, same as for Windows 6.1 and also below:

• joy.cpl – Game Settings
• netsetup.cpl – Set Up a Network
• nusrmgr.cpl – User Accounts
• wscui.cpl – Action Center
• wuaucpl.cpl – Windows Update

In addition, most of cpl files created as links for Control Panel and many other application can have such .cpl files, for example:

• flashplayercplapp.cpl – Adobe Flash properties
• odbccp32.cpl – MS SQL ODBC Administrator

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