The Programs and Features tool lists all the apps 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 several ways to access it; I’ll show you three of the quickest.
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 Win + R on your keyboard, and a small window will pop up. 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 several 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 handy if you like working on the command line instead of the Windows graphical interface.
To open the Command Prompt, type cmd in the Windows search bar and press Enter. You can also press Win + X to open the Power User Menu and choose Terminal, Command Prompt, or PowerShell (depending on what you’ve selected as the default). For this purpose, they all work the same.
Next, type 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 clicking to typing. To open the Control Panel, press the Windows key and type “Control Panel” in the search bar. Then pick the option that pops up. Once you’re in, you can view by Category or Icons at the top-right.
For Category, click on Programs > Programs and Features. If you’re viewing by icons, select 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, command line, or Control Panel. But don’t forget that this menu is old-school, and many of the same options are available in the modern Settings app under the Apps heading.
