No option to open Device and Printers in control panel in Windows 11 22h2

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Anonymous
2022-10-06T16:29:13+00:00

In previous versions of windows 11 and windows 10, I was able to access the devices and printers options from control panel instead of settings. Now the devices and printers from control panel opens the settings, which lack some options, especially the option to turn on or off handsfree telephony for Bluetooth devices. Is there anyway to access this option in windows 11 22h2?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings

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Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh 181.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2022-10-06T16:38:35+00:00

Hi there,

In Windows 11 22H2 and higher, the old Devices and Printers interface can still be accessed by running the following command from the Run dialog.

  • shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}

For other methods to open the classic Devices and Printers applet, see:

Optionally, you can add "Devices and Printers (Classic)" to the Control Panel.

Download devices-and-printers-classic-cpl.reg and apply the REG file.

You'll see the following option in the Control Panel.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-14T00:42:54+00:00

    While severely frustrated by this and cursing Microsoft i have found a simpler way to open devices and printers.

    Go to Control panel double click Hardware and sound then right click Devices and printers Now you have several options:

    1 click open

    2 click open in a new window

    3 click pin to start menu (most convenient if you have to access it frequently)

    4 Double right click Devices and printers

    I haven't tested other options but I'm sure they will work fine, only direct link was changed.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-09-27T15:25:14+00:00

    Found this while searching for a fix to the issue the original poster mentioned. The Devices and Printers selection on the Hardware and Sound page always takes you to the Settings Bluetooth Devices page.

    I tried something simple on the Control Panel to bypass those links and it worked.

    1. Open Control Panel
    2. Select Hardware and Sound
    3. Select the status bar that shows Control Panel > Hardware and Sound
    4. Once selected, it will show Control Panel\Hardware and Sound
    5. Add a backslash to the end.
    6. All of the other available options popped up for me, and I was able to select Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Devices and Printers and get the legacy list.

    I hope this helps someone not have to do all the reg edits, etc.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-06-10T10:17:30+00:00

    Windows has OS dysmorphia, trying to be like Apple when they already had a solid OS.

    Dear Microsoft please stop feeling self-conscious about being yourself, we liked all the control you allowed the user to have so please stop taking it away.

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