Chromebook Control Panel: Where to Find It and What’s Inside

A Chromebook doesn’t have a Control Panel. The Chromebook Control Panel is the Settings app. To open it, click the time at the bottom right, then click the gear icon. Everything you’d change in the Windows Control Panel, like Wi-Fi, apps, display, and accounts, lives there.

Before you start

• Applies to: Chromebooks running ChromeOS. Not version-specific.
• School or work Chromebook: Some settings may be locked by your admin. You’ll see a small building icon next to them.

How do I open the Chromebook Control Panel?

There are four quick ways to open Settings. Use whichever is easiest for you.

1. From Quick Settings: Click the time at the bottom right, then click the gear icon.
2. From the Launcher: Press the Search or Launcher key, type Settings, and press Enter.
3. From Chrome: Type chrome://os-settings in the address bar.
4. From the keyboard: Press Shift + Alt + S to open Quick Settings, then select the gear icon.

Tip: You can type a setting’s name in the search box at the top of Settings. You can also search for settings right from the Launcher. Our guide to searching settings from the Launcher shows how.

Where do I find each Control Panel setting?

Here’s where the common Windows Control Panel items live on a Chromebook.

• Network and Internet: Network handles Wi-Fi, mobile data, and VPN.
• Devices and Printers: Bluetooth and Connected devices cover phones, headphones, and more. Printers are under Device.
• Display, keyboard, mouse, and sound: All of these are under Device.
• User accounts: Accounts lets you add Google accounts and manage who can sign in.
• Personalization: Personalization changes your wallpaper, screen saver, and dark mode.
• Security: Privacy and security covers the lock screen, PIN, and app permissions.
• Programs and Features: Apps lets you manage Android, Linux, and web apps.
• Ease of Access: Accessibility has the screen reader, magnifier, and bigger text.
• Region, language, and date: These are under System preferences.
• System info and updates: About ChromeOS shows your version and checks for updates.

How do I uninstall a program on a Chromebook?

There’s no “Add or Remove Programs” list. You remove apps right from the Launcher.

1. Press the Search or Launcher key to open the Launcher.
2. Right-click the app you want to remove. On a touchpad, tap with two fingers.
3. Click Uninstall, then confirm.

Some built-in apps, like Files and Settings, can’t be removed. Google’s uninstall apps help page has the same steps.

Is there a Task Manager on a Chromebook?

Yes. Press Search + Esc to open it. It shows which tabs and apps use the most memory, and you can end any that freeze. Our Chromebook Task Manager guide explains each column.

Frequently asked questions

Is chrome://settings the same as Chromebook Settings?

No. chrome://settings changes the Chrome browser only. chrome://os-settings opens the Chromebook Settings app, which controls the whole computer.

Why can’t I change some settings?

If the Chromebook belongs to a school or business, the admin can lock settings. Only they can change them.

Can I pin Settings to the shelf?

Yes. Open Settings, right-click its icon on the shelf, and choose Pin.

The short version

The Chromebook version of Control Panel is the Settings app. Click the time, then the gear icon, or type chrome://os-settings in Chrome. Use the search box at the top to find any setting fast.

Related guides

• A Guide to Chromebook Settings
• How to Use the Chromebook Task Manager
• How to Customize Your Chromebook Desktop

Last verified: November 9, 2026