Can't Find That Setting? How to Navigate Windows and macOS When Everything Moves
You knew exactly where that option was. Then an update came along and moved it. Windows and macOS redesign their settings regularly, and even experienced users get lost. The good news: you don't need to memorize menus. You just need a few tricks.
Trick 1: Search is your best friend
Instead of clicking through menus, search for what you want.
• Windows: Press the Windows key and type what you're looking for, like "display," "printer," "mouse speed" or "default apps." Settings results appear right away.
• Inside Windows Settings: Use the search box at the top left.
• Mac: Press Cmd + Space for Spotlight, or use the search field at the top of System Settings.
• Inside Windows Settings: Use the search box at the top left.
• Mac: Press Cmd + Space for Spotlight, or use the search field at the top of System Settings.
Describe what you want to do ("change wallpaper," "turn off notifications") rather than guessing the menu name.
Trick 2: Learn the key shortcuts
Windows
Shortcut | What it does
Win + I | Open Settings
Win + E | Open File Explorer
Win + X | Power user menu (Device Manager, Terminal, Disk Management and more)
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Task Manager
Win + V | Clipboard history
Win + Shift + S | Screenshot tool
Win + L | Lock your computer
Win + I | Open Settings
Win + E | Open File Explorer
Win + X | Power user menu (Device Manager, Terminal, Disk Management and more)
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Task Manager
Win + V | Clipboard history
Win + Shift + S | Screenshot tool
Win + L | Lock your computer
Mac
Shortcut | What it does
Cmd + Space | Spotlight search
Cmd + , | Settings for the current app
Cmd + Option + Esc | Force Quit
Cmd + Shift + 5 | Screenshot tool
Ctrl + Cmd + Q | Lock screen
Cmd + Space | Spotlight search
Cmd + , | Settings for the current app
Cmd + Option + Esc | Force Quit
Cmd + Shift + 5 | Screenshot tool
Ctrl + Cmd + Q | Lock screen
Trick 3: The old Control Panel still exists (Windows)
Some settings still live only in the classic Control Panel, like some power options and legacy device settings. Search for "Control Panel" from the Start menu.
Trick 4: Use built-in help
• Windows: The Get Help app can walk you through common problems. Many settings pages also include a "Get help" link.
• Mac: Most apps have a Help menu with a search box that highlights menu items for you. Type what you're looking for and it points to where it is.
• Mac: Most apps have a Help menu with a search box that highlights menu items for you. Type what you're looking for and it points to where it is.
Trick 5: Make things easier to see and use
If the new design is hard on your eyes or hands, adjust it:
• Bigger text:
• Windows: Settings → Accessibility → Text size, or Settings → System → Display → Scale.
• Mac: System Settings → Displays → choose a larger text option, or System Settings → Accessibility → Display.
• Bigger or more visible mouse pointer: available in both systems' Accessibility settings.
• Dark mode or high contrast if screens feel too bright.
• Move the Windows Start button to the left: Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors → Taskbar alignment.
• Windows: Settings → Accessibility → Text size, or Settings → System → Display → Scale.
• Mac: System Settings → Displays → choose a larger text option, or System Settings → Accessibility → Display.
• Bigger or more visible mouse pointer: available in both systems' Accessibility settings.
• Dark mode or high contrast if screens feel too bright.
• Move the Windows Start button to the left: Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors → Taskbar alignment.
Trick 6: Pin what you use most
• Windows: Right-click apps → Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start. Pin folders in File Explorer to Quick access.
• Mac: Drag apps to the Dock and folders to the Finder sidebar.
• Mac: Drag apps to the Dock and folders to the Finder sidebar.
Trick 7: Read "What's new" after big updates
Major updates usually come with a summary of changes. Skimming it saves confusion later.
The bottom line
Stop hunting through menus: search for what you want, learn a handful of shortcuts, and adjust the display to suit you. Then it doesn't matter where the next update moves things.
