Digging through Settings or Control Panel to make simple changes—like switching default audio device, managing users, or deleting temporary files—isn't the best use of your time. With a few simple Run commands, you can do the same tasks much faster. Here are some commands to keep at your fingertips.
%temp%
Your system and the apps you use constantly create temporary files, which can accumulate and consume valuable storage space over time. In many cases, when an app or even the OS starts acting up, and other fixes don't help, clearing these temporary files can resolve the issue. Regularly cleaning them can also improve overall system performance.
Finding this folder manually means digging through multiple directories, but there's an easier way. Just use the %temp%command to open the folder instantly and delete the files inside.
timedate.cpl
Although we rarely need to adjust the date and time—since Windows updates it automatically—when we do, it usually means navigating through multiple menus in the Settings app. But if you remember the classic Date and Time panel, you can manage your system time, adjust formats, add extra clocks, and more—all from a single window.
To open this panel, press Win+R, type timedate.cpl, and hit Enter. You can change your system time in the "Date and Time" tab and add other time zones under the "Additional Clocks" tab.
msconfig
Three of the most common troubleshooting steps for Windows issues are booting into Safe Mode , disabling startup apps, and turning off third-party services. Normally, this means opening three separate tools, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Luckily, you can handle all of these tasks from a single place using the System Configuration window.
Windows lets you quickly open this window via the Run dialog. Simply type msconfigand press Enter. From there, you can manage all settings under the "Boot," "Services," and "Startup" tabs.
charmap
Windows includes a lesser-known but surprisingly handy tool that lets you browse and copy special characters and symbols that aren't easily accessible from your keyboard—and that many apps don't offer quick access to. Instead of searching online for a symbol, you can launch this tool with a simple command and copy the character directly.
To use it, press Win+R, type charmap, and press Enter. You'll be able to browse symbols, accented characters, arrows, and more, then copy and use them wherever you need.
mmsys.cpl
I can't stand navigating through multiple menus and submenus just to adjust sound settings or switch default audio devices . I much prefer the classic Sound settings panel, which lets you do everything in one place. Type mmsys.cpland press Enter. This opens the Sound panel directly, where you can set your default devices under the "Playback" and "Recording" tabs.
You can also use the "Sounds" tab to customize system and notification sounds, or make simple tweaks, such as turning off the Windows startup sound.
main.cpl
Do you remember the small window from the XP and Windows 7 days that let us adjust pointer speed , change button layouts, tweak wheel scrolling, and even run basic hardware diagnostics? You can still access this window today to manage almost every mouse property—including ones you can't adjust through the modern Settings app.
For example, it allows you to fine-tune double-click speed or enable ClickLock, which lets you highlight or drag items without holding down the mouse button—features often missing from Settings. To open it, just type main.cpland press Enter. Then, use the "Buttons," "Pointers," "Pointer Options," and other tabs to quickly customize your mouse properties.
appwiz.cpl
Let's be honest—checking your installed apps and uninstalling them through the Settings app often means digging through multiple menus and endlessly scrolling. Compare that to the classic Programs and Features window, which displays all installed apps in a clean list and lets you uninstall them with a single click.
You can open this panel directly with a simple Run command. Press Win+R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter. You'll see a list of all installed programs—just select one and click "Uninstall."
SystemPropertiesPerformance
Visual effects, processor scheduling, memory usage, and virtual memory are settings we often need to adjust. All of them are managed from the Performance Options window, but opening it usually means digging through accessibility settings or the Control Panel—often taking longer than making the actual changes.
You could try searching for the window, but that assumes you remember the exact term—and that Windows Search returns the right result, which isn't always reliable. A much faster option is to use the SystemPropertiesPerformancecommand, which opens the Performance Options window instantly and lets you manage everything from one place.
While Windows has shifted most options from the old Control Panel to the Settings app, the classic panels are often easier to navigate and quicker to adjust. Opening them directly with Run commands saves a few extra clicks—and those small time savings add up. So it's worth using these commands more often and exploring others as well.
