Create Windows 11 Settings Desktop Shortcuts
Windows 11 allows you to streamline your workflow by creating custom
desktop shortcuts to specific Settings pages using
ms-settings: Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) commands.
Instead of manually navigating through the Settings app every time you
need to check for updates, manage Bluetooth devices, or adjust display
settings, you can launch directly into the required menu with a single
click. This guide explains how to set up these shortcuts step-by-step
and provides a reference list of the most common Windows 11 Settings
URIs.
How to Create a Settings Shortcut
- Open the Shortcut Wizard: Right-click an empty space on your desktop, hover over New, and select Shortcut.
- Enter the URI Command: In the field labeled
Type the location of the item, type or paste the target URI
command (for example,
ms-settings:windowsupdate). - Name the Shortcut: Click Next, enter a descriptive name for your shortcut (such as “Windows Update”), and click Finish.
- Change the Icon (Optional): Right-click your new shortcut, select Properties, switch to the Web Document or Shortcut tab, and click Change Icon to assign an appropriate system icon.
Common Windows 11 Settings URIs
Below are commonly used ms-settings: commands
categorized by their section in Windows 11:
System
- Display Settings:
ms-settings:display - Sound Settings:
ms-settings:sound - Notifications:
ms-settings:notifications - Power & Battery:
ms-settings:powersleep - Storage:
ms-settings:storagesense - About (System Information):
ms-settings:about
Network & Internet
- Network Status:
ms-settings:network - Wi-Fi Settings:
ms-settings:network-wifi - Ethernet:
ms-settings:network-ethernet - VPN:
ms-settings:network-vpn - Data Usage:
ms-settings:datausage
Bluetooth & Devices
- Bluetooth Devices:
ms-settings:bluetooth - Printers & Scanners:
ms-settings:printers - Mouse Settings:
ms-settings:mousetouchpad
Personalization & Accounts
- Background:
ms-settings:personalization-background - Themes:
ms-settings:themes - Lock Screen:
ms-settings:lockscreen - Sign-in Options:
ms-settings:signinoptions
Apps & System Maintenance
- Installed Apps:
ms-settings:appsfeatures - Default Apps:
ms-settings:defaultapps - Startup Apps:
ms-settings:startupapps - Windows Update:
ms-settings:windowsupdate - Windows Security:
ms-settings:windowsdefender