God Mode is a convenient way to access multiple Windows commands in a single window. Here’s how to use it.
Image: Matt Elliott / CNET
God Mode is a special option that has long been available in Windows and that gives you quick access to most applets and commands from the Control Panel. As such, God Mode – or Windows Master Control Panel – is a useful time saving that you can save by having to search between different windows and screens to find the desired control panel.
God Mode is always regarded as the greatest attraction for advanced Windows users and developers, but it can be useful for anyone who wants to have a series of commands available in one place. Because Microsoft no longer offers a handy shortcut for the Control Panel in Windows 10, God Mode can be a quick and easy way to access all core commands. How do you set God Mode and use it in Windows 10?
SEE: 10 tricks and tweaks for adjusting Windows 10 (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
First, make sure that you are logged in to your Windows 10 computer with an account with administrator privileges. By default your own account must have the necessary rights. To check this, go to Settings, select the category for Accounts and then look at the setting for Your Info to check if your account has been designated as Administrator.
Then right-click on an empty area of the desktop. Go to New in the pop-up menu and select the command for Folder (Figure A).
Figure A
Right-click the new folder and rename it to “GodMode. {ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}” and then press Enter (Figure B).
Figure B
Double-click the icon and a window will open with all accessible commands. Note that the commands are organized by the Control Panel applet so that you can browse through the different categories, including System Administration, Color Management, Devices and Printers, File History, Internet Options, Programs and Features, Security and Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and User Accounts (Figure C).
Figure C
You can also search for a specific command or applet in the God Mode window. Type the keyword or term in the search field to get related results (Figure D).
Figure D
When you see the desired command, double-click it to start it (Figure E).
Figure E
Finally, you can change the name of GodMode to something else. Right-click the desktop icon and select Rename to give it a new name. You can also move the icon to a different location, but the desktop is probably the most convenient place to place it.
Weekly newsletter from Microsoft
Be Microsoft’s insider for your business with the help of these Windows and Office tutorials and the analyzes of our experts on Microsoft business products.
Delivered on Monday and Wednesday
Register today
