Windows Settings App

A+ Core 2 — 220-1102 | Domain 1.3

Windows
Settings App

Microsoft's modern configuration interface for Windows 10 and 11. Covers key domains tested on the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 exam.

19 Slides Domain 1.3 Settings • Control Panel Migration • ms-settings URIs Exam 220-1102

Slide 2 of 19

What Is the Settings App?

The modern, touch-friendly control interface introduced in Windows 8 and fully realized in Windows 10/11.

Origin

Introduced in Windows 8 as PC Settings. Windows 10 unified it under Settings (Win + I). Windows 11 redesigned the layout with left-side navigation and a cleaner look. It is the intended long-term replacement for Control Panel.

Access Methods

Win + I (fastest). Start Menu gear icon. Action Center quick link. Right-click Start button. Run dialog: ms-settings: launches directly. Each category also has its own URI scheme.

Why It Matters (Exam)

A+ 220-1102 Domain 1.3 explicitly tests Windows Settings. Expect scenario questions about where a tech navigates to solve a specific problem. Know both Settings and Control Panel paths.

Key Fact

Settings app is the primary interface for consumer-facing configuration. Control Panel still exists for legacy and administrative tasks. Many options exist in both, but Settings is tested first.

Slide 3 of 19

Settings vs. Control Panel

Migration is gradual. Some features exist in both; others only in one.

Slide 4 of 19

System Settings

Display, Sound, Notifications, Power, Storage, and About.

Display

Resolution, refresh rate, scale (DPI), night light, HDR, multi-monitor arrangement. Key path: Settings → System → Display. ms-settings:display

Sound

Input/output device selection, volume mixer, spatial audio, app volumes. Old path was Control Panel → Sound; now Settings → System → Sound. ms-settings:sound

Notifications

Per-app notification banners and action center behavior. Focus Assist (Win 10) / Do Not Disturb (Win 11) blocks interruptions. ms-settings:notifications

Power & Battery

Power plan selection, screen/sleep timeout, battery saver threshold. Full power plan editing still requires Control Panel. ms-settings:powersleep

Storage

Storage Sense auto-cleanup, drive usage breakdown, temp file removal. Replaces manual Disk Cleanup for most scenarios. ms-settings:storagesense

About

Device name, Windows edition, RAM, processor, build version. Replaces System Properties summary. Rename PC is here. ms-settings:about

Slide 5 of 19

Devices & Bluetooth

Peripheral management in Settings replaces parts of Device Manager for common tasks.

Bluetooth & Other Devices (Win 10)

Pair Bluetooth mice, keyboards, headsets, and phones. Add printers and scanners. View connected USB devices. Note: driver issues and conflicts still require Device Manager (devmgmt.msc). ms-settings:bluetooth

Printers & Scanners

Add printer wizard, remove devices, set default printer. "Let Windows manage my default printer" option can override manual default selections — know this for help-desk scenarios. ms-settings:printers

Mouse, Keyboard, Touchpad

Pointer speed, button swap (left-handed), scroll direction, touchpad gestures. Advanced options still link to Control Panel's Mouse applet for DPI curves and pointer trails.

AutoPlay

Controls what happens when removable media is inserted: ask each time, open folder, run program. Security note: AutoPlay malware attacks rely on this feature being enabled with unsafe defaults.

Exam Scenario

A user reports a Bluetooth device won't pair. First step: Settings → Bluetooth — confirm Bluetooth is on, device is in pairing mode. If device shows but fails to connect, check Device Manager for driver errors.

Slide 6 of 19

Network & Internet

Connection status, adapter settings, proxy, VPN, and mobile hotspot.

Status

Shows active connection, data usage by app, network troubleshooter. Quick path to adapter properties and Network and Sharing Center (legacy).

Wi-Fi

Manage known networks, toggle Wi-Fi on/off, view hardware properties (MAC address). Connect to hidden SSID. ms-settings:network-wifi

Ethernet

View connection status, IP assignment (DHCP vs static is still configured through adapter properties). Metered connection toggle.

Proxy & VPN

Configure manual or automatic proxy. Add VPN connection (PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP, IKEv2). ms-settings:network-proxy, ms-settings:network-vpn

Mobile Hotspot

Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot. Share cellular or Wi-Fi over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Set SSID and password here. Data usage tracked per connected device.

Exam Tip

IP address changes and advanced TCP/IP settings (DNS servers, default gateway) still require navigating to Adapter Properties via the legacy path: ncpa.cpl or Settings → Network → adapter options.

Ticket: "User cannot reach internet after laptop woke from sleep." Check Settings → Network Status. If adapter shows disconnected, toggle Wi-Fi off and back on. If status shows connected but no internet, run the troubleshooter first.

Slide 7 of 19

Personalization

Background, colors, lock screen, taskbar, Start menu, and themes.

Background & Lock Screen

Wallpaper (solid, picture, slideshow), lock screen image or spotlight. Lock screen app status allows up to 7 apps to show brief info (battery, email count). ms-settings:personalization-background

Colors & Themes

Light/dark mode (system and per-app), accent color, transparency effects. Full themes bundle wallpaper, colors, sounds, cursor. Windows 11 adds round corners as a system-level design choice.

Taskbar

Pin apps, move taskbar (Win 10 only — Win 11 locks to bottom), combine buttons, show/hide system tray icons. Notification area icon visibility. ms-settings:taskbar

Start Menu

Number of recent items, show app list, show recently opened files, folder shortcuts on Start. Windows 11 layouts: Default, More Pins, More Recommendations. ms-settings:personalization-start

Fonts

Browse and install fonts (drag font file into Settings or Microsoft Store). Replaces old Control Panel → Fonts folder for most installs. ms-settings:fonts

Device Usage (Win 11)

New in Win 11: tag device use case (gaming, creativity, business) to get tailored Microsoft Store recommendations. Does not change OS behavior.

Slide 8 of 19

Apps Settings

Apps & Features, Default Apps, Startup apps, and optional features.

Apps & Features

List of installed applications with size, install date, and uninstall/modify options. Replaces Control Panel → Programs and Features for modern apps. Win32 apps also appear here. Sort by name, size, or date. ms-settings:appsfeatures

Default Apps

Set default browser, email client, music player, photo viewer, and video player. In Windows 11, defaults are set per file extension or protocol, not per app category. ms-settings:defaultapps

Startup Apps

Toggle which apps launch at sign-in. Shows impact estimate (low, medium, high). Replaces msconfig Startup tab (which just redirects here in Win 10/11). ms-settings:startupapps

Optional Features

Add/remove Windows features like Telnet Client, RSAT tools, OpenSSH Client/Server, Windows Subsystem for Linux. Replaces Control Panel → Turn Windows Features on or off for many items. ms-settings:optionalfeatures

A+ Scenario

Technician needs to enable the OpenSSH client for remote management. Path: Settings → Apps → Optional Features → Add a feature → OpenSSH Client. Alternatively: DISM or PowerShell for scripted deployments.

Slide 9 of 19

Accounts Settings

Microsoft Account, local account, sign-in options, family, and work access.

Your Info

Switch between Microsoft Account and local account. Microsoft Account syncs settings, OneDrive, and Store purchases. Local account has no sync — often preferred in enterprise deployments. ms-settings:yourinfo

Sign-In Options

Configure Windows Hello PIN, fingerprint, face recognition, security key, and password. Dynamic Lock uses Bluetooth device proximity to auto-lock. Picture password (Win 10 only). ms-settings:signinoptions

Email & Accounts

Add work, school, or Microsoft accounts used by Mail, Calendar, and other apps. Separate from browser sign-in. ms-settings:emailandaccounts

Access Work or School

Join Azure AD, Entra ID, or enroll in MDM (Intune). View connected organization policies. Disconnect domain or MDM enrollment here. ms-settings:workplace

Family & Other Users

Add family accounts with parental controls, add local or Microsoft accounts for other users. Assign Administrator or Standard User. ms-settings:otherusers

Sync Your Settings

Roaming settings include theme, passwords, language, and accessibility. Requires Microsoft Account. Enterprise devices can disable sync via Group Policy. ms-settings:sync

Slide 10 of 19

Time & Language

Date/time, region, language packs, and speech input.

Date & Time

Toggle automatic time (NTP) vs manual. Time zone selection. Sync with time server (w32tm /resync from command line is the advanced option). Incorrect time breaks certificate validation and Kerberos authentication. ms-settings:dateandtime

Region

Country/region sets default currency, measurement units, and date/time display format. Change additional date/time formats still links to the legacy Region applet (intl.cpl). ms-settings:regionformatting

Language

Add display language packs, set input language for keyboard layout. Separate from speech language. Changing display language may require sign-out. ms-settings:regionlanguage

Speech

Cortana and dictation speech language, microphone setup for speech recognition. Online speech recognition sends audio to Microsoft servers — relevant for privacy policy discussions. ms-settings:speech

Exam Gotcha

Time sync failures break Windows Hello, Active Directory login, and HTTPS certificate checks. If a user cannot authenticate after a long power-off, check Date & Time first. Enable "Set time automatically" and sync.

Slide 11 of 19

Gaming Settings

Game Bar, captures, Xbox networking, and Game Mode.

Xbox Game Bar

Win + G opens the overlay. Provides FPS counter, CPU/GPU/RAM monitor, audio mixer, social panel, screenshots, and screen recording. Can be disabled if causing performance issues. ms-settings:gaming-gamebar

Captures

Default save location for screenshots and clips (default: Videos/Captures). Max clip length, audio quality, and background recording (DVR) settings. Background recording has measurable performance impact.

Game Mode

Prioritizes CPU/GPU resources for the foreground game process. Reduces background Windows Update and driver installations during gaming. Enabled by default in Win 10/11. ms-settings:gaming-gamemode

Xbox Networking

Tests NAT type and connectivity to Xbox Live services. Not relevant for non-gaming workstations but may appear on Home system support calls. Shows open/moderate/strict NAT classification.

A+ Note

Game Mode and Game Bar are tested in the context of performance troubleshooting. If a user reports unexpectedly high CPU usage while working, check if Game Mode is active and Game Bar overlay is running background recording.

Slide 12 of 19

Accessibility / Ease of Access

Visual, hearing, and interaction accommodations for all users.

Vision

Text size, display scaling, cursor thickness, Magnifier (Win + Plus), High Contrast mode, Color filters for color blindness. Narrator screen reader (Win + Ctrl + Enter). ms-settings:easeofaccess-vision

Hearing

Mono audio (merges stereo channels for single-ear users), visual alerts instead of sounds, closed captions style and color. Flash alerts for system sounds. ms-settings:easeofaccess-audio

Interaction

Sticky Keys (Shift 5 times), Filter Keys (ignore brief keystrokes), Toggle Keys (beep on Caps/Num/Scroll Lock), On-Screen Keyboard (osk.exe), Eye Control, Voice Control, Speech Recognition.

Feature	Shortcut	What It Does
Sticky Keys	Shift x5	Press modifier keys one at a time instead of simultaneously
Magnifier	Win + Plus	Zooms in on any screen area
Narrator	Win+Ctrl+Enter	Screen reader that reads aloud UI elements and text
On-Screen Keyboard	osk.exe	Virtual keyboard for mouse or touch input

Slide 13 of 19

Privacy & Security

App permissions, diagnostics, activity history, and Windows Security link.

App Permissions

Per-permission toggles: Camera, Microphone, Location, Contacts, Calendar, Call History, Email, Tasks, Messaging, Radios (Bluetooth), Other devices, Background apps, App diagnostics, Automatic file downloads. Each has global toggle and per-app exceptions.

Windows Security

Links to Windows Security center (separate app): Virus & threat protection, Firewall, App & browser control, Device security, Device performance & health, Family options. Not configurable within Settings directly. ms-settings:windowsdefender

Diagnostics & Feedback

Required diagnostic data (Basic) vs Optional (Full). Tailored experiences toggle. Feedback frequency. Delete diagnostic data. Relevant for corporate compliance and data privacy policy discussions.

Activity History

Timeline and activity stored locally and optionally synced to Microsoft cloud. Clear activity history here. Disable to prevent tracking of open apps and documents. ms-settings:privacy-activityhistory

Slide 14 of 19

Windows Update

Update delivery, active hours, pause, and advanced options.

Check for Updates

Manually triggers contact with Windows Update servers. Windows 10/11 Home: updates are mandatory and cannot be permanently blocked. Pro/Enterprise: deferral options available.

Active Hours

Define the window when Windows will NOT restart for updates (up to 18 hours). Outside that window restarts are permitted. Prevents unexpected reboots during business hours.

Pause Updates

Temporarily defer updates for 1-5 weeks (Pro/Enterprise). Home gets 1-week pause in Win 11. Used for short-term stability before major deployments.

Delivery Optimization

Peer-to-peer update sharing: download from/share with PCs on LAN or internet. Reduces bandwidth on metered links. Can be disabled for strict networks. Configured under Advanced Options.

Update Types

Quality Updates (monthly "Patch Tuesday") address security and reliability. Feature Updates (semi-annual for Win 10, annual for Win 11) add new features and change the OS version. Driver updates can be separately deferred.

Exam Flag

Update history and uninstall options are under Advanced Options → View Update History. To remove a problematic update: View History → Uninstall Updates. Roll-back OS versions use Recovery settings, not Update.

Slide 15 of 19

ms-settings: URI Quick Reference

Run dialog or browser address bar — jump directly to any Settings page.

URI	Destination
ms-settings:	Settings home
ms-settings:display	Display settings
ms-settings:sound	Sound settings
ms-settings:network-wifi	Wi-Fi
ms-settings:network-vpn	VPN
ms-settings:bluetooth	Bluetooth
ms-settings:printers	Printers & Scanners
ms-settings:powersleep	Power & Sleep

URI	Destination
ms-settings:storagesense	Storage Sense
ms-settings:appsfeatures	Apps & Features
ms-settings:defaultapps	Default Apps
ms-settings:startupapps	Startup Apps
ms-settings:windowsupdate	Windows Update
ms-settings:windowsdefender	Windows Security
ms-settings:signinoptions	Sign-in Options
ms-settings:about	About / Device Info

How to Use

Win + R, type the URI, press Enter. Also works in browser address bars and scripts. Useful for technician runbooks: a single URI gets a user to the right settings page without navigating menus.

Slide 16 of 19

Win 10 vs. Win 11 Settings Differences

Same categories, different layout and some renamed sections.

Area	Windows 10	Windows 11
Navigation	Left sidebar, flat list	Left panel with icons, grouped sub-pages
Bluetooth & Devices	Devices category	Bluetooth & Devices (renamed, restructured)
Taskbar	Can be moved to any edge	Locked to bottom; centered Start button default
Accessibility	Called "Ease of Access"	Called "Accessibility"
Focus Assist	Focus Assist	Do Not Disturb (same function, renamed)
Default Apps	Set by app category	Set per file extension / protocol
Storage	Storage Sense & drives	Adds Cleanup Recommendations section
System → About	Rename PC in Advanced System	Rename PC directly on About page

Exam Approach

The A+ 220-1102 exam covers both Windows 10 and Windows 11. If a question names a setting that is in both, the path is identical. If it specifies Win 11, expect the Accessibility label and per-extension Default Apps behavior.

Slide 17 of 19

Recovery Settings

Reset this PC, Advanced Startup, and OS version rollback.

Reset This PC

Two options: Keep my files (reinstalls Windows, removes apps and settings but keeps user files) or Remove everything (full wipe, suitable before resale). Cloud download vs Local reinstall — cloud fetches fresh Windows image.

Advanced Startup

Restart into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Provides access to Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, Uninstall Updates, System Image Recovery, and UEFI firmware settings. Path: Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced Startup → Restart now.

Go Back (Rollback)

Reverts a Windows feature update to the previous version. Available for 10 days after a feature update by default. After 10 days, previous Windows files are deleted. Configured under Recovery. Not available after manual deletion of Windows.old.

Technician Workflow

For a system that won't boot into Windows, hold Shift while clicking Restart to enter WinRE, or boot from Windows USB and use Repair Computer. Do not confuse Recovery Settings (in-OS path) with WinRE (pre-boot environment).

Slide 18 of 19

Search & Troubleshooters

Settings search bar and built-in diagnostic tools.

Settings Search Bar

The fastest way to find any setting by keyword. Type "proxy," "VPN," "startup," or any term and Settings filters results in real-time across all categories. Exam tip: if you do not know the exact path, a ticket keyword search will locate it.

Troubleshooters

Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters. Automated diagnostic scripts for: Internet Connections, Audio, Printer, Windows Update, Bluetooth, Camera, Keyboard, Battery, and more. Each runs a scan and attempts auto-fix. ms-settings:troubleshoot

Troubleshooter	Fixes
Internet Connections	DNS, adapter, IP config issues
Playing Audio	Driver, default device, volume
Printer	Spooler, driver, connectivity
Windows Update	WU service, cache corruption
Bluetooth	Pairing, service state
Camera	Permissions, driver status

When to Use

Run the relevant troubleshooter before escalating. It documents what was checked. Even if it does not fix the issue, the report identifies which services failed, narrowing the diagnosis.

Slide 19 of 19 — Summary

Windows Settings Key Takeaways

01

Win + I opens Settings from anywhere. ms-settings: URIs jump directly to a page from Run or scripts.

02

Settings vs. Control Panel: Settings is the modern path. CP is legacy. Shared features exist in both; admin tools only in CP.

03

Startup apps are in Settings → Apps. msconfig Startup tab redirects here on Win 10/11.

04

Default Apps in Windows 11 are set per-extension, not per category — a common exam gotcha.

05

Recovery: Reset keeps or removes files. Go Back reverts a feature update within 10 days. Advanced Startup enters WinRE.

06

Time sync failures break Kerberos and HTTPS certificate validation. Always check Date & Time first for auth issues.

07

App permissions (camera, microphone, location) are global toggles + per-app in Privacy & Security.

08

Windows 11 renames: Ease of Access → Accessibility, Focus Assist → Do Not Disturb. Same function, different label.

Exam Domain Coverage

This presentation covers CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Domain 1.3 (Microsoft Windows OS) with emphasis on the Settings application, configuration paths, and technician troubleshooting workflows.