With Windows 11, Microsoft has renamed its Administrative Tools as just “Windows Tools.” So, if you are having an issue locating your admin tools, here’s how to open Windows Tools in Windows 11.

1. How to Open Windows Tools Using the Run Dialog

You can use the classic Run dialog to open Windows Tools. If you memorize the command, this method can be one of the fastest ways to access Windows Tools.

To open Windows Tools using the Run dialog:

Press Win + R to open the Run box. Next, type control admintools and click OK. This will open the Windows Tools folder on your PC.

2. How to Open Windows Tools Using the Classic Control Panel

While Microsoft is slowly moving away from it, you can still open the Control Panel in Windows 11. It still exists and houses many advanced options, such as Windows Tools.

Here’s how to do it:

Press the Win key and type control. Next, click on the Control Panel option from the search result. When the Control Panel opens, click the View by drop-down in the top left corner and select Small Icons. This will list all the Control Panels items. Next, locate and click on the Windows Tools option to access your admin tools.

Alternatively, you can also search for the tool to access it in the Control Panel. Type windows tools in the Control Panel search bar and click on the appropriate option from the search result to open the Administrative Tools folder.

Windows Search is an extremely handy utility for finding files and apps in Windows 11. Here’s how you can use it to open Windows Tools in Windows 11.

Click the Search icon (Magnifying glass) in the taskbar to open Windows Search. Alternatively, press the Win key to bring up the Start menu. Next, type Windows tools and click on the app icon to launch the app.

4. How to Open Windows Tools Using the Command Prompt

If you prefer to use the Command Prompt, you can use the “control admintools” command to open Windows Tools. However, make sure you open the Command Prompt as an administrator for this method to work properly.

Press Win + R to open Run. Next, type cmd. While holding Ctrl + Shift, click OK to open Command Prompt as administrator. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter to execute:  control admintools Command Prompt will execute the command and launch the Windows Tools dialog.

5. How to Open Windows Tools Using PowerShell

Windows PowerShell shares some commands with the classic Command Prompt. If you prefer PowerShell over Command Prompt, here’s how to open Windows Tools using PowerShell.

Press the Win key and type powershell. Right-click on the PowerShell option and select Run as administrator. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and hit Enter to execute: control admintools Once the command is executed, you should see the Windows Tools dialog pop-up.

6. How to Open Windows Tools From the Taskbar

You can pin the most frequently used apps to your taskbar in Windows 11. With the app pinned to the taskbar, you can access it with a single click or use the Win + Number shortcut.

To pin Windows Tools to the taskbar:

Press the Win key and type Windows Tools. Next, right-click on the Windows Tools app from the search result and select Pin to taskbar. The app shortcut will now be available in the taskbar.

Alternatively, you can also use the Win + # (where # is the taskbar item number) shortcut to open apps pinned to your taskbar. For example, if you have Windows Tools as the 3rd item in the taskbar, then press Win + 3 to quickly open Windows Tools with a keyboard shortcut.

7. How to Open Windows Tools Using a Desktop Shortcut

If you need to access the admin tools frequently, you can create a custom Windows Tools desktop shortcut. This is an easy way to access any app with a double click.

To create a custom Windows Tools desktop shortcut:

Right-click on your desktop (empty area) and select New > Shortcut. In the Create Shortcut dialog, copy and paste the following item location: “C:\Users\Tashreef\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools. lnk” Click Next to continue. Next, enter a name for the shortcut. By default, Windows will add Administrative Tools. If you want, you can change it to Windows Tools. Click Finish to save and create the shortcut.

The newly created shortcut will appear on your desktop. However, if no desktop shortcuts are visible, make sure you have enabled Show desktop icons for your PC.

To enable desktop icons:

Right-click on an empty desktop area. Select View and then click on Show desktop icons. Double-click on the Windows Tools shortcut to access Windows admin tools.

Additionally, right-click on the Windows Tools shortcut and select Pin to Start to add the shortcut to the Start menu. You can also copy and paste the shortcut manually to add it to a different location in File Explorer.

The Many Ways to Open Windows Tools in Windows 11

Most Windows administrative tools are designed for advanced users and are kept hidden in the Windows Tools folder. You can use the Windows Search feature to access any of the admin tools. If you need to view all the tools, you can find them in the Windows Tools folder.

Apart from the built-in utilities, there are third-party administrator tools that you can use to extend the functionality of your Windows system. These tools consist of FTP solutions, network analyzers, IP scanners, development kits, and remote connection tools in a portable format.