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How to Fix Two Control Panel Windows Opening Simultaneously in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

Sometimes, when you open the Control Panel in Windows 10, two windows may appear instead of just one. This can be confusing and may slow down your workflow.

This issue usually happens due to system glitches or settings conflicts. Fortunately, it is quite simple to fix with a few straightforward steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy-to-follow instructions to resolve this problem. No advanced technical knowledge is required.

By the end, you will know exactly how to stop two Control Panel windows from opening simultaneously.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before diving into the fixes, please make sure of the following:

  • You are signed in with an administrator account. Some changes require admin rights.
  • Your Windows 10 system is up to date. Installing updates can sometimes fix unexpected issues.
  • You have closed all open Control Panel windows to avoid confusion during troubleshooting.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

The simplest solution to many Windows issues is a restart. Restarting refreshes system processes and clears temporary glitches.

How to restart:

  1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Choose Restart.

After your PC restarts, try opening the Control Panel again to see if the problem persists.

Step 2: Open Control Panel Using a Different Method

Sometimes, the way you open Control Panel can cause multiple windows to appear. Try opening it using a different method to check this.

Here are two alternative ways:

  • Using the Run dialog: Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.
  • Using search: Click the Start button, type Control Panel in the search box, and select it from the results.

If only one window opens using these methods, your previous shortcut or method may be the cause.

Step 3: Check for Multiple Control Panel Shortcuts

Having more than one shortcut or startup task opening Control Panel can cause two windows to open simultaneously.

Follow these steps to check:

  1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Startup tab.
  3. Look for any entries related to Control Panel or unusual programs that might open it automatically.
  4. If found, select them and click Disable.

Also, check your desktop or Start menu for duplicate Control Panel shortcuts and remove any extras.

Step 4: Scan for Malware

Malware can cause abnormal behavior in Windows, including opening multiple windows unexpectedly.

To scan your PC:

  1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
  3. Select Quick scan to check your system.
  4. If threats are found, follow the prompts to remove them.

Regular scans help keep your system safe and prevent unusual errors.

Step 5: Reset Control Panel Settings by Clearing the Cache

Control Panel stores some temporary data, and corrupt cache files can cause issues like opening multiple windows.

To clear the cache:

  1. Press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following folder: MicrosoftWindowsRecentAutomaticDestinations
  3. Look for files that may be related to Control Panel or recent items and delete them.
  4. Restart your computer and try opening Control Panel again.

Clearing cache ensures Control Panel starts fresh without conflicting data.

Step 6: Create a New User Account

If the issue persists, it could be related to your user profile. Creating a new user account can help determine this.

Here is how to create a new account:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Select Family & other users from the sidebar.
  4. Under Other users, click Add someone else to this PC.
  5. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
  6. Sign out of your current account and sign in to the new one.
  7. Try opening Control Panel to see if the problem occurs.

If the issue does not occur on the new account, your original user profile may be corrupted.

Alternative Method: Use System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) scans for and repairs corrupted system files, which may cause Control Panel issues.

To run SFC:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This process can take some time. After completion, restart your PC and check if the problem is fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Control Panel open two windows instead of one?

This can happen due to system glitches, duplicate shortcuts, malware, or corrupt user profiles.

Can malware cause this issue?

Yes, malicious software may interfere with normal Windows behavior, including opening multiple Control Panel windows.

Is it safe to delete cache files related to Control Panel?

Yes, deleting temporary cache files is safe and can help resolve issues caused by corrupted data.

Will creating a new user account delete my files?

No, creating a new account does not delete your existing files. However, you will need to transfer data manually if you switch to the new profile.

Can Windows updates fix this problem?

Sometimes, installing the latest Windows updates resolves bugs and glitches, including Control Panel issues.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face the issue, here are some final options:

  • Perform a System Restore: Restore your computer to a point before the problem started. Type System Restore in the Start menu and follow the instructions.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for professional help.
  • Consider Resetting Windows: As a last resort, you can reset Windows 10, which reinstalls the operating system while keeping your files. Be sure to back up your data first.

Conclusion

Opening two Control Panel windows simultaneously can be annoying but is usually easy to fix. Start by restarting your PC and trying different ways to open Control Panel.

Check for duplicate shortcuts, scan for malware, and consider clearing cache or creating a new user account if needed. Running System File Checker can also repair corrupted system files.

If all else fails, use System Restore or contact Microsoft Support for assistance. Following these steps will help you get back to a smooth Windows 10 experience quickly and efficiently.

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