The Control Panel has been a foundational component of the Windows operating system since its inception in 1985, with the release of Windows 1.0. The Settings app was first introduced in 2012 with the launch of Windows 8, marking a significant shift in how users interact with system settings.

Writing in its Bog, Vole said that the transition is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to streamline the user experience and provide a more contemporary interface that aligns with current design trends and user expectations.

In its announcement, Microsoft emphasised that while the Control Panel will remain accessible in the current versions of Windows, this is primarily to ensure compatibility for users who rely on it for specific settings that have not yet been migrated to the Settings app.

This approach allows users to modify their system settings without disruption during the transition period. However, the company has clarified that it intends to migrate all remaining Control Panel settings to the Settings app.

According to the "System configuration tools in Windows" section on Microsoft's official website, the transition to the Settings app is already underway.

While the company has not provided a specific timeline for the complete removal of the Control Panel, this phase-out is anticipated to occur once all remaining settings have been successfully transferred to the Settings app in the coming months.