Home » » 8 Ways to Start the System Configuration Tool in Windows (All Versions)

8 Ways to Start the System Configuration Tool in Windows (All Versions)

The System Configuration tool, also known as msconfig.exe, is a beneficial application for managing Windows startup options, and addressing system performance and stability issues. This guide provides you with eight effective methods for launching the System Configuration tool across all Windows versions.

Contents

  1. 1. Open System Configuration using Search (All Windows Versions)
  2. 2. Open System Configuration from the Start Menu (Windows 10 Only)
  3. 3. Open System Configuration via the Run Window (All Windows Versions)
  4. 4. Create a Shortcut for System Configuration (All Windows Versions)
  5. 5. Launch System Configuration from Command Prompt or PowerShell (All Windows Versions)
  6. 6. Access System Configuration using Task Manager (All Windows Versions)
  7. 7. Open System Configuration from our Shortcut Collection (All Windows Versions)
  8. 8. Start System Configuration using its Executable File (All Windows Versions)
  9. Did you need to use the System Configuration tool on your Windows PC?

Note

This guide caters to Windows 10, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1. While some methods work across all versions, others are specific. For assistance in determining your Windows version, refer to the following tutorial: What version of Windows do I have installed?

1. Open System Configuration using Search (All Windows Versions)

You can launch the System Configuration tool via the search feature:

Windows Version Steps
Windows 10 Click inside the search box on the taskbar, type "system configuration" or "msconfig", and select the result.
Windows 7 Search for "system configuration" in the Start Menu and click the shortcut.
Windows 8.1 Switch to the Start Screen and type "msconfig". Click on the result.
Search System Configuration in Windows

2. Open System Configuration from the Start Menu (Windows 10 Only)

In Windows 10, there’s a direct shortcut available in the Start Menu. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start Menu.
  2. Scroll down to Windows Administrative Tools.
  3. Click on System Configuration shortcut.
Windows 10 Start Menu for System Configuration

3. Open System Configuration via the Run Window (All Windows Versions)

The Run window provides a quick way to access System Configuration:

  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
  2. Type "msconfig" and hit Enter or click OK.
Run Window for System Configuration

4. Create a Shortcut for System Configuration (All Windows Versions)

You can easily create a shortcut to the System Configuration tool on your desktop:

  1. Right-click on your desktop or in a folder.
  2. Select New > Shortcut.
  3. Enter msconfig as the target location.
Create Shortcut for System Configuration

For detailed instructions, refer to our tutorial: Create Shortcuts in Windows.

5. Launch System Configuration from Command Prompt or PowerShell (All Windows Versions)

Another method involves using the Command Prompt or PowerShell:

  1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
Command Prompt for System Configuration

6. Access System Configuration using Task Manager (All Windows Versions)

You can also access System Configuration through Task Manager:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. In Windows 10 / 8.1, click on More details if it’s in compact mode.
  3. Go to File > Run new task, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Task Manager for System Configuration

7. Open System Configuration from our Shortcut Collection (All Windows Versions)

We have compiled a complete collection of shortcuts for Windows:

  1. Download our Shortcut Collection.
  2. Extract the files and find the System Configuration shortcut in the Administration Tools subfolder.
Shortcut Collection for System Configuration

8. Start System Configuration using its Executable File (All Windows Versions)

To open the System Configuration directly from its executable:

  1. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32.
  2. Double-click or double-tap on msconfig.exe.
msconfig Executable File Location

Did you need to use the System Configuration tool on your Windows PC?

The System Configuration tool can be invaluable for troubleshooting and optimizing Windows performance. Share your experiences with using it in the comments below!

Tags: #System Configuration #msconfig #Windows tutorials
Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

26 Comments

  1. Angela Green -

    This was so helpful! I had to reinstall Windows and I'm not familiar with the new versions

  2. Ali Cat -

    Lol, I just realized how often I search for this. Bookmarking for future reference

  3. Techie Guru -

    Excellent write-up! I usually rely on the Task Manager but this gives me more control over my system.

  4. Sara Lee -

    I just want to say I love how user-friendly your guide is. Perfect for someone like me who isn't tech-savvy

  5. Chloe 89 -

    I’ll share this post with my friends. They struggle with tech stuff, just like I do

  6. Linda Brown -

    This is something I’ve been looking for. I've always struggled with getting to the System Configuration Tool. Thanks

  7. Mike Johnson -

    I tried the command prompt method and it worked like a charm! Appreciate the detailed explanation

  8. Peter Pan -

    I thought I knew everything about Windows, but this blew my mind! Fantastic job

  9. James King -

    Just followed these steps and it worked perfectly! Thanks a million

  10. Marky Mark -

    Thanks for mentioning the shortcut keys! They really speed things up for me

  11. Heartfelt -

    Feeling grateful for this article! Solved my configuration issues quickly. Thanks

  12. Bill the IT Guy -

    For any advanced users, you can also use powershell commands to access msconfig. Options galore!

  13. Lucy Heart -

    What a fun and informative read! I always learn something new when I come here.

  14. Cool Guy -

    For those who are curious, the System Configuration Tool is great for disabling startup programs. Just be careful what you disable

  15. Lisa Baker -

    I love how you explained each method! Great for visual learners like me

  16. Hannah 123 -

    If you ever have issues booting into safe mode, using msconfig can really save you! I've had great success with that.

  17. Tommy -

    Can anyone tell me if these methods work on Windows 11? I’m planning to upgrade soon.

  18. Kathy from NYC -

    I can't believe I didn't know these before. Thank you for breaking them down nicely

  19. Elizabeth C. -

    Great tips! It's always good to know multiple ways to access tools in Windows

  20. Kevin Finds -

    Just wanted to add, you can also access msconfig directly from the Windows search bar. Simplifies everything

  21. Quynh Viet -

    I really needed this! Sometimes it’s frustrating to find tools in Windows.

  22. Johnny Rocket -

    Wish I had found this guide sooner! Trying to fix my startup issues for ages. You're a lifesaver!

  23. Gamer234 -

    Do you think there are any risks in using msconfig for troubleshooting? Just trying to be safe.

  24. Rachel T. -

    I really appreciate the effort you put into this article. It’s super informative!

  25. Jane Smith -

    Thanks for sharing these tips! I usually just type msconfig in the Run dialogue, but now I have more options to explore

  26. John Doe -

    Great article! I had no idea there were so many ways to access the System Configuration Tool. This is super helpful for troubleshooting

Leave a Comment

How to change Facebook name on phone

How to change Facebook name on phone

Changing your Facebook name helps you get a Facebook account name that matches your name, to avoid having your Facebook account locked for no reason.

How to create transparent Tik Tok avatar

How to create transparent Tik Tok avatar

If you like the transparent Tik Tok avatar style, you can follow the instructions below to create your own transparent Tik Tok avatar and change your Tik Tok avatar to your liking.

How to Design a Maze Game in ScratchJR

How to Design a Maze Game in ScratchJR

In addition to multiple choice content, you can design a maze game in ScratchJR. In this first lesson, students will learn how to create a simple moving space for the cat character in a maze game.

ScratchJR Maze Game Design Tutorial (Lesson 2)

ScratchJR Maze Game Design Tutorial (Lesson 2)

In this post, the maze game in ScratchJR will be further enhanced by building a maze to navigate.

How to use sound emoji on Google phone

How to use sound emoji on Google phone

Google is rolling out sound emojis to Google Phones. Users can play emoji sound effects like laughter and drums while making phone calls.

Instructions for viewing WiFi passwords saved on Oppo phones

Instructions for viewing WiFi passwords saved on Oppo phones

Oppo phones allow you to view WiFi passwords when we access them on the phone to check and share with others, in case you cannot share Android WiFi via QR code.

Instructions for creating an incoming email filter on Gmail

Instructions for creating an incoming email filter on Gmail

Gmail filters are exactly what they sound like. They help you organize your inbox by automatically redirecting emails. Here's how to create, customize, and manage filters in Gmail.

How to translate subtitles for any video on Chrome

How to translate subtitles for any video on Chrome

Chrome will load the video's subtitles and translate them live as you watch the video. Here's how to turn on subtitles for any video on Chrome.

Instructions for undervolting to reduce CPU temperature

Instructions for undervolting to reduce CPU temperature

The more you work on your computer, the hotter your CPU (processor) gets, especially when you’re gaming or doing heavy video editing. Your CPU is more susceptible to overheating if it has poor ventilation or if the thermal paste on the chip has worn off. However, there is a process that can help you reduce your processor’s temperature called “undervolting.”

Instructions for printing double-sided paper in Word, PDF, Excel for printers that support 2-sided and 1-sided printing

Instructions for printing double-sided paper in Word, PDF, Excel for printers that support 2-sided and 1-sided printing

The need to print double-sided paper is now much more popular. However, not all printers can support double-sided printing, or with printers that allow double-sided printing, how to do it?

Instructions to enable Resume feature in Windows 11

Instructions to enable Resume feature in Windows 11

The Resume feature in Windows 11 lets you open a OneDrive file on your phone and continue working on your computer through your 1 Microsoft account.

How to turn off automatic slideshow in iPhone Photos

How to turn off automatic slideshow in iPhone Photos

Many things in the iPhone Photos app display a slideshow at the top to view all your photos as a movie. Here's how to turn off automatic slideshows in iPhone Photos.

How to Fix Outlook Error 0x800CCC0E

How to Fix Outlook Error 0x800CCC0E

Outlook also has its share of issues. One in particular, Outlook error 0x800CCC0E, can be frustrating and difficult to fix. Outlook error 0x800CCC0E is a common problem for Outlook users.

How to create folders in Canva

How to create folders in Canva

Creating folders in Canva helps us organize uploaded designs and files much more neatly and scientifically.

How to Save Songs from Instagram Reels to Spotify

How to Save Songs from Instagram Reels to Spotify

Now we can save songs from Instagram Reels to Spotify very simply without having to do too many manual operations, like finding songs on Spotify anymore.