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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!