Technical context: why it no longer appears as before
You can find Devices and printers in the Control Panel, but in modern versions of Windows 11, opening that entry usually redirects you to the Settings page related to Bluetooth, devices, printers, and scanners.
That doesn't mean Microsoft has completely eliminated the classic interface. The feature can still be opened using its internal identifier, hence the command shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A} It remains the cleanest access when you need the old view.
Quick Index
1. Open the old Devices and Printers from the Run dialog box
The Run dialog box is the simplest way and Quick access to Devices and Printers in Windows 11. This method is the most recommended because it does not change settings, install anything, and does not touch the Registry.
This is the method you should try first. If it works on your Windows 11 installation, you don't need to apply any files.
.reg nor create permanent access.- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will open the Run dialog box.
- When the Run dialog box opens, paste the following code and press Enter.
shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}
- Running the command from the Run dialog box will instantly open the classic page of Devices and Printers.
2. Open the classic Devices and Printers from Settings
The page of Devices and Printers is hidden under multiple layers of configuration. You can also use the Settings app to open the hidden pageHowever, the path may vary slightly depending on the exact version of Windows 11 and the system language.
To add, remove, or manage printers from the modern interface, Windows 11 primarily uses Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scannersThe classic view is useful when you need legacy options that aren't as clear in the modern app.
- Click the Start button Windows 11 and select Configuration.
- When the Settings app opens, switch to Bluetooth and devices.
- On the right side, click on Devices.
- Scroll down to the section on Related settings and click on More device settings and printers.
- This will open the classic screen of Devices and Printers.
3. Create a shortcut to open the classic Devices and Printers
This trick will allow you to access the old screen of Devices and Printers From the desktop. This is useful if you frequently open this tool, for example to check installed printers, change advanced properties, or identify connected devices.
- Writes Control Panel in Windows search 11. Next, open the application of List Control Panel of more relevant results.
- When the Control Panel opens, click on the drop-down menu See for and select Small icons or Large icons.
- Next, right-click on Devices and printers and select Create shortcut.
- In the confirmation message for the desktop shortcut, click on Yeah.
4. Add Devices and Printers to the File Explorer navigation pane
You can also add the shortcut to Devices and printers to the top or bottom section of the File Explorer navigation pane. This method is more permanent, but requires applying a Registry file.
This method modifies Windows Registry keys for the current user. Before applying files
.regClose File Explorer, check the file's origin, and only use it if you understand the change. The previous methods are preferable if you only need to open the tool once.- Download the log file according to where you want it to appear Devices and printers.
- Top: Download log file
- Bottom: Download log file
- After downloading the log file, close File Explorer.
- Double-click the log file you downloaded. A UAC prompt will appear; click on it. Yeah.
- Direct access to Devices and printers It will be added to the Windows 11 File Explorer.
- If you want to remove the shortcut from File Explorer, download and run this log file.
Which method should be used
deer Windows + R and the command
shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}.Create a shortcut from the Control Panel or keep the command saved in a technical note.
Use the Registry method only if you want to see it within the Explorer navigation pane.
Common mistakes and how to interpret them
- Settings opens instead of the classic view: This is normal behavior in many versions of Windows 11 when accessed from the Control Panel.
- The command doesn't open anything: Check that you have glued it completely, including the keys
{ }. - The Explorer access does not appear: Close and reopen File Explorer. If the problem persists, log back in.
- Windows displays a warning when running the .reg file: This is to be expected, because the file modifies the Registry. Do not apply it if you are unsure of its origin.
Conclusion
This method may be useful if you are comfortable using the old page of Devices and printers In Windows 11, the command from Run is sufficient for most users. However, for those working with printers, drivers, Bluetooth, or legacy devices, creating a shortcut can save time.
If you're looking for more Windows 11 settings, you can continue exploring the section on Windows and MasterTrend Info, where we bring together practical guides, configuration solutions and technical analysis for advanced users and administrators.
