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10 Tech How-To

Access All Windows 11 Settings with God Mode

Guide 10-20543 · Updated · Step by step

Yes, you can access all Windows 11 settings in one place using “God Mode” — a hidden folder that displays every control panel applet and settings shortcut in a single, searchable list. It takes about 30 seconds to set up, requires no third-party software, and works on all current versions of Windows 11. Here’s exactly how to create it, what you’ll see, and how to use it safely.

What Is God Mode?

God Mode is a special Windows folder that, when created with a specific name, shows a flat list of hundreds of administrative tools and settings. It is not a separate program or a hidden feature Microsoft officially promotes — it’s a well-known trick that has existed since Windows Vista and continues to work in Windows 11. The folder uses a special CLSID (class identifier) that tells Windows to display all control panel items as icons, rather than as a normal empty folder.

In Windows 11, this includes shortcuts to settings like Display, Sound, Network, Power Options, Device Manager, Disk Management, and many more. Instead of digging through the Settings app or Control Panel, you get one window with everything alphabetically sorted and searchable. It’s especially handy for power users who frequently adjust system settings.

How to Create God Mode in Windows 11

Creating God Mode is a simple two-step process. You don’t need admin rights, and it works on any edition of Windows 11 (Home, Pro, etc.).

  1. Right-click on your desktop (or any folder, like Documents) and select New > Folder.
  2. Rename the folder to exactly this string, including the periods and braces:
    GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

When you press Enter, the folder icon will change to resemble a Control Panel icon. Double-click it, and you’ll see a window with a long list of tools and settings, sorted by category. You can search within the folder using the search box at the top right.

If the icon doesn’t change, check that you typed the CLSID exactly — a missing brace or a wrong digit will leave it as a plain folder. Copy and paste the string above to avoid typos.

What’s Inside God Mode?

God Mode shows roughly 200 to 250 items, depending on which Windows features are installed. These are shortcuts, not duplicates — they launch the same tools you’d find in the Control Panel or Settings. Common categories include:

  • Administrative Tools – Event Viewer, Computer Management, Disk Cleanup, Resource Monitor
  • Devices and Printers – Device Manager, Mouse settings, Keyboard settings
  • Power Options – Edit power plan, Choose what power buttons do
  • System – System Properties, Advanced system settings, System Protection
  • Network and Internet – Network Connections, Network and Sharing Center, Internet Options
  • Programs – Programs and Features, Default Programs

Because it’s a flat list, you can use the search box in the folder to quickly jump to a specific tool — for example, type “device” to see Device Manager and related options. This is much faster than navigating through multiple menus.

Is God Mode Safe?

God Mode itself is completely safe — it’s just a folder with shortcuts. It does not modify any system files, enable hidden features, or require disabling security settings. However, the tools it exposes can change system settings, so use caution when you open things like Registry Editor, Disk Management, or Services. If you’re not sure what a tool does, don’t click it.

One common misconception is that God Mode gives you access to “secret” settings that are otherwise locked. That’s not true — every item in God Mode is already available somewhere in Windows. The folder just organizes them in one place. It’s a convenience, not a hack.

If you ever want to remove it, simply delete the folder. No leftover files or system changes remain.

Alternatives to God Mode

If you don’t want to create a special folder, there are other ways to quickly access settings:

  • Windows Settings (Win + I) – The modern Settings app, which is the primary interface in Windows 11. It’s more user-friendly but not as comprehensive as the Control Panel.
  • Control Panel – Still present in Windows 11, accessible by searching “Control Panel” in the Start menu. It contains many classic applets.
  • Quick Access Menu (Win + X) – Right-click the Start button to get a menu with Device Manager, Disk Management, Terminal, and other power tools.
  • Run dialog (Win + R) – Type the name of a specific applet, like devmgmt.msc for Device Manager or control for Control Panel.
  • Search – Press Win + S and type the name of the setting you want; Windows 11 search usually finds it.

God Mode is best for people who frequently use many different administrative tools and want them all in one scrollable list. For casual users, the regular Settings app is simpler and less overwhelming.

Common Problems and Fixes

Sometimes God Mode doesn’t work as expected. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them:

  • Folder doesn’t change icon – You likely mistyped the CLSID. Delete the folder and recreate it, copying the exact string.
  • Folder is empty – This can happen if Windows hasn’t fully indexed the control panel items. Wait a few seconds, or close and reopen the folder. Restarting Explorer may also help.
  • Can’t rename the folder – If you’re renaming an existing folder, make sure you’re replacing the entire name, not just adding to it. Also, ensure you have permission to rename folders in that location.
  • God Mode doesn’t show all settings – Some modern Settings app options (like personalization themes or privacy toggles) are not part of the classic Control Panel and therefore won’t appear. That’s normal.
  • Accidentally deleted it – Just create a new folder with the same name. It takes seconds.

If you ever see a message like “This folder is not accessible,” it usually means the CLSID is wrong or the folder was corrupted. Recreate it and the problem is solved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does God Mode work on Windows 11 Home?

Yes, it works on all editions of Windows 11, including Home. The trick uses a standard Windows component that is present in every version.

Will God Mode slow down my PC?

No. The folder is just a list of shortcuts. It uses no background resources, and opening it only loads the same icons that the Control Panel would load. It has zero effect on performance.

Can I put God Mode in a folder other than the desktop?

Absolutely. You can create it anywhere you have write permission — Documents, a USB drive, or any other folder. Just follow the same steps.

Is God Mode a security risk?

Not by itself. The risk comes from clicking tools you don’t understand. Since it’s just shortcuts, it doesn’t expose any new vulnerabilities. However, if someone else has access to your PC, they could use it to change settings, so keep your user account password-protected.

Does God Mode replace the Settings app?

No. God Mode shows mostly classic Control Panel applets. Many modern settings, like display scaling, Bluetooth, and Windows Update, are only in the Settings app. You’ll still need to use Settings for those.

Can I create multiple God Mode folders?

Yes, you can create as many as you want, but there’s no benefit — they all show the same items. One is enough.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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