You can resolve numerous issues that arise in Windows 11 with System Configuration. When a game doesn’t start, for example, opening and changing the MSConfig settings might fix it. As such, here are eight different ways you can open MSConfig in Windows 11.

1. Open MSConfig With Run

Run is a built-in accessory you can launch many Windows tools with. You can open MSConfig with that accessory by entering a quick command for it. Here is how to open MSConfig with Run.

First, open the WinX menu by pressing the Win + X key combination. Select Run on the menu to open its window. Type msconfig in the text box. Click OK to bring up the System Configuration window.

2. Open MSConfig With the Windows Search Tool

The Windows search utility provides a quick and easy way to find and launch most built-in tools and accessories. You can find and launch MSConfig in no time at all with the search box. To do so, just follow these quick steps.

Click the magnifying glass taskbar icon to bring up a search box. Type the keyword MSConfig in the search box to find System Configuration. Click System Configuration in the search results to open MSConfig. Or click Run as administrator for System Configuration on the right side of the search box.

3. Open MSConfig With Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is an app that incorporates both Command Prompt and PowerShell. You can open MSConfig with both those command-line tools in much the same way as with Run. If you prefer to utilize command-line utilities, this is how you can open MSConfig via Windows Terminal.

Right-click Start and select Windows Terminal (Admin) on the menu. If a UAC prompt pops up, select the Yes option on it. Click the Open a new tab button, and select the Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt utility you prefer. Then type in msconfig within a PowerShell or Command Prompt tab, and press the Enter key to open.

Read also: How to Use the New Windows Terminal for Your Productivity

4. Open MSConfig With File Explorer

Explorer is the built-in file manager utility within Windows from which you can launch software and tools. You can open MSConfig from its System32 folder or by entering some text within Explorer’s path box. Either way, this is how to bring up MSConfig via File Explorer.

Press Explorer’s convenient Win + E keyboard shortcut to open that file manager. Click inside Explorer’s folder path bar, and erase whatever text is there. Then tap in msconfig in the folder path bar, and press the Return key. Alternatively, open MSConfig’s folder at its C: > Windows > System32 path. Then you can click msconfig in that folder to open System Configuration.

Read also: How to Open the Windows File Explorer

5. Open MSConfig With Task Manager

Task Manager is Windows 11’s system resource manager, which provides an overview of processes. You can also open MSConfig via that utility by selecting its Run new task option. That option opens a Create new task window, which is very similar to the Run accessory. Follow these steps to open MSConfig from Task Manager.

Bring up Task Manager by right-clicking Start and selecting it on the WinX menu. Click the File menu in Task Manager. Select the Run new task option. Type msconfig within the Open box there. You can also select a Create this task with administrative privileges option there. Select the OK option to bring up MSConfig.

6. Open MSConfig With Cortana

Cortana is your digital assistant in Windows 11 with which you can launch both third-party software and system tools. It’s a pretty cool app that accepts both text and voice (vocal) commands for launching software and tools. You can open MSConfig with Cortana like this.

Click the round Cortana circle icon on your taskbar. Type open MSConfig within the Ask Cortana box. Then press the Enter key to launch System Configuration. If your PC’s microphone is enabled, you can also give a voice command by clicking the Speak to Cortana button. Then say “open MSConfig” to ask Cortana to launch System Configuration.

7. Set Up an MSConfig Desktop, Taskbar, or Start Menu Shortcut

Setting up a desktop, taskbar, or Start menu shortcut for MSConfig will give you a more direct way to launch System Configuration. When you’ve established a desktop shortcut for MSConfig, you can move it to the taskbar or pin it to the Start menu. This is how you can set up an MSConfig desktop shortcut within Windows 11.

Right-click an area of your desktop wallpaper and select New > Shortcut on the context menu. Type msconfig within the location box. Select Next to proceed. Enter MSConfig in the shortcut title text box. Click Finish to add the new MSConfig shortcut.

Now you can click the MSConfig desktop shortcut whenever you need to open System Configuration. If you would prefer it on the taskbar, right-click the shortcut and select Show more options > Pin to taskbar. Alternatively, select the Pin to Start option to add an MSConfig shortcut to the Start menu.

8. Set Up an MSConfig Keyboard Shortcut

Keyboard shortcuts for Windows system tools are even more convenient than desktop ones. When you’ve set up an MSConfig desktop shortcut, you can give it a hotkey as well. Then you can press a System Configuration hotkey whenever you need that tool. You can establish an MSConfig keyboard shortcut as follows.

First, add an MSConfig shortcut to the desktop as covered in the seventh method. Right-click the MSConfig shortcut on your desktop and select Properties to view the Shortcuts tab. Click inside the Shortcut key box. Press M to establish a Ctrl + Alt + M key combo for the System Configuration tool. Select Apply to save the new hotkey. Click OK to exit the shortcut’s properties window.

Now press the Ctrl + Alt + M keys at the same time to launch MSConfig. Remember that the hotkey depends on the desktop shortcut you applied it to. So, you’ll need to keep the MSConfig shortcut on the desktop to utilize the hotkey.

Read also: How to Set Up Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

Troubleshoot Windows 11 With MSConfig

So, there are various ways you can open MSConfig in Windows 11. If you want the most direct access to System Configuration, set up a desktop, taskbar, Start menu, or keyboard shortcut for it. Whatever method you choose to open it with, you’ll find MSConfig to be a handy troubleshooting utility with which to disable superfluous third-party startup items and modify boot options. System Configuration’s Tools tab also includes a list of handy shortcuts for opening numerous other built-in utilities.