How To Use Windows Settings App With MS-Settings URI Scheme (Including A Complete List Of Them)
Previously, we were looking into Windows Shell Folders. To complete a trilogy inspired by my original piece about creating Windows shortcuts with PowerShell and clarify the ambiguities shown there, it’s appropriate to discuss the ms-settings URI scheme.
Note: It’s advisable to save this piece to your reading list, as you may not come across it again.
Windows Settings Application And The MS-Settings URI Scheme
In Windows, there is a method to access specific Windows Settings pages directly using the ms-settings uniform resource identifier (URI) scheme. This includes a collection of predefined ms-settings commands that users can employ to quickly access a particular Windows settings page, such as “Display Settings” or “Windows Update.”
Although not explicitly necessary for everyday Windows computer usage, this feature can be quite handy for automation tasks or for creating shortcuts that directly open specific system settings. And for those of us involved in administrative tasks, it’s can be a pure gold.
How To Use the MS-Settings URI Scheme
To launch the Windows Settings application using the ms-settings URI scheme, the ms-settings:uri-parameter syntax is used as a command from any of the following locations:
- From the Run dialog (Windows key + R)
- From the File Explorer address bar (Windows key + E)
- From command-line interfaces such as CMD or PowerShell
- By creating a Windows shortcut
Let’s examine each method using an example with the “network-proxy” URI, which will open the Proxy Settings in Windows.
# From Run dialog, File Explorer's address bar or as a target path in Windows shortcut
ms-settings:network-proxy
# From Command Prompt (CMD)
start ms-settings:network-proxy
# From PowerShell
start-process ms-settings:network-proxyHow Does MS-Settings URI Scheme Work
It might not be obvious what’s executing those URI links when you use the ms-settings command.
There’s a “SystemSettings.exe” application located in C:\Windows\ImmersiveControlPanel which launches whenever you execute an ms-settings URI command. The URI parameter typically represents a category or sub-category within the settings app. SystemSettings.exe understands the structure of the URI and knows how to interpret the parameters to identify the correct settings page required.
Once it determines the target page of the Settings app, it renders the page and dynamically retrieves the needed information from other resources and configuration files.
Complete List Of Windows 11 MS-Settings URI Commands
Below, you can find a list of Windows 11 ms-settings URI commands, explained and ready to use.
That was a long list. Hopefully, you found it useful.
Author’s Note
You made it to this point! Well, kudos to you my friend — either I’m a decent writer or you’re an excellent reader. Let’s go with the latter😅.
I’m Danilo, a seasoned IT Service Delivery engineer navigating the corporate chaos. I write about scripting, sysadmin stuff, and topics that are poorly documented elsewhere, with the aim of sharing knowledge and improving my writing skills.
Clap hands and leave feedback if you can.
