I unlocked God Mode in Windows 11 with this text string - here's what it does

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET key takeaways

• God Mode unlocks all Windows settings in one place.
• Setup is quick, using a simple folder‑name code.
• Customize icons to make access faster and clearer.

Accessing all the settings and options in Windows 11 can be challenging, as they’re spread across a variety of categories in both the Settings app and the Control Panel. An option called God Mode eases the process by providing a gateway to all the core options on one screen.

By creating the special God Mode folder, you can view settings for Backup and Restore, Color Management, Devices and Printers, Ease of Access, File History, Mouse, Power Options, Programs and Features, Security and Maintenance, Speech Recognition, Troubleshooting, User Accounts, and many more.

Also: How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 – for free

God Mode is especially useful for advanced Windows users and developers who like to manage and tweak all the nitty‑gritty details of Windows. It can also help anyone who wants an array of commands available in one place. Since Microsoft no longer offers a Start‑menu shortcut for Control Panel, God Mode provides a quick way to access its core features and applets.

The process for setting up God Mode is the same in Windows 10 and Windows 11; the steps below focus on Windows 11.

How to set up God Mode in Windows 11

1. Create a new folder
   Right‑click on an empty area of the desktop, choose New → Folder, and press Enter.

2. Rename the folder
   Rename the folder to the following exact string (you can replace My God Mode with any name you prefer):

   My God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

   After renaming, the folder’s icon will change to a Control Panel icon.

3. Open the folder
   Double‑click the new icon. A window opens displaying all the available settings, organized by Control Panel applet (Backup and Restore, Devices and Printers, File History, Mouse, Programs and Features, Security and Maintenance, Troubleshooting, User Accounts, etc.).

4. Use the shortcuts
   Browse or search for the setting you need, then double‑click it to launch the corresponding control panel item.

5. (Optional) Customize the icon
   Right‑click the folder, select Properties → Customize → Change Icon, choose an icon you like, and click OK. This makes the shortcut easier to recognize.

Also: Why you need Microsoft’s new emergency Windows patch – and the black‑screen bug to watch for