How to Get XP Style Classic “Network Connections” Back in Control Panel in Windows Vista and Later?

If you are using Windows Vista or later, you must be missing the good old Classic XP styled “Network Connections” list. In Windows XP, you can access all your network connections quickly and easily using “Network Connections” item in Control Panel but Windows Vista and later don’t show the connections list in such way.

Actually in Windows Vista and later, “Network Connections” has been replaced by “Network and Sharing Center” which is very complicated compared to XP IMO.

No need to worry, now you can get the classic “Network Connections” back in Vista and later Control Panel using this simple tutorial.

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This tutorial will use the same trick mentioned in following tutorial:

Enable Hidden Secret Control Panel Items in Windows Vista and Later

So here we start the tutorial:

1. Type regedit in RUN or Start Menu Search box and press Enter. It’ll open Registry Editor.

2. Now go to following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control Panel\don’t load

3. The above mentioned key will contain some .CPL entries in right-side pane as shown in following screenshot:

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Hidden_Control_Panel_Items.png

4. Delete the “ncpa.cpl” String value from right-side pane and “Network Connections” will get enabled in Control Panel.

Network_Connections_List_Windows_Vi.png

NOTE: Windows Vista allows you to delete the registry value but Windows 7 and later will not allow you. You’ll need to take permission on the key before deleting it. You can use following simple steps to take permission:

[Guide] How to Take Ownership (Permission) of a Registry Key in Windows?

Now you’ll be able to delete “ncpa.cpl” String value in Windows 7 and later as well.

Published in: Windows 7, Windows Vista

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

Comments

NOTE: Older comments have been removed to reduce database overhead.

  1. Thanks bro VG…
    Just want to share also to new Win7 User.
    Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings..

  2. hi.
    how can i restore windows 8 style “Connect to” for windows 10?
    i’m using dial up connections for connect to internet.
    Thanks.

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