Windows 7 - Control Panel - Rename in Windows 7 Navigation Pane

   Information

This will show you how to rename the Control Panel in the Windows Explorer Navigation Pane when you have Show all folders checked, and the Control Panel desktop icon to any name that you like for all users in Windows 7.

   Warning

You can only do this while logged into an administrator account.

1. Open the Start Menu and type regedit in the search line, then press enter.

2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

3. In regedit, navigate to the locations below one at at time. (see screenshot below step 4)

Navigation Pane Location:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683}

Desktop Icon Location:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{5399E694-6CE5-4D6C-8FCE-1D8870FDCBA0}

4. In the left pane of regedit, right click on the {long number} key for the Desktop or Navigation Pane location and click on Permissions. (see screenshot below)

5. Do the following in order below to take ownership and full control of this registry key. (see example screenshot below)

A) Click on the Advanced button.
B) Click on the Owner tab.
C) Select your Administrator account.
D) Click on OK.
E) At the top, select the Administrators group.
F) At the bottom, check the Allow box to the right of Full Control.
G) Click on OK.

6. In the right pane of regedit, right click on LocalizedString and click on Modify. (see screenshot below)

7. To Rename "Control Panel" in the Navigation Pane

A) Type in any name that your would like, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)

B) Go to step 9.

8. To Restore the Default "Control Panel" Name in the Navigation Pane
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Copy and Paste the value below, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)

@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-4161

9. In regedit, navigate to the location below.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{5399E694-6CE5-4D6C-8FCE-1D8870FDCBA0}

10. Repeat steps 3 to 6, then either step 7 or 8 for the other key location in step 3 as well.

11. When finished, close regedit.

12. Refresh (F5) the desktop or Windows Explorer window to see the change.