Here’s a simple workaround to address a common problem after installing Windows 8.1

Nov 19, 2013 15:34 GMT  ·  By

Some of the users who installed Windows 8.1 from the Store are experiencing issues with the Modern version of the Control Panel, with the “Change PC Settings” link in the Charms bar apparently broken down after the update.

The same problem has been confirmed by users who turned to Microsoft’s Community forums, but Redmond is yet to release a workaround or at least provide more details on what’s causing the issues.

“After updating to windows 8.1 Change PC Settings link is broken. After clicking on it nothing is opening and landing into Start screen. I tried from Administrator account with no luck. I am unable to change the settings,” one user is complaining.

After trying several workarounds, one of the Windows 8.1 adopters affecting by a similar problem has discovered a command that apparently fixes the broken down “Chance PC Settings” and finally makes it work on both desktops and tablets.

In order to fix it, you need to launch a command prompt window by right-clicking the Start button and enter the following command:

code
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $Env:SystemRoot\ImmersiveControlPanel\AppxManifest.xml
No reboot is required and the Metro Control Panel should be working without any other issue.

As far as Windows 8.1 is concerned, Microsoft is still having lots of other glitches to fix, with some of them very likely to be patched in the coming weeks via performance and stability updates.

At the same time, the software giant continues work on what’s being called the Spring GDR Update, a large pack with fixes aimed at Windows 8.1 devices that’s expected to see daylight in early 2014.

There are no confirmed details as to when the GDR update could be released, but Microsoft could use it to address many of the bugs spotted in Windows 8.1, including the one we’ve told you about today.