CPL

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope

CPL may refer to any of the following:

CPL in white lettering on pink background.

1. The .cpl is a computer file extension for the Windows Control Panel applets found through the Windows Control Panel.

How to open a cpl file

Entering the cpl file name in the Windows Run box or the Windows search box automatically opens the cpl file. For example, if you click Start and type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter, the System Properties window opens.

Why would I need to run a cpl file?

Below are the reasons you may want to use a cpl file instead of opening the same area in the Windows Control Panel.

  • The Windows Control Panel is not working.
  • Want to open the area through a script or batch file.
  • Want to create a shortcut to an area frequently accessed.
  • Need an easier way to instruct a user over the phone on how to open an area in the Control Panel.

List of .cpl files

Below are .cpl files that can be used in Windows. Realize that not all of these may be available for your computer.

CPL file Description
access.cpl Accessibility options
appwiz.cpl Programs and Features
bthprops.cpl Bluetooth & devices
console.cpl Console
desk.cpl Display
devapps.cpl PCMCIA, SCSI (small computer system interface) adapters and tape drives
findfast.cpl FindFast (installed with Microsoft Office)
firewall.cpl Windows Defender Firewall
hdwwiz.cpl Device Manager
inetcpl.cpl Internet Properties
intl.cpl Region
joy.cpl Game Controllers
main.cpl Mouse Properties
mlcfg32.cpl Microsoft Exchange or Windows Messaging properties.
mmsys.cpl Sound
modem.cpl Modems
netcpl.cpl Network properties (early versions of Windows)
ncpa.cpl Network Connections
ntguard.cpl Dr Solomons settings
odbccp32.cpl ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) data sources installed with Microsoft Office.
password.cpl Password properties (early versions of Windows)
ports.cpl Ports
powercfg.cpl Power Options
rascpl.cpl Dial up monitor
srvmgr.cpl Server, services and devices
sticpl.cpl Scanners and Cameras properties
sysdm.cpl System Properties
tabletpc.pl Pen and Touch
telephon.cpl Location Information
themes.cpl Desktop Themes
timedate.cpl Date and Time
tweakui.cpl TweakUI
ups.cpl UPS (United Parcel Service)
wgpocpl.cpl Microsoft Mail Post Office
wscui.cpl Security and Maintenance

Where are the cpl files located?

The cpl files installed on the computer are located in the C:\Windows\System folder with earlier versions of windows and later the C:\Windows\System32 directory.

How can I run a cpl file from the command line?

To run a cpl file from the command line use the start command. For example, you could type start sysdm.cpl to open the Windows System Properties window.

How to create a shortcut to a cpl file

To create a shortcut to a cpl file, make sure it works first by running the .cpl file name. After verifying its working point the shortcut to c:\windows\system32\file.cpl, where file.cpl is the name of the cpl you want to use. For example, if you wanted to create a shortcut to the System Properties cpl, the file path would be c:\windows\system32\sysdm.cpl.

2. Short for cost per lead, CPL is the cost an advertiser pays for each user that registers contact information.

3. Short for Combined Programming Language, CPL is a programming language that began development in 1963 at the University of Cambridge and the University of London.

Note

This programming language was replaced with BCPL (Basic Combined Programming Language).

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