How to access System Properties without going to Control Panel

You do not have to pass through the Control Panel to get to the System Properties dialog box. Hold down the Windows key and press ‘Break’ to open this handy dialog box instantly. No Windows key? No problem! Create a shortcut to Sysdm.cpl (you will find it in the C:\windows\system32 folder) and place it anywhere in the Programs menu. Then open the shortcut’s Properties dialog box and assign it an easy-to-remember keyboard shortcut such as ‘Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S’. Some laptop keyboards may have separate keys for ‘Break’ and ‘Pause’, in this case, you may find that this dialog box opens if you hold the Windows key and press the ‘Pause’ button.