According to Windows Latest, Microsoft is secretly testing an application codenamed Project Odeon in the Microsoft Store. It uses the Windows 11 Settings icon and its interface is nearly identical to the system's built-in Settings app, suggesting that the Settings app may be updated independently via the Store in the future, thereby accelerating the phase-out of the Control Panel.
Odeon's Store page lists Microsoft Corporation as the publisher, categorizes it under Productivity, marks it as a Preview, and shows version 1.0.9.0. The Publisher ID matches that of other Store apps like Notepad and Paint.
In actual testing on a Hyper-V virtual machine (Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26340.9616), Odeon did not replace the existing Settings app after installation; both can coexist.
Odeon's homepage correctly reads the device name, network status, and pending Windows updates, although some pages are clearly in an unfinished state.
The app also hides a preview mode, which can be accessed using the --preview command. It includes a complete test experience: virtual accounts, virtual settings, and six virtual wallpapers.
There is logic behind Microsoft moving parts of the Settings functionality to the Store for distribution. The Microsoft Store already provides an update channel for apps, allowing automatic installation of feature updates and fixes. This means interface repairs and improvements do not have to wait for major Windows version updates or monthly cumulative updates.
This also aids Microsoft's process of deprecating the Control Panel. Microsoft has stated that the team is "migrating all legacy Control Panel items to the modern Settings app," but has not provided a timeline. If new Settings pages can be pushed via the Store, each migrated page would not need to wait for the next Windows version release.
Of course, risks exist as well. In January this year, a Microsoft Store server issue prevented apps like Notepad, Paint, and Snipping Tool from opening. While Notepad failing to open is merely annoying, the Settings app being unable to launch would be far more serious.
It remains unclear what Odeon will ultimately become. The standalone package and preview mode could be part of a redesigned Settings experience, or they may be intended solely for internal testing. Currently, there is no evidence indicating that this app will be publicly released.
