where to locate system settings, not system preferences

If you're on Monterey or earlier, use System Preferences. Otherwise, choose System Settings from the Apple menu or click on it in the Dock.

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They are in the same place. Preferences on Monterey and before. Settings on Ventura and later.

The System settings app is a lot different from the old references app. It's all there but a lot more difficult to find. Use the search field in the first settings pane at the top to find the location of the setting/preferene you need. It's much faster that way:

It's gray gear icon on the dock