Private Relay and other System Settings frozen after update to macOS Ventura 13.1

If all else fails give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

About iCloud Private Relay - Apple Support

Excerpt from like above link

" If your system settings prevent Private Relay from working

In System Settings on your Mac, you might see an alert that says "Some of your system settings prevent Private Relay from working." If you do, a third-party app — such as a VPN or internet filtering software — might have installed settings or extensions that are incompatible with Private Relay. For example, the third-party app might have installed a kernel extension or applied custom packet filter rules.

If you want to use Private Relay on your Mac, turn off or uninstall the third-party app."

" Private Relay and network speed tests

Private Relay uses a single, secure connection to maintain privacy and performance. This design may impact how throughput is reflected in network speed tests that typically open several simultaneous connections to deliver the highest possible result. While some speed test measurements may appear lower when Private Relay is enabled, your actual browsing experience remains fast and private."

Greetings JimBsocal,

If you are having difficulty with the System Settings app on your Mac, begin by following the guidance found here:

If an app freezes or quits unexpectedly on Mac

"When an app on your Mac stops working, try these suggestions.

• If an app doesn’t quit as expected, or it’s unresponsive, you can force quit the app (you may lose unsaved changes). Choose Apple menu  > Force Quit, select the app in the dialog that appears, then click Force Quit.
• If the app quit, reopen it by clicking Reopen in the dialog that appears.
• Restart your Mac by choosing Apple menu > Restart.
• Make sure the app is compatible with your version of macOS.
• Open another file in the app. There may be a problem with the original file.
• Check for updates to your software.
• Disconnect any peripheral devices you just connected (for example, a printer). They may not be compatible with your version of macOS.
• Uninstall any app plug-ins or enhancements from other manufacturers.
• If you recently updated the app or macOS, a plug-in or enhancement you installed may no longer be compatible.
• Diagnose problems with your Mac to learn whether hardware you installed, such as additional memory, is incompatible, improperly installed, or defective."

Take care.

This is not the answer to the question, the private relay setting in icloud+ are not available, i have the same issue. since ventura ALL my devices have stopped working with Private Relay. they all say they there is a technical issue and is temporarily offline but the MAC does not even get to load up on the preferences screen when selecting anything icloud related. it either spins on or just gives a blank page and that includes the list of devices connected which have been deleted from my account (i did this myself) yet keep coming back (when done on an ipad as MAC wont load the screen)