How to Change the Standby Button to Shutdown in Vista’s Start Menu

by Gilberto J Perera View Comments Share

The first thing I noticed when I used Vista was the fact that the Shut down button was not a Shut down button (as it was with XP) instead it was a Sleep/Standby button. This feature would be great if it worked as intended, since it doesn’t I prefer the option to shut down my PC. The tutorial below shows you how you can change the default option for this button, it’s kind of buried so if you haven’t found it this is why. After completing this tutorial you will save an extra step each time you shut down your computer. If you have any comments or questions, leave a comment below.

Note: I used Vista Ultimate 64-bit, it should be the same steps for other versions of Vista.

Windows Shutdown

1. Click Start (windows logo) > Control Panel

Windows Shutdown

2. In the Control Panel locate and double-click to open Power Options

Windows Shutdown

3. In Power Options, click on the Choose when to turn off the display link located on the left pane (this option is located in a not so user friendly place)

Windows Shutdown

4. When the options box opens click on the Change advanced power settings link located below the "Put the computer to…" option

Windows Shutdown

5. There are multiple steps to take here;

A. Scroll down the list until you find the Start menu power button option, expand by clicking on the [+] sign

Note: The screen shot above displays On Battery: and Plugged in:, both options will appear on a laptop (like mine) the latter (Plugged in) should be the only one listed on a desktop. You can also apply these settings to different Profiles, the profile you see on this screen is the Maximum Performance.

B. Either case you would select Shut down from the (Plugged in/On battery)drop-down menu

C. Once you are done, click OK to close the Power Options dialog box

Windows Shutdown

6. Now when you click the Start button, your Shut down button should have replaced the Sleep/Standby button.

Article source Windows Vista Annoyances: Tips, Secrets, and Hacks

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About the author

Gilbert is a Microsoft MVP, a full-time blogger, and technology aficionado. When Gilbert is away from his bike and his iPad, he's busy writing technology how-to's from his home-office in Miami, Florida on the latest programs and gadgets he can get his hands on. He's locally known as "the computer guy" and has spent the last 12 years helping family, friends, and GilsMethod.com visitors with their computer questions and problems. He was awarded the 2009 MVP award from Microsoft for his contributions in forums and blogs and is enjoying the new addition to his family.

View Comments to “How to Change the Standby Button to Shutdown in Vista’s Start Menu”

Name says:
May 6, 2010 at 12:51 pm

Thanks so much!
Arun says:
February 9, 2010 at 5:04 pm

Great job dude. Thank u so much.
Marie says:
January 11, 2010 at 10:12 am

Thank you soo much house mates were bound to brake my brand new laptop soon!!!
Cliff says:
July 11, 2009 at 11:41 am

Thanks! That’s been bothering me since the day I got Vista. Why would they but a sleep button there? I turn my computer off more than I do put it in sleep. Thanks, again, now I can sleep at night knowing that I can turn off my computer faster! LOL
Patrick says:
June 17, 2009 at 10:42 am

Thank you.

Why the hell do they make things so hard to find in Vista.. jesus..
- Gil says:
  June 17, 2009 at 11:18 am
  
  Tell me about it…I think they’re getting the message and improving a whole lot in Windows 7.