How to Change what the Windows 7 Power Button Does

You can change the function of the default power button Windows 7.

Windows 7 introduced a number of changes and tweaks to the Windows operating system, including the streamlining of several Windows Vista functions. As with Vista, users of Windows 7 are able to select from several options when shutting down or restarting their computer. Changing the default setting of the Windows 7 power button from "Shut Down" to another option is also possible and only takes a few moments.

Instructions

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Control Panel link. Select the "System and Security" option when the Control Panel opens.

2. Click the "Power Options" link in the System and Security window. Wait for the "Select a power plan" page to open.

3. Click the "Choose what the power buttons do" link on the right side of the power plan page. Wait for the "Define power buttons and turn on password protection" page to open.

4. Locate the "When I press the power button" entry. Open the drop-down menu; you will see "Shut Down," "Sleep," "Hibernate," and "Do Nothing" as your options. Select the option that you would like to use as the default power button setting, then click "Save changes."

5. Close the open windows. The option that you selected will now be set as your default action for the computer's power button.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use multiple power plans on your computer, you can set different actions for the power button in each plan. Click "Change plan settings" on the "Select a power plan" page (Step 2), then click on the "Advanced Power Settings" link. Click the "Advanced Settings" tab, then choose the options for the active plan in the "Power Button and Lid" section of the page.

References

• Microsoft: Windows 7: Change What Happens When You Press the Power Button on Your Computer