Symptoms

The power button in the Start menu puts the computer in Sleep mode.

Cause

This behaviour is by default.

Resolution

Use the following procedure:

• Click on the Start button
• In the search bar, type cmd and press enter (a command prompt opens)
• Type powercfg.cpl,1 and press enter (the Power Options panel opens)
• Scroll down to "Power buttons and lid" and expand it
• Expand "Start menu power button"
• Change the setting from "Sleep" to "Shut down"
• Click on "OK" to confirm the configuration change
• Close the command prompt

Status

This is a default setting for this operating system.

Applies to

Microsoft Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows Vista SP1

Related links

Author's comment

From the first time I've installed Vista, I've always wondered why they chose to use that button for Sleep mode by default instead of providing a quick way to turn off the computer.