My Windows Vista/7 Power Settings

Here are my power settings on Windows Vista or Windows 7. I find the default setting annoying or inadequate, especially the Start menu power button triggering sleep.

• Lid Close Action
  
  • On Battery: Sleep
  • Plugged in: Do nothing
  
  
  
• Power Button Action
  
  • On Battery: Hibernate
  • Plugged in: Hibernate
  
  
  
• Sleep Button
  
  • On Battery: Sleep
  • Plugged in: Hibernate
  
  
  
• Start menu power button
  
  • On Battery: Shut down
  • Plugged in: Shut down
  
  

Disabling the Sleep Mode in Vista

With the default Vista power settings, pressing the Start menu power button will put the computer into a sleep mode. After newly installing Windows Vista, opening the Start menu will show the power button in amber yellow. This means clicking the power button will put the PC into the power-saving sleep mode instead of turning it off completely. The sleep mode saves the current state of the computer in memory, turns down the fans and keeps the PC quiet until you press a key or move a mouse.

But don't you find it annoying? I do. I want the PC turned off completely when I click the Power button. The following steps show you how to change Vista power settings so that clicking the Power button will turn off the PC:

1. Click or press the Windows Logo button to open the Start menu.


2. Click the Control Panel.


3. Click System and Maintenance.


4. Click Power Options.


5. Click Change plan settings under the current preferred plan (by default, Balanced).


6. Click Change advanced power settings.


7. When the Power Options window appears, click the plus sign + next to Power buttons and lid to expand the section.


8. Click the plus sign + next to Start menu power button.


9. Change the Setting from Sleep to Shut down.


10. Click OK to change the power options and close the window.