One of the things we noticed about some Windows 7 users is that they do not use the Shut down button from the Start Menu to shut down their computers. They use the power button from the computer case instead. If you are such a user, you might want to change the default behavior of the Shut down button from the Start Menu into something else, which you are likely to use in a reasonably frequent manner: Log Off, Lock, Restart, Sleep or Switch User. This tutorial will show how.

The Shut down button is located on the bottom-right side of the Start Menu. If you click on the arrow near Shut down, you can find other related options, all of which can be set as the default.

To change the default behavior, right click on the taskbar and, from the right-click menu, select Properties.

The 'Taskbar and Start Menu Properties' window opens. Click on the Start Menu tab.

Click on the 'Power button action' drop-down list and select the action you want to set as default.

Click OK and the change is now applied.

Conclusion

As you can see, this tiny tip can be useful for some people. For other tips related to the Start Menu and the Taskbar, check out the articles recommended below.

Related articles:

How to Stop the Shut Down Procedure from Completing
The Complete Guide to the Windows 7 Start Menu
Understanding Power Plans & How to Switch Between Them