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Change the Power Button Action on Windows 11 [5 Tips]
Reconfigure for personalized behaviour and optimal performance
7 min. read
Updated onApril 23, 2024
updated onApril 23, 2024
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Key notes
The power button can do a lot more than simply shutting down the PC, though that’s the default action for desktop users. And if you want to change the power button action in Windows 11, it’s easier than you thought!
Remember, the physical power button is different from the one in the Start menu, and the changes below won’t affect the actions of the latter. Besides, you will find slightly different power options depending on whether it’s a desktop or laptop.
Why change the power button action in Windows 11?
If you put the computer to sleep far too often than shut it down, changing how the hardware power button, i.e., the physical one on the PC, behaves will do. The same idea applies toHibernatemode or simply turning off the display.
Changing the power button setting in Windows 11 will simplify things and make it easier to use your PC in a personalized way as well as prevent issues like apower button lockout.
How do I change what the power button does in Windows 11?
1. Using Control Panel
The settings here might be different for users. For instance, there will be an additionalWhen I close the lidsetting for laptop users. Similarly, some may find theTurn off the display optionmissing if their PC doesn’t support the S3 standard and has Modern Standby, the latter being the more recent of the two.
Also, theOn batterysetting will only be available for desktop users if they have a UPS connected. And remember, any changes you make through theControl Panelonly apply to the current power plan.
2. Via Settings
3. Through Windows PowerShell
The changes enforced via PowerShell will only apply to the current power plan. You can select another power plan and then execute the commands to modify it.
4. In Local Group Policy Editor
You will also find policies for other settings here, including lid shutdown if it’s a laptop. In caseLocal Group Policy Editoris not available on your PC,check the OS edition, and if it’s Windows 11 Home, manuallyinstall gpedit.msc. Remember, these changes will reflect across all power plans.
5. With the Registry Editor
What else can I do with the power button in Windows 11?
The scope of the power button is limited in Windows and is primarily related to shutting down the PC, putting it to sleep and hibernation mode.
You could also turn off the display, but the feature is present only in older systems that are compatible with the S3 power state. However, you can manuallyenable the S3 Sleep Statein Windows.
In case you are wondering about the UI changes,removing the power button from the sign-in screenis easy!
Once you understand how to change the action of the soft power button in Windows 11, personalization abilities will go up a notch. For an even more seamless operation, you cancreate a shutdown shortcut keyand quickly turn off the PC.
Lastly, users reported issues with the power modes, especiallymissing power plans in Windows 11. Running the built-in troubleshooter or updating the driver usually does the trick!
For any queries or to share your preferred power button action, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:power plan,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
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