This policy setting prevents users from performing the following commands from the Start menu or Windows Security screen: Shut Down, Restart, Sleep, and Hibernate. This policy setting does not prevent users from running Windows-based programs that perform these functions.

If you enable this policy setting, the Power button and the Shut Down, Restart, Sleep, and Hibernate commands are removed from the Start menu. The Power button is also removed from the Windows Security screen, which appears when you press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the Power button and the Shut Down, Restart, Sleep, and Hibernate commands are available on the Start menu. The Power button on the Windows Security screen is also available.

Note: Third-party programs certified as compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP SP1, Windows XP, or Windows 2000 Professional are required to support this policy setting.

Remove the Shut Down, Restart, Sleep, and Hibernation Buttons

1. Type gpedit.msc in the Start menu’s search box and then press Enter.

   Note: This guide shows you how to make changes to Windows 7 using Group Policy. Group Policy is not available in Home versions of Windows 7.

2. Navigate to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, and then select Start Menu and Taskbar in the left column of the Group Policy editor.

   ^[1]

3. Double-click Remove and prevent access to the Shut Down, Restart, Sleep, and Hibernate commands in the Settings section of the Group Policy editor.
4. Select Enable and then click OK to save the changes.

   ^[2]