Make Restart default instead of Shutdown


ils

Active member
Local time
9:00 AM
Posts
63
OS
windows 11 home
When I click ‘Start’ to restart the PC, the default setting is ‘Shutdown’
How do I change the default setting to ‘Restart ‘?

I have Windows 11 Home OS Build 22621.1265
I use ExplorePatcher with Open-Shell
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 Home 22621.1265

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11 home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8940
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 11700 processor(8 Core, 1
    Motherboard
    Dell Studio XPS 8900 Desktop Motherboard LGA1151 XJ8C4 0XJ8C4.
    Memory
    16GB, 8Gx2, DDR4, 2933MHz 370 AGHW
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 490 BFUK
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2
    Screen Resolution
    1920x
    Hard Drives
    256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive (WIN 11 home)
    + 1TB 7200 rpm 3.5" SATA
    + 2.5 inch 512MB Crucial SSDs (WIN 10 home)
    PSU
    500 W
    Case
    Mini Tower
    Cooling
    fan
    Keyboard
    basic Dell
    Mouse
    basic Dell
    Internet Speed
    50-100 MBps
    Browser
    firefox, chrome, edge
    Antivirus
    malwarebytes
On my default install of Win11, when I click Start I get this with the power icon on the right with its choices:

1676771313103.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Here's what I get:
1676771632895.png1676771632895.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11 home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8940
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 11700 processor(8 Core, 1
    Motherboard
    Dell Studio XPS 8900 Desktop Motherboard LGA1151 XJ8C4 0XJ8C4.
    Memory
    16GB, 8Gx2, DDR4, 2933MHz 370 AGHW
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 490 BFUK
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2
    Screen Resolution
    1920x
    Hard Drives
    256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive (WIN 11 home)
    + 1TB 7200 rpm 3.5" SATA
    + 2.5 inch 512MB Crucial SSDs (WIN 10 home)
    PSU
    500 W
    Case
    Mini Tower
    Cooling
    fan
    Keyboard
    basic Dell
    Mouse
    basic Dell
    Internet Speed
    50-100 MBps
    Browser
    firefox, chrome, edge
    Antivirus
    malwarebytes
That appears to be a third-party addition such StartAllBack or other menu program, resembles an earlier version of Windows.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
This is my default install of Win11 and its Start menu which shows some additional programs I've Pinned to it:

1676771954947.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Click right arrow beside 'shutdown'. It should bring up power menu where you select restart..
OR
make yourself a permanent shortcut to restart. Right click on desktop>select new>shortcut. Under 'location of the item'
type C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe /r /t 0
Next- Name it Restart
You can asssign whatever icon you want by right clicking on the shortcut>select properties>select change icon. Pick an icon stored in windows or one of your own.
Apply-OK
You can then pin the shortcut to your taskbar if you wish and delete the icon from the desktop.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
That appears to be a third-party addition such StartAllBack or other menu program, resembles an earlier version of Windows.
Yes, I use ExplorePatcher with Open-Shell
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11 home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8940
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 11700 processor(8 Core, 1
    Motherboard
    Dell Studio XPS 8900 Desktop Motherboard LGA1151 XJ8C4 0XJ8C4.
    Memory
    16GB, 8Gx2, DDR4, 2933MHz 370 AGHW
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 490 BFUK
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2
    Screen Resolution
    1920x
    Hard Drives
    256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive (WIN 11 home)
    + 1TB 7200 rpm 3.5" SATA
    + 2.5 inch 512MB Crucial SSDs (WIN 10 home)
    PSU
    500 W
    Case
    Mini Tower
    Cooling
    fan
    Keyboard
    basic Dell
    Mouse
    basic Dell
    Internet Speed
    50-100 MBps
    Browser
    firefox, chrome, edge
    Antivirus
    malwarebytes

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Click right arrow beside 'shutdown'. It should bring up power menu where you select restart..
OR
make yourself a permanent shortcut to restart. Right click on desktop>select new>shortcut. Under 'location of the item'
type C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe /r /t 0
Next- Name it Restart
You can asssign whatever icon you want by right clicking on the shortcut>select properties>select change icon. Pick an icon stored in windows or one of your own.
Apply-OK
You can then pin the shortcut to your taskbar if you wish and delete the icon from the desktop.

glasskuter, You've done it again; you've given me a solution. I've made a permanent shortcut. But I'm surprised there's no simple way to change the default 'shutdown' to 'restart.' I did it, and have it, on my WIN 10 Pro system, tho I don't remember how.

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11 home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8940
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 11700 processor(8 Core, 1
    Motherboard
    Dell Studio XPS 8900 Desktop Motherboard LGA1151 XJ8C4 0XJ8C4.
    Memory
    16GB, 8Gx2, DDR4, 2933MHz 370 AGHW
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 490 BFUK
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2
    Screen Resolution
    1920x
    Hard Drives
    256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive (WIN 11 home)
    + 1TB 7200 rpm 3.5" SATA
    + 2.5 inch 512MB Crucial SSDs (WIN 10 home)
    PSU
    500 W
    Case
    Mini Tower
    Cooling
    fan
    Keyboard
    basic Dell
    Mouse
    basic Dell
    Internet Speed
    50-100 MBps
    Browser
    firefox, chrome, edge
    Antivirus
    malwarebytes
Glad the workaround works for you. I think there is a way to change it in the registry, but IMO using the shortcut makes more sense and its best to leave the native power menu alone. You're already using 2 apps that alter the GUI. That's enough alteration.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

glasskuter, You've done it again; you've given me a solution. I've made a permanent shortcut. But I'm surprised there's no simple way to change the default 'shutdown' to 'restart.' I did it, and have it, on my WIN 10 Pro system, tho I don't remember how.

I'm sure there's an option in the settings of ExplorerPatcher. I stopped using it some time ago so can't check where/how, but I'm sure it's there.
(Try right-clcik on the icon in the SysTray for some menu options?)

Desktop shortcuts for Shutdown/Restart
(as quoted by @glasskuter above). Others are

shutdown /s /t 0 (shutdown instantly)

But also
shutdown [/r] [/s] t xx
where xx is the time in seconds before the action takes place. A message will appear warning the shutdown/restart will happen in xx seconds

And if you make a mistake, there's always the shortcut
shutdown /a will abort the above command (if used within the timeout period, of course)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22H2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-9400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x 1TB SSDs
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Classic Australian w.a.p.
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro (latest upadte ... anally always)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
I've got restart and shutdown on my taskbar.

1676785078257.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i7-12700F
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Black Gaming
    Sound Card
    RealTek HD 7.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 990 Pro 1TB NVMe (Win 11)
    SK hynix P41 500GB NVMe (Win 10)
    SK hynix P41 2TB NVMe (x3)
    Crucial P3 Plus 4TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM850x Shift
    Case
    Antec Dark Phantom DP502 FLUX
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black + 7 Phantek T-30's
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 320
    Mouse
    Razer Basilisk V3
    Internet Speed
    350Mbs
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Winows Security
    Other Info
    Windows 10 22H2 19045.4170
    On System One
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-11700F
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Gaming Z590 Plus WiFi
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra Gaming
    Sound Card
    SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung F27T350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB
    Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SSD
    PSU
    Corsair HX750
    Case
    Cougar MX330-G Window
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 EVO
    Internet Speed
    350Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
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