Make Restart default instead of Shutdown

ils · Feb 18, 2023

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

Berton · Feb 18, 2023

On my default install of Win11, when I click Start I get this with the power icon on the right with its choices:

ils · Feb 18, 2023

Here's what I get:

Berton · Feb 18, 2023

That appears to be a third-party addition such StartAllBack or other menu program, resembles an earlier version of Windows.

Berton · Feb 18, 2023

This is my default install of Win11 and its Start menu which shows some additional programs I've Pinned to it:

glasskuter · Feb 18, 2023

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.

ils · Feb 18, 2023

Berton said:
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

Berton · Feb 18, 2023

ils said:
Yes, I use ExplorePatcher with Open-Shell

Maybe someone on their site has the solution.

ils · Feb 18, 2023

glasskuter said:
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.

glasskuter · Feb 18, 2023

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.

idgat · Feb 18, 2023

ils said:
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)

Scott · Feb 19, 2023

I've got restart and shutdown on my taskbar.

Make Restart default instead of Shutdown

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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 My Computer

At a glance

aka Mama Glass

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Well-known member

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 Computers My Computers

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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.

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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.

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