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With Windows 7, you can prevent users from shutting down or restarting their computer.

December 17th, 2009 by Ken

On a shared computer, the administrator may not wish to see the computer shut off by those authorized to use it. This is particularly true in an office, where productivity can be hindered when employees arriving to work find themselves having to wait as the computer boots up rather than being able to immediately log back into their computer console.

In Windows 7, using the Local Group Policy Editor, those functions can be removed by hiding the “Shutdown” and “Restart” buttons from the users.

*It should be noted that this feature is not available in personal and home versions of Windows 7.

To begin, we’ll click on the “Start” button and type “gpedit.msc” – hit Enter.

Once the Local Group Policy Editor window is open, take the following route:

User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Start Menu and Task Bar

Once there, select Remove and prevent access to the Shut Down, Restart, Sleep, and Hibernate commands.

Once selected, it’ll prompt you to enable the service, which is done by clicking on “Apply” and “OK”

After this is completed, return to the desktop. You’ll notice, when reviewing your options in the Start menu, the only ones available are “Log Off,” “Switch User,” and “Lock.”

Once implemented, the omission of those features is immediately apparent, with no possible means – outside of unplugging it – of a user turning their computer off.

Related posts:

1. Specify which programs users can run in Windows 7
2. Windows 7 AppLocker allows you to limit access to applications on your computer.
3. Can your computer handle Windows 7?
4. Want to create a repair disc for Windows 7?
5. The Windows Utilities Launcher is fast and easy to use.

Tags: Administrator, Windows 7

One Response to “With Windows 7, you can prevent users from shutting down or restarting their computer.”

1. Tweets that mention With Windows 7, you can prevent users from shutting down or restarting their computer. | Geek Choice Blog -- Topsy.com says:

   December 17, 2009 at 5:45 pm

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