How to Access Power User Menu in Windows 10

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
September 23, 2021

The Power User Menu is available by default (you do not have to download it) in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8 as a pop-up menu with shortcuts to management, configuration, and other “power user” Windows tools.

It’s also referred to as the Win+X Menu.

This is for devices running Windows 10

What’s in the Power User Menu

The Power User Menu is, at its most basic, a context menu that provides quick access to some of Windows 10’s more advanced or frequently accessed features.

Here’s a list of what’s on the Power User Menu by default, along with a shortcut key that you can use to launch that program from the menu. With the Power User Menu already open, just hit one of those keys to immediately open that shortcut. (Note! According to your configuration, all of these options may not be listed.)

• Apps and Features (F): Opens Apps & Features in the Settings app.
• Mobility Center: Opens Windows Mobility Center, a place in which to quickly adjust certain audio, visual, and battery settings.
• Power Options (B): Opens Power & Sleep in the Settings app.
• Event Viewer (O): Opens Event Viewer, which shows a log of app and system messages.
• System (V): Shows the system information of your machine in the Settings app.
• Device Manager (M): Opens Device Manager, which lets you configure and/or troubleshoot your PC hardware.
• Network Connections (W): Opens your network status information in the Settings app.
• Disk Management (K): Opens Disk Management, which allows you to manage your disks and drives.
• Computer Management (G): Opens Computer Management, a feature that contains admin tools like Event Viewer and Disk Management.
• Windows PowerShell (i): Launches PowerShell.
• Windows PowerShell Admin (A): Launches PowerShell as an admin.
• Task Manager (T): Opens Task Manager, which displays resource usage and process statistics.
• Settings (N): Opens the Windows Settings app.
• File Explorer (E): Opens File Explorer.
• Search (S): Opens Windows Search and places the cursor in the Search bar.
• Run (R): Opens Run, a feature that lets you open folders and run programs with commands.
• Shut Down or Sign Out: (First, press U, and then press i to Sign Out, S to Sleep, U to Shut Down, or R to Restart).
• Desktop (D): Minimizes everything.

Open the Power Menu

There are two equally simple ways to access the Power User Menu. If you are a fan of keyboard shortcuts, then press Win+X The Power User Menu will open. Another way is by just right-clicking the Start menu in the bottom-left-hand corner of your desktop. The Power User Menu will then open. Refer to below image:

How to Customize the Menu

One of the easiest ways to remove, reorder, rename, or add items to Power User Menu, is to use a graphical program that can do it for you.

The favorite is Win+X Menu Editor, which lets you add your own programs to the menu as well as Control Panel shortcuts, Administrative Tools items, and other shutdown options like Hibernation and Switch User. It’s also just a click away to restore all the defaults and get the regular Power User Menu back. The problem with this app is its preinstalled software requirements. The Editor wants you to install WinZip and WinZip Driver Updater. The WinZip app has a trial version (21 days), the Updater does not offer a trial version. To me, these requirements are a major downside to installing the Editor unless the apps are already installed.

Quote For the Day

You’re unlikely to discover something new without a lot of practice on old stuff, but further, you should get a heck of a lot of fun out of working out funny relations and interesting things.

Richard P Feynman

That’s it. Now you know what the Power User Menu is and how to access it. Please feel free to share this post! One way to share is via Twitter.

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