Close Windows 7
- Although you can let Windows 7 run indefinitely, you probably want to turn your computer off if you aren't going to use it for a few hours. To see your options for turning the computer off, click the Start button to open the Start menu.
- At the bottom of the Start menu, to the right of the box labeled Search Programs and Files, you see a button with a triangle at its right end. This button usually displays Shut Down, although the button may be programmed to display another option.
- The Shut Down button has other options. Click the triangle to the right of the button
for these options. For now, these three options matter most (you may not have all of these):
- Shut Down: This option exits Windows 7 and saves power by turning the computer off. In exiting Windows 7, Shut Down closes any programs that are currently running.
- Sleep: This option reduces the computer's power consumption without exiting Windows 7 or closing programs. As a result, when you wake the computer by moving the mouse or touching the keyboard, everything is exactly as you left it: programs and documents are open, if they were before Sleep.
- Hibernate: This option combines Sleep and Shut Down. Hibernate records which programs are
running but completely shuts down the computer. When you start the computer, Windows 7 opens
all programs you were using, just like Sleep.
Tip:Hibernate or Shut Down are equally green options - they save the same amount of power. Sleep is a little less green, but saves time in returning to a task you're in the middle of.
- Choose Shutdown to turn off the computer.
Tip: On most computers, pressing the power switch also shuts down the computer. On a laptop, closing the lid may shut down the laptop or put it into Sleep or Hibernation mode.
Tip: For a desktop computer, consider using a power strip to plug in the computer, the monitor, and the printer. After you shut down or hibernate the computer, turn the power strip off. This saves the most power.