How to access the power user menu in Windows 11

Everyone knows that you can press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to access Task Manager, but what about the Power User Menu? The Power User Menu offers a convenient way to access essential utilities, important locations, and helpful menus. This is how you can access it.

There are two convenient ways to access the power user menu.

Access the power user menu with a keyboard shortcut

One way to access the power user menu is by pressing Windows + X, which is why it is sometimes called the “WinX” menu. The power user menu will appear in the lower left corner of your screen, just above the Start button.

Access the power user menu with the mouse

You can also access the power user menu with just the mouse, if you prefer. Right-click on the Start button and it will open immediately.

What does the power user menu do?

The power user menu gives you access to almost everything you need to manage a computer. Each option listed in the power user menu also has a corresponding hotkey that you can press to select it; if you find yourself using a lot of options, it might be worth memorizing the key needed to access them.

For example, the Terminal option can be selected by opening the Power User Menu and then pressing the i key. That will be indicated as Terminal (i) in the list.

• Applications and features (F) – Allows you to remove installed programs and adjust settings related to program installation.
• Mobility Center (B) – Provides access to a window that centralizes all the settings you may want to modify on a mobile device.
• Power Options (O) – Provides access to settings related to power saving features, device performance, and battery usage history.
• Event Viewer (V) – Allows you to view important events that occur within the operating system, your device drivers, or the programs running on your PC.
• System (AND) – Provides an overview of system specifications.
• Device Manager (M) – Allows granular control over all hardware components and peripherals connected to your PC.
• Network connections (W) – Allows you to control all your network settings.
• Disk Management (K) – Allows you to format drives and manage partitions.
• Computer Management (G) – Collects a variety of utilities and administrative functions in a single window.
• Windows Terminal (me) – Open a Windows Terminal
• Windows Terminal (Admin) (A) – Open a Windows terminal with administrative privileges
• Task Manager (T) – Opens Task Manager, where you can view running applications and services, monitor your hardware, and choose startup programs.
• Settings (N) – Opens the Settings window.
• File Explorer (E) – Opens File Explorer, which allows you to browse files on your PC.
• Search (S) – Opens the Start menu and takes you directly to the search bar.
• run – Opens a Run window. Type an executable name in the window to run it.
• Shut down or sign out (U) – Opens a floating menu that allows you to shutdown, restart, log off, or put your PC to sleep.
• Desk (D) – Minimize all desktop applications and show your desktop.

The power user menu is one of the least used menus in Windows, given how convenient it is. It’s often the most efficient way to access things like Terminal or Disk Management.

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