Windows – Can the Shut Down button be removed from the Start Menu

windowswindows-server-2003

I often have to remote onto live servers. When I'm done, I go to the Start menu to log off, but the Shut Down button is always lying in wait for me and trying to get me to shut down a live server. Is there any way that it can be removed from my Start menu e.g. registry switch? If it could be removed on a per-user basis, that would be even better.

Best Answer

Here's a good Microsoft KB article that describes what you are after.

Lock down Win2k3 Server using group policies

Relevant section:

[User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu & Taskbar]
* Disable and remove the Shut Down command or Remove and prevent access to the Shut Down command
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