Windows 8.1 is set to bring many improvements and one in particular that just got spotted is the ability to Shut down, Restart, and Sleep from the Power User menu, which makes it a lot simpler than before getting into the Windows 8 Power options.
But here is the thing, Windows 8.1 Preview, isn’t out yet, it will be released on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. However Windows Server 2012 RT Preview was just made available for download and that’s where this new feature was found. Since both version of the operating system share a vast amount of similarities there is a good chance that the Server 2012 RT Preview can give us an extra look of what to expect on the new update formerly known as Blue.
So yes, now it’ll be quick to shut down Windows 8.1, even faster if you invoke the Power Users’ menu with the 
+ X keyboard shortcut. But you’ll be also able to right-click the Start button and access the Power options. For years the bottom-left cover of the screen was the hot spot to shutdown the OS. Then Windows 8 changed the power options to a more “logical” place (the Settings menu), but it disoriented many users, so having these new options back in the same orientation it’s welcome.
Among other little changes, users will also notice that Microsoft has changed the “Computer” title to “This PC”. For more information on Windows 8.1 check out our Windows 8 section.
Update: As Windows 8.1 Preview has been released today, I can confirm that the Power user menu not only brings the Shut down and Restart options, but also Sleep.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].