Q: I have just installed Windows 7 Professional on my desktop PC, I’ve been running Windows 7 RC since its release and being so impressed I pre-ordered a copy on the day it was announced. I want to switch on the’ Power Icon’ in the ‘Notification Area’, it’s under ‘System Icons’ but is greyed out – presumably as there is no battery found when the OS is installed.
In use, I change between ‘Balanced’ and ‘High Performance’ mode depending what I am doing and an icon which opens the tab to allow switching between the two is easier than going through the control panel. Can you help please?
A: The Power icon in the Notification Area is only available on portable systems where battery life is likely to be an issue when using the machine. You therefore won’t be able to turn it on when using a desktop system. You can work around the problem by opening Control Panel, right-clicking on Power Options and selecting Create Shortcut. This will put a Power Options icon on your desktop so that you can double-click on it to change your settings.
Putting a shortcut to Power Options on the desktop makes it easier to access
Originally featured in PCU122
