Shutdown Event Tracker - Enable or Disable in Windows

How to Enable or Disable Shutdown Event Tracker in Windows


information   Information
Shutdown Event Tracker is a tool that prompts users to record a reason why they restart or shut down the computer. This information is available for review in the event log. If a computer running Windows is connected to a domain that uses monitoring tools, you can collect this information as part of network reporting.

When Shutdown Event Tracker is enabled, users cannot shut down or restart the computer without providing a reason. If the computer is shut down or restarted unexpectedly, either as a result of power interruption or hardware failure, the user is prompted to enter a reason in Shutdown Event Tracker when the computer is started again.

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable Shutdown Event Tracker for when users restart or shut down Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows Server 2003 and above.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

Note   Note
This is an example of a shutdown Event Viewer log with a reason and comment given by the user for either shutting down or restarting the computer.

Event_Viewer_Shutdown_Log.jpg


EXAMPLE: Shutdown Event Tracker

(From ALT+F4 in Windows)

ALT+F4_Shutdown_Event_Tracker.jpg

(From Power menu in Vista and Windows 7)

Shutdown_Event_Tracker-2.jpg

(From Power menu in Windows 8 and 8.1)

Shutdown_Event_Tracker-1.jpg





OPTION ONE

Enable or Disable Shutdown Event Tracker using a REG File


1. Do step 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 below for what you would like to do.​
2. To Set "Shutdown Event Tracker" to Default
Note   Note
By default in Windows Server 2003 and above, the Shutdown Event Tracker displays unless disabled.

Note   Note

By default in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8/8.1, the Shutdown Event Tracker only displays if enabled.​

A) Click on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 7 below.​
Default_Shutdown_Event_Tracker.reg
download

3. To Disable "Shutdown Event Tracker"
A) Click on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 7 below.​
Disable_Shutdown_Event_Tracker.reg
download

5. To Enable "Shutdown Event Tracker" for Server Only
A) Click on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 7 below.​
Enable_Shutdown_Event_Tracker_Server_Only.reg
download

6. To Enable "Shutdown Event Tracker" for Workstation Only
A) Click on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 7 below.​
Enable_Shutdown_Event_Tracker_Workstation_Only.reg
download

7. Save the .reg file to your desktop.​
8. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.​
9. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC Windows 7/8) OR Continue (UAC Vista), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.​
10. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.​






OPTION TWO

Enable or Disable Shutdown Event Tracker in Group Policy


2. In the left pane, click on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, and System. (see screenshot below)​
Shutdown_Event_Tracker_GPEDIT-1.jpg

3. In the right pane of System, double click on Display Shutdown Event Tracker to edit it. (see screenshot above)​
4. Do step 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 below for what you would like to do.​
5. To Set "Shutdown Event Tracker" to Default
Note   Note
By default in Windows Server 2003 and above, the Shutdown Event Tracker displays unless disabled.

Note   Note

By default in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8/8.1, the Shutdown Event Tracker only displays if enabled.​

A) Select (dot) Not Configured, click/tap on OK, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot below step 9)​

6. To Disable "Shutdown Event Tracker"
A) Select (dot) Disabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot below step 9)​

7. To Always Enable "Shutdown Event Tracker"
A) Select (dot) Enabled, select Always under Options, click/tap on OK, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot below step 9)​

8. To Enable "Shutdown Event Tracker" for Server Only
A) Select (dot) Enabled, select Server Only under Options, click/tap on OK, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot below step 9)​

9. To Enable "Shutdown Event Tracker" for Workstation Only
A) Select (dot) Enabled, select Workstation Only under Options, click/tap on OK, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot below step 9)​
Shutdown_Event_Tracker_GPEDIT-2.png

10. When finished, you can close the Local Group Policy Editor if you like.​



That's it,
Shawn


 

Attachments

  • Default_Shutdown_Event_Tracker.reg
    656 bytes · Views: 509
  • Disable_Shutdown_Event_Tracker.reg
    682 bytes · Views: 518
  • Enable_Shutdown_Event_Tracker_Always.reg
    708 bytes · Views: 409
  • Enable_Shutdown_Event_Tracker_Server_Only.reg
    708 bytes · Views: 457
  • Enable_Shutdown_Event_Tracker_Workstation_Only.reg
    708 bytes · Views: 441
  • Computer_Management.png
    Computer_Management.png
    17.9 KB · Views: 175
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