Win 8.1 Hibernate and How to Add to Quick Access Menu (QAM).

If you have a Windows laptop, you have an option as to what happens when you close the lid. A lot of people select Sleep, but I prefer Hibernate.  The difference is Sleep requires you have power applied to the computer and Hibernate does not...it stores all your settings on the hard drive.

I prefer Hibernate, as I have developed the habit of removing my laptop battery when I'm going to have it plugged in for a long time.  Heat shortens the life of the battery, and when the computer is plugged in and turned on, the battery is subjected to heat.  When I remove it, I normally store it in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of our refridgerator. It keeps it's charge, and if I need it for some 'remote' computing, it's ready to go.

In Windows 8.1, they added the Quick Access Menu (QAM) with Shut Down or Sign Out option.  To access this menu, right-click in the lower left corner of the desktop or press Win+X.  Near the bottom of the menu, you'll see the Shut Down... link. Running your mouse over it, you'll see all the options other than Hibernate.  If you wish to add this, follow these steps:

1. Open Power Options. The simplest way to do this is go to the Start screen and type Power Options. You can also right-click on the power icon if it is displayed in your system tray (bottom right of desktop)
2. Click on Choose what the power button does link at the left
   At this point, you can also set what happens when you press the power button or close the lid. I select Shut down for pressing power button and Hibernate for close lid (battery and plugged in)
3. Click on the Change settings that are currently unavailable link near the top of the page
4. Scroll down to Shutdown settings and check the box that says Hibernate
5. Save changes

You will now see Hibernate in the Shut Down... list of the QAM.