Windows allows users to choose from several power options, including Sleep, Restart, Hibernate, and Shut Down. However, some people reported that at times, when they click the power icon, there are no such options. Instead, they get a notification pop-up, indicating that there are currently no power options available.

Have you been wondering why you no longer have access to Windows 10’s power options? Usually, the issue comes from system file corruption. What if you can’t access the Windows power options? Well, don’t panic.

Instead, keep reading to learn about the causes and fixes you can use to resolve the issue.

Why Is It Showing No Power Options Available on Windows 10?

We investigated the issue by examining several affected user reports. We also examined the various repair strategies and fixes that other people deployed to resolve the issue. From our investigation, we discovered that various common culprits can trigger the “Can’t access complete power options” issue on Windows 10.

Some of the causes include:

1. Glitched Power Options Menu

This is one of the most frequent causes of the “Can’t access complete power options” issue on Windows 10. Interestingly, it has nothing to do with corrupt system files. Instead, the issue occurs after a system update.

Usually, you can fix the issue and restore the power options menu by using Command Prompt or by running the Power troubleshooter. Many users prefer the latter because it is easier and requires little or no technical know-how.

Alternatively, you can wait patiently for the next Windows update. Usually, system updates contain patches and bug fixes. However, if you want to resolve the issue by yourself, then keep reading.

2. System File Corruption

This is another popular cause of the issue. Often, it results from malware infections.

According to some users, a quick fix to resolve the issue is to perform SFC and DISM scans. You can also get rid of the problem by performing a system restore. You’ll return your computer to an earlier state where it worked perfectly before the issue occurred.

3. User Rights Assignment Issue

Dealing with user rights assignment issues on your PC can also trigger the “Can’t access complete power options” error.

Fortunately, several users reported that they resolved the issue by configuring their Local Pool Security Policy Editor. They configured it to use their username when using the power menu.

4. Registry Key Issues

Users also reported that enabling a certain registry key (NoClose) triggers the “Can’t access complete power options” issue on Windows 10. So, if you suspect that you have enabled the key, you can disable it with the Registry Editor.

Now, let’s see how you can resolve the issue. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that not all the fixes are applicable to you. Each of the solutions is peculiar to a particular cause of the error.

How to Unlock the Power Options on Windows 10

1. Run the Windows Power Troubleshooter

Windows troubleshooter is a built-in tool that detects the cause of minor system errors and tries to resolve them automatically. Many users attest to the effectiveness of this method against the “Can’t access complete power options” issue on Windows 10.

Here’s how to use the method:

  • Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
  • Now, type in “ms-settings.troubleshoot” (no quotes) and hit the Enter button. That action will launch the Troubleshoot tab of the Settings app.
  • After that, scroll down to the “Find and fix other problems” section.
  • Now, click on Power.
  • Select Run the Troubleshooter to initiate the Power troubleshooter.
  • Wait until the initial scan is complete. If it identifies an issue, click on the “Apply the fix” option and follow the on-screen directives to apply the repair strategy.

Once done, exit the troubleshooter and restart your computer. After that, check to see if that resolves the issue.

If the issue persists, relax and try the other methods.

2. Restore Power Options with Command Prompt

There are two commands you can use to restore your power options, using Command Prompt. So, if the first doesn’t work for you, the second would do. Here’s how to apply this fix:

  • Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
  • Now, type in “cmd” and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter buttons to launch the elevated Command Prompt. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click on Yes to grant administrative privileges.
  • After that, enter the following command into the elevated Command Prompt console and hit the Enter key to restore the default power schemes:

powercfg –restoredefaultschemes

  • Lastly, reboot your PC and check to see if the issue persists after startup.

If it persists, try entering the second command with the following steps:

  • Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
  • Now, type in “cmd” (no quotes) and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter buttons simultaneously to launch the elevated Command Prompt. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click on Yes to grant administrative privileges.
  • After that, enter the following command into the elevated Command Prompt console and hit the Enter key:

secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\inf\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose

  • Lastly, restart your PC to let the changes take effect.

3. Run the SFC and DISM Scans

This fix is particularly effective if the “Can’t access complete power options” issue on Windows 10 came from a system file corruption.

The System File Checker (SFC) protects registry keys and critical system files. It identifies unwanted system file modifications and restores the files, using locally stored cached copies.

You can also use the Deployment Image Servicing Management (DISM) tool to fix system component corruption or an unserviceable Windows image.

So, while SFC replaces corrupted files from a local backup, DISM replaces them by acquiring the appropriate Windows Update component. When used together, SFC and DISM scans work wonders in correcting system errors. Here’s how to use them:

  • Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
  • Now, type in “cmd” (no quotes) and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter buttons to launch the elevated Command Prompt. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click on Yes to grant administrative privileges.
  • After that, enter the following command into the elevated Command Prompt console and hit the Enter key:

sfc /scannow

  • Wait for the scan to finish and reboot your computer.

Once your PC restarts, check to see if the “Can’t access complete power options” issue persists. If it does, try the DISM scan too. You can use the following steps to initiate the DISM scan:

  • Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
  • Now, type in “cmd” (no quotes) and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter buttons to launch the elevated Command Prompt. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click on Yes to grant administrative privileges.
  • After that, enter the following command into the elevated Command Prompt console and hit the Enter key:

dism /online / cleanup-image /restorehealth

  • Wait for the scan to finish and reboot your computer.

If the issue persists after both scans, proceed to the next method below.

4. Use the Local Security Policy Editor

The “Can’t access complete power options” issue can result from permission-related issues. Inconsistencies with your username could trigger the “Can’t access complete power options” error on Windows 10. Fortunately, you can resolve that by using the Local Security Policy Editor.

The Local Security Policy Editor modifies the User Rights Assignment policy and ensures it reflects the exact username you are using.

Here’s a quick guide on how to make the necessary modifications using the Local Security Policy tool:

  • Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
  • Now, type in “secpol.msc” (no quotes) and hit the Enter button to launch the Local Pool Security Policy Editor.
  • Now, expand the Local Policies menu tab from the Local Security Policy menu.
  • Go to User Rights Assignment.
  • After that, select “Create a token object” on the right window pane.
  • Next, right-click on Shutdown the system and select Properties.
  • Click on Backup Operators from the “Shut down the system properties” window.
  • Now, select the Add User or Group button.

Leave the Select Users or Groups window open or minimize it till you get the necessary information.

  • Again, press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
  • Then, type in “control” (no quotes) and hit the Enter button to launch the Classic Control Panel interface.
  • After that, navigate to the User Accounts > Configure advanced user profile properties and copy your profile’s name.
  • Then, return to the “Select Users or Groups” window you minimized and enter the username you copied from the User Profiles. Select check names and click on OK.
  • Lastly, select Apply to save the changes.

After that, sign out and sign in again to see if that corrected the issue. But if the issue persists, go to the next method below.

5. Modify NoClose policy using the Registry Editor

When enabled, many users reported that the NoClose policy triggers the “Can’t access complete power options” issue on Windows 10. However, it’s difficult to modify the registry key without using the Registry Editor.

Bear in mind that modifying your registry requires expertise because a wrong entry can render your system useless. Fortunately, you can use Auslogics Registry Cleaner to repair, clean, and optimize your registry. The tool will eliminate errors and crashes and also restore smooth and stable system operation.

This fix involves locating the registry key and setting the NoClose value from 1 to 0. Here’s how to do that:

  • Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialogue box.
  • Now, type or copy-paste “regedit” (no quotes) and hit the Enter button to launch the Registry Editor. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), select Yes to grant admin privileges.
  • Copy-paste the directory below into the navigation bar to locate the registry key or navigate to the location manually.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

  • Once you locate the Explorer key, navigate to its right-hand window pane and double-click on NoClose.
  • Set NoClose’s Value data to 0 and select OK.
  • Lastly, reboot your computer to let the changes take effect.

Now, check to see if this resolved the issue. If otherwise, proceed to the next method.

6. Using a System Restore Point

Performing a system restore brings your PC to an earlier saved state where it worked perfectly. However, this method only applies to users that created a restore point before the issue started.

It’s also essential to bear in mind that mounting an older state will lead to the loss of any application that you’ve installed since you created the last restore point. But if you’re confident that you have nothing to lose, you can proceed with this fix.

Here’s how to go about it:

  • Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialogue box.
  • Now, type “rstrui” (no quotes) and hit the Enter button to launch the System Restore wizard.
  • Click on Next at the first prompt and checkmark the Show more restore points option.
  • Now, select a restore point before the “Can’t access complete power options” issue started and click on Next again to proceed.
  • Lastly, click on Finish to initiate the restore process. Your computer will reboot will an older state mounted.

Conclusion

Now, that’s all there is to know to fix the “Can’t access complete power options” issue on Windows 10.

Was this guide helpful? Please leave a comment in the comment section below. We’d be glad to hear from you. Don’t forget to check and recommend our blog for other Windows 10 guides.