Even shutdown doesn't actually shut down anymore in Windows. Even on desktops. You have to change system settings or shut down via command line to get a real shutdown.

That's why update and shutdown does a reboot instead now.

One time a friend and I (both in IT at the time) tried absolutely everything to fix a bizarre computer problem, then he told me to literally pull the hard drive completely out if the case and sit unplugged overnight before putting it back in. For some reason that worked, even though unplugging everything and plugging it right back in did nothing. Asked him why and he said “No idea, I was desperate.”

Not just laptops, even. I've fixed desktops that way. Unllug and hold power button.

And I'm fairly sure it might still work in some exceptionally niche scenarios

Someone said you tell them to turn it off and unplug it, because you need a number from the plug side going into the computer. Then you coach them through the process to find the right plug, and they don't feel stupid because this is a strange process.

Then when they say there's no numbers on the plug, you pretend like this is new and useful information, tell them to hold the power button and make sure no lights come on, and then you tell them to plug it in and turn it back on

Now, not only have you confirmed they definitely turned off the computer without asking a bunch of potentially insulting questions, the showmanship makes them feel like this is arcane knowledge you've taught them