Windows

How To Restart Computer With Keyboard Windows 10

Restarting your computer is a common task that many users perform regularly. But did you know that you can actually restart your computer using just your keyboard in Windows 10? It's a convenient shortcut that can save you time and effort. Instead of reaching for the power button or going through the Start menu, you can simply use a keyboard combination to restart your computer quickly and efficiently.

Restarting your computer with the keyboard in Windows 10 involves using the Ctrl + Alt + Del combination. This key combination brings up the Security options menu, where you can choose to restart your computer. It's a feature that has been available in Windows for many years and continues to be a handy shortcut for users. By utilizing this keyboard combination, you can easily restart your computer without interrupting your workflow or having to navigate through multiple menus. It's a simple and effective solution for restarting your computer with ease.



How To Restart Computer With Keyboard Windows 10

Different Methods to Restart Your Computer with Keyboard in Windows 10

Restarting your computer is a common troubleshooting step when you encounter issues or need to apply system updates. While most people are accustomed to using the start menu or the power button on their computer to restart, did you know that you can also restart your computer using just your keyboard in Windows 10? This article will guide you through different methods to restart your computer using keyboard shortcuts, providing you with quick and efficient ways to reboot your system.

Using the Alt+F4 Shortcut

The Alt+F4 keyboard shortcut is a widely known method to close applications in Windows, but it can also be used to restart your computer. Here's how:

  • Make sure all applications and windows are closed.
  • Click on the desktop to ensure it is the active window.
  • Press the Alt and F4 keys simultaneously.
  • In the shut down windows dialog that appears, use the dropdown menu to select "Restart" (or press 'R' if it is the default option).
  • Press Enter to confirm and initiate the restart process.

By using the Alt+F4 shortcut, you can quickly restart your computer without having to navigate through menus or use the mouse. It is a convenient option to consider when you want to reboot your system efficiently.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when using the Alt+F4 shortcut to restart your computer:

  • Save your work before restarting as any unsaved changes may be lost.
  • Use this method only when all applications are closed to avoid accidentally closing unsaved work.
  • If you have multiple desktops or virtual machines running, make sure the Windows desktop is active before pressing Alt+F4.

Using the Ctrl+Alt+Delete Shortcut

Another keyboard shortcut you can use to restart your computer in Windows 10 is Ctrl+Alt+Delete. This method displays the security options screen, from which you can restart your computer.

  • Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys simultaneously.
  • Click on the "Power" button icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
  • In the power options menu, select "Restart" to initiate the restart process.

The Ctrl+Alt+Delete shortcut is a commonly used method to access various system functions, including restarting your computer. It provides a straightforward way to restart your system without navigating through different menus.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when using the Ctrl+Alt+Delete shortcut to restart your computer:

  • Make sure you are on the Windows login or lock screen before pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
  • Save your work before restarting to avoid losing any unsaved changes.
  • You can also access other options such as Task Manager and Change Password from the Ctrl+Alt+Delete screen.

Using the Windows Shortcut

Windows 10 has a built-in keyboard shortcut specifically for restarting your computer. This method is simple and can be easily executed by following these steps:

  • Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu or the Start screen.
  • Press the Tab key once to highlight the "Power" button icon.
  • Press the Enter key to open the power options menu.
  • Use the arrow keys to navigate and select "Restart" in the power options menu.
  • Press Enter to confirm and initiate the restart process.

This Windows-specific keyboard shortcut provides an intuitive and efficient way to restart your computer. It eliminates the need to remember complex key combinations and allows for a smooth system reboot.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when using the Windows shortcut to restart your computer:

  • Use the Windows key shortcut when you are on the desktop or the Start screen.
  • If you are using multiple monitors, make sure the Start menu or Start screen is on the primary monitor.
  • Save your work before restarting to avoid losing any unsaved changes.

Alternative Methods to Restart Your Computer

In addition to the above keyboard shortcuts, there are a few alternative methods you can use to restart your computer in Windows 10:

Using the Command Prompt

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool in Windows that allows you to perform various system tasks, including restarting your computer. Here's how you can restart your computer using the Command Prompt:

  • Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type "cmd" and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
  • In the Command Prompt window, type "shutdown /r" and press Enter.

This command initiates a system restart. You can also use additional parameters with the shutdown command to specify a delay or a reason for the restart.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when using the Command Prompt to restart your computer:

  • Make sure you have administrative rights to use the Command Prompt.
  • Using the Command Prompt can be more suitable for advanced users or troubleshooting purposes.

Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a command-line shell and scripting language developed by Microsoft. It allows you to automate system tasks and manage various aspects of your computer, including restarting it. Here's how to restart your computer using PowerShell:

  • Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type "powershell" and press Enter to open the PowerShell window.
  • In the PowerShell window, type "Restart-Computer" and press Enter.

The "Restart-Computer" cmdlet is a built-in command in PowerShell that restarts the computer. Just like the Command Prompt method, you can use additional parameters with the cmdlet to specify a delay or a reason for the restart.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when using PowerShell to restart your computer:

  • You need to have administrative rights to use PowerShell.
  • PowerShell provides advanced scripting capabilities, making it useful for automation and system management tasks.

Using the Task Manager

The Task Manager in Windows 10 is a powerful utility that allows you to monitor and manage running applications and system processes. It also provides an option to restart your computer. Here's how:

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
  • Click on the "File" menu in the top-left corner of the Task Manager window.
  • Select "Run new task" from the menu.
  • In the "Create new task" dialog box, type "shutdown /r" and click "OK".

This method utilizes the Task Manager's ability to execute commands. By running the shutdown command from the Task Manager, you can trigger a system restart without using the command prompt.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when using the Task Manager to restart your computer:

  • You can open the Task Manager by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting "Task Manager" from the context menu.
  • The Task Manager offers various other features, such as performance monitoring and startup program management.

With the keyboard shortcuts and alternative methods discussed in this article, you have a wide range of options to restart your computer in Windows 10. Whether you prefer using simple keyboard shortcuts like Alt+F4 or want to leverage the power of command-line tools like PowerShell, these methods ensure that you can quickly and easily reboot your system without relying solely on the start menu or the power button. Experiment with these methods and find the one that suits your preferences and workflow the best.


How To Restart Computer With Keyboard Windows 10

Restarting Windows 10 Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Restarting your computer is a fundamental troubleshooting step and can be done easily using keyboard shortcuts on Windows 10. Here are the keyboard shortcuts you can use to restart your computer:

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + Alt + Delete Opens the security options menu where you can choose to restart your computer.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc Opens the Task Manager, from where you can select "File" > "Run new task" > type "shutdown /r" > press Enter to restart your computer.
Windows Key + X, U, R Opens the Quick Links menu and selects "Restart" to restart your computer.

Using these keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly restart your Windows 10 computer without having to navigate through menus. This can come in handy if your computer is frozen or unresponsive. Additionally, restarting your computer can help resolve software issues and improve overall system performance. Remember to save any unsaved work before restarting your computer.


### Key Takeaways: "How to Restart Computer With Keyboard Windows 10"
  • Restarting your computer using the keyboard in Windows 10 can be done quickly and easily.
  • Pressing the Windows key on your keyboard opens the Start menu, where you can access the Power options.
  • Use the arrow keys to navigate through the Start menu and select the Power option.
  • Press Enter to open the Power menu, where you can choose the Restart option.
  • Confirm the restart by pressing Enter again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about restarting a computer using the keyboard in Windows 10:

1. How can I restart my Windows 10 computer using only the keyboard?

To restart your Windows 10 computer using only the keyboard, you can press the Windows key + X. This will open the Quick Link menu, where you can select the "Shutdown or sign out" option using the arrow keys. Then, press the "U" key to expand the options and choose the "Restart" option.

If your keyboard has a dedicated power button, you can also try pressing and holding it for a few seconds until the computer turns off, and then press it again to turn it on.

2. Is there a keyboard shortcut to restart Windows 10 without navigating through menus?

Yes, there is a keyboard shortcut to restart Windows 10 without navigating through menus. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys simultaneously. This will bring up the security options menu. From there, press the "U" key to select the "Shut down or sign out" option and then press the "R" key to choose the restart option.

Another keyboard shortcut to quickly restart your computer is by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open the Task Manager. Then, use the Alt + F4 keyboard shortcut to bring up the shut down options, and press the "R" key to restart your computer.

3. Can I restart my Windows 10 computer from the lock screen using the keyboard?

Yes, you can restart your Windows 10 computer from the lock screen using the keyboard. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys simultaneously, and then press the "R" key to choose the restart option.

If your computer is password protected, you may need to enter your password to unlock the computer before proceeding with the restart.

4. What should I do if my keyboard is not working and I need to restart my Windows 10 computer?

If your keyboard is not working and you need to restart your Windows 10 computer, you can try a few alternative methods:

- Press and hold the power button on your computer for about 10 seconds until it shuts down. You can then press the power button again to turn it back on.

- If you have a laptop, you can try removing the battery and unplugging the power cord, then hold down the power button for about 15 seconds to discharge any residual power. Reinsert the battery and plug in the power cord, then press the power button to turn on your computer.

5. Are there any other keyboard shortcuts for restarting Windows 10?

Yes, there are a few other keyboard shortcuts you can use to restart your Windows 10 computer:

- Press the Windows key + D to minimize all open windows, then press Alt + F4 and select the restart option.

- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type "shutdown /r" (without quotes), and press Enter to restart your computer.



In conclusion, restarting your computer with the keyboard in Windows 10 is a useful shortcut that can save you time. By pressing the Windows key and the letter "U" simultaneously, you can easily access the shutdown options and restart your computer quickly. This method is especially convenient for situations where your mouse or touchpad is not working properly.

Remember, restarting your computer regularly can help improve its performance and resolve any software issues you may be experiencing. It's always a good idea to save your work and close any open programs before restarting. With this keyboard shortcut, you can quickly restart your Windows 10 computer without the need for a mouse or touchpad.


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