7 Ways to Restart Windows 10 Computer

Restarting is one of the quick solutions to many Windows problems. It helps to terminate the running processes thus fixing problems like frozen computer and unresponsive apps. In our earlier article, we have explained how to add desktop shortcut for shut down in Windows desktop and laptop. In this article we will explain how to restart your Windows 10 computer using different methods.

Before Restarting System

Most of the explained methods will show a prompt before triggering restart process. However, the command will work in less than a minute. Therefore, make sure to save all your work before trying these options.

1. Restarting from Start Menu

Windows offers restart option as part of the Start menu.

• Click on the Windows logo icon or Start menu at the lower left corner of your computer.
• Click on the first “Power” icon.
• Choose “Restart” option.

Your computer will start restarting without any warning prompt. Therefore, make sure to save all your work before you click “Restart” option.

2. Use Power User Menu in Windows 10

Next option is to use power user menu. Power user menu has lot of options for quick access that you have to access through Control Panel or Start menu. However, this will work only in Windows 10 computers.

• Press Win Logo + X keys.
• This will open power user menu that looks similar to Start menu.
• Click on the “Shut down or sign out” option and select “Restart”.

3. Alt + Control + Delete Option

Windows has shortcut keys for every action. You can restart the computer using Alt + Control + Del keys.

• Press Alt + Control + Delete to open the lock screen.
• Click on the “Power” button at the lower right corner.
• Select “Restart” option.

4. Using Alt Key Shortcut

Alt + F4 shortcut is one of the most popular to close the open applications in Windows computer. You can use the same shortcut to restart your computer.

• First, press Win Logo + D keys to go to the desktop. Alternatively, you can also press the “Show Desktop” button on the lower right corner of the taskbar.
• Now, press Alt + F4 keys to open “Shut down Windows” dialog box.

• Click on the dropdown and select “Restart” option.
• Click “OK” to reboot your computer.

Windows will remember your selection from the dropdown. When you press “Alt + F4” next time, you will see “Restart” option by default instead of “Shut down”. If you are habituated to shut down, make sure to select the option again to avoid end up in restarting.

5. Restart with Shortcut Icon

Windows does offer any desktop shortcut icons for shut down or restart. You can manually create a restart shortcut using the below instruction:

• Right click on your desktop and select “New > Shortcuts”.
• Enter shutdown /r for the location and click “Next” button.

• Provide the name as “Restart” and finish creating the shortcut.
• Click on the icon to restart your computer.
• You can also pin the shortcut icon to taskbar for quick access.

By default, Windows will restart the computer after 1 minute. You will also get a warning pop-up on restart. However, you can define the time in seconds for scheduled restart. For example, using shutdown /r -t 180 in the shortcut location will restart your computer after 3 minutes.

6. Restart from Command Prompt or PowerShell

If you are in Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell, restart right from there.

• Press Win Logo + X to open power menu.
• Choose Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt with Admin option.
• Type shutdown /r in the command prompt and hit enter.
• This will restart your computer instantly.

7. Using Run prompt

You can use the same command directly in Run prompt also.

• Press Win Logo + R keys to open Run prompt.
• Type the command shutdown /r and hit enter.

Final Words

Hope you have learnt how to restart your computer quickly using the above methods. The default restart menu option will not show any warning message. However, options like using Run and Command Prompt will delay the restart by 1 minute with a warning pop-up message.