How to Restart Windows 10

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References Tested

Restarting/rebooting Windows 10 closes all apps, shuts down Windows, and turns it back on. Sometimes, this can be very helpful in speeding up your device (especially after heavy use) since the memory (RAM) is cleared with every restart.^{[1]
X
Research source} This article explains multiple different methods of restarting Windows 10.

Before you start: Save any unsaved work in open apps. Performing a restart will close open apps, and any unsaved work since your last save opportunity will be discarded and most likely lost.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:
Using the Start Menu

1
Launch the Start menu. Click the Start
button located at the bottom-left of the screen.
- Alternatively, press the ⊞ Win keyboard key.
2
Click the power
icon. A context menu that provides multiple different power options will appear.
- The icon is right above the Start
  button. It appears as circle with a vertical line towards the top of it.
3
Click Restart. Your device will turn off and power back on.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:
Using the Power User Menu

1
Launch the Power User menu. Press the ⊞ Win+X keys together.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Alternatively, right-click the Start
  button. Touchscreen device users can hold down and release.
2
Hover over/select Shut down or sign out. This option is located second from the bottom. Choosing this will prompt a submenu to appear to the right of the main context menu.
- You can also press the U keyboard key.
3
Click Restart. Pressing the R keyboard key will perform the same action as clicking Restart.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:
Using the "Shut Down Windows" Dialog Box

1
Navigate to the desktop. Press ⊞ Win+D simultaneously. There are other different ways of doing this:
- Close all open apps. Use the ✕ button.
- Clicking the very bottom-right of the screen, on the taskbar.
2
Open the "Shut Down Windows" dialog box. Press Alt+F4 together.
- Pressing the keys together while an app is displayed will cause the window to close.
3
Click the dropdown menu. It's right below the "What do you want the computer do do?" line of text.
4
Choose the Restart option.
5
Confirm the restart. Press OK or hit ↵ Enter.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:
Using Ctrl + Alt + Del

1
Access the Windows Security Screen. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys together. A blue screen containing many different links and icons should appear.
2
Click the power
icon. A context menu that provides multiple different power options will appear.
- The icon is at the bottom-right. It appears as circle with a vertical line towards the top of it.
3
Click Restart. Your device will turn off and power back on.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:
Using the Command Prompt

1
Open the Command Prompt. Press ⊞ Win+X and choose Command Prompt. You can also use the C key.
- You can also press ⊞ Win+R, type cmd, and hit ↵ Enter or click OK.
2
Enter shutdown/r.^{[3]
X
Research source} If wanted, you can substitute the slash / with a hyphen -.
- Abort the shutdown by using shutdown /a^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
3
Hit the ↵ Enter key. This will submit the command.
4
Dismiss the notification. You'll get a notification telling you that you'll be signed out in less than a minute. Click Close to dismiss it.

Community Q&A

Question

I tried the 3rd option but it isn't working and my laptop was still on. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try again and if it still doesn't work, try one of the other options.