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How to restart your PC with just the keyboard
Restarting your PC is one of the most common things you'll do to your Windows 11 PC, or pretty much any computer (yes, Mac users, you should restart yours, too). It could be to apply a new update, something that's required after installing a new app or driver, or even changing certain options in the Settings app. Sometimes, just restarting your PC can help improve its performance, too.
Usually, you can restart your PC from the Start Menu, but it's also possible to restart by using just your keyboard if you prefer something more simple. This also can be useful if your mouse suddenly stops working, and all that's left for you to use on your PC is your keyboard.
The Windows 11 2024 Update will bring a ton of changes to the operating system, including better support for Arm devices.
How to restart a PC using Alt + F4
An oldie but a goodie
On all modern versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and even Windows 8.1, you can restart your PC by using a keyboard shortcut. Here's what to do:
- Close (or minimize) any apps you might have opened until you're only seeing the desktop. You can press Windows + D to go straight to the desktop, too.
- Press Alt + F4 buttons together on your keyboard.
Some keyboards may have the function row acting as media buttons by default, so you may need to press Alt + Fn + F4 instead.
- In the pop-up window that says Shut down Windows, use the arrow keys on your keyboard until the Restart option appears.
- Press Enter to confirm the restart.
There will not be any extra dialogue boxes. Your PC will restart immediately. You'll then be taken back to the Windows login screen and, eventually, your desktop.
How to restart a PC using the Quick Link menu
Do it from anywhere
If you don't want to have to close or minimize every app first, there's another method available using what's called the Quick Link menu in Windows 11. Here's how:
- Press Windows + X buttons on your keyboard.
- Press U on your keyboard (to open the Shut down or sign out sub-menu)
- Press R button on your keyboard (to choose Restart).
Alternatively, after opening the Quick Link menu, you can navigate it using the arrow keys to select the restart option.
This will trigger a restart without any other required actions. Your PC reboots and will take you back to a fresh desktop.
Restart your PC using the Run dialog
Or the Command Prompt
Another very easy way to restart your PC using just the keyboard is to use the Run dialog. Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog
- Enter the following text and then press Enter: shutdown -r -t 0
This will immediately restart your PC. You can else enter this command in Command Prompt.
How to restart a Mac using your keyboard
Not a Windows fan?
If you don't have a Windows PC and instead use a MacBook, there's an even easier way to restart your computer using just the keyboard. Simply press and hold Control + Command + Power/Eject/Touch ID button on your keyboard until your Mac restarts.
Keep in mind that this shortcut restarts your PC without any further warnings, so make sure you've saved your work beforehand. Also, this shortcut only works for MacBooks, not desktop Macs.
Who needs a mouse?
Restarting your PC using your keyboard may not be the most intuitive way to do it, but it does make things a lot easier if your mouse isn't working properly or you simply don't have access to one for whatever reason. All these methods will serve you just fine without needing a mouse, and even if you have one, sometimes it can be faster to use your keyboard.
