WINDOW 11

How to Restart Windows 11 Using Keyboard, CMD, and Shortcuts

3 SOLUTIONS
FEBRUARY 18, 2025

Restart your Windows 11 PC easily using keyboard shortcuts, CMD/PowerShell commands, or a custom shortcut. Use Alt + F4, Win + X, or Ctrl + Alt + Del for quick restarts. Run shutdown /r /t 0 in CMD for instant or forced reboots. Create a desktop shortcut for one-click access.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Expert, Head of Windows Circle

Save Your Work

Ensure all unsaved documents/applications are closed to prevent data loss.

Check Power Connection

For laptops, plug into a power source to avoid interruptions if the battery is low.

Close Running Apps

Shut down applications to prevent data loss.

Keyboard Shortcuts

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

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METHOD
Method 1
Overview

Quick and easy ways to restart your PC using shortcut keys.

Method 1 of 3
Next Method

Alt + F4 (Shutdown Dialog)

Press Win + D to navigate to the desktop. 

Press Alt + F4 to open the Shut Down Windows dialog.

Use the dropdown ↑/↓ to select Restart, then press Enter.

Method 1 of 3
Step 1 of 3

Win + X Menu (Quick Link)

Press Win + X to open the Quick Link menu. 

Press U to expand shutdown options.

Press R to trigger an immediate restart.

Method 1 of 3
Step 2 of 3

Ctrl + Alt + Del (Security Screen)

Press Ctrl + Alt + Del togther to access the Security screen.

Click the Power icon (use Tab / Arrow keys to navigate), then select Restart.

Method 1 of 3
Step 3 of 3

Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/3

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Use command-line tools for quick or forced restarts.

Method 2 of 3
Next Method

Open CMD or PowerShell

Press Win + R , type cmd, and press Enter.

Method 2 of 3
Step 1 of 4

Standard Restart

Run this command: shutdown /r /t 0 

/r: Restart command. 

/t 0: Zero-second delay. Change 0 to add a delay in seconds.

Method 2 of 3
Step 2 of 4

Forced Restart (Admin Rights)

Open CMD/PowerShell as Administrator.

Method 2 of 3
Step 3 of 4

Run Force Restart Command

Execute: shutdown /r /f /t 0 

/f: Force-close running apps without warning.

Method 2 of 3
Step 4 of 4

Custom Shortcut Creation

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

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METHOD
Method 3
Overview

Create a restart shortcut for quick access.

Method 3 of 3

Create Shortcut

Right-click the desktop > New > Shortcut.

Method 3 of 3
Step 1 of 4

Enter Command Path

Type: shutdown.exe /r /t 0

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Step 2 of 4

Name the Shortcut

Give it a custom name (e.g., Restart).

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Step 4

Assign a Keyboard Shortcut (Optional)

Right-click the shortcut, open Properties, and set a keyboard shortcut.

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Step 4 of 4

Pro Tips

Image

Restarting periodically prevents the system from lagging due to background processes.

For unresponsive systems, hold the physical power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown, then reboot.

If a restart fails, use Win + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver (helps with display freezes).

Methods (3)

Keyboard Shortcuts
3 Steps
Command Prompt (CMD...
4 Steps
Custom Shortcut Cre...
4 Steps

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