How to turn off or restart your PC using the keyboard

We’ve all experienced that annoying moment when the mouse fails or we just want to go faster to shut down or restart our PC. Fortunately, there are simple tricks to turn off or restart your computer using only the keyboard. This is precisely what we are going to see in this article.

Shut down or restart your Windows PC using just the keyboard

Method #1: Use ALT + F4, a classic that is still effective

This method is fast and works from the Windows desktop. Here’s how to do it:

1. If you’re in an app, start by closing all windows or tap windows + d to directly display the desktop.
2. Once on the desktop, tap HIGH + F4.
3. A window titled “Shut Down Windows” opens. Use the directional arrows to choose between “Stop” or “Restart.”
4. Validate with Entrance.

Method #2: The CTRL + ALT + Del keyboard shortcut

Another well-known method, the old CONTROL + HIGH + Delete. By pressing these three keys simultaneously you will access a screen with several options, including opening the Task Manager, changing users or blocking the session. But what interests us here is the off button located at the bottom right of the screen.

To access it without a mouse, you can use the key Eyelash until the button is selected, then press Entrance. Then you will only have to choose between stopping or restarting with the directional arrows and validating again.

Method #3: Quick Links Menu (Win + X)

To go faster, there is also the Quick Links Menuaccessible with the combination gain + unknown (the Windows key and the X key). This menu offers several shortcuts to manage your computer and among them is an option to shut down or restart.

Once the menu is open, press the key d on your keyboard to open the “Disconnect” submenu, then click HAS stop or R to restart. Simple, fast, effective.

Method #4: Through the Run Dialog Box

For command lovers, the dialog box Execute It can be a great alternative. Press gain + R to open the “Run” window, then type the following command to shut down your PC:

shutdown /s /t 0

This command immediately shuts down your computer without any additional confirmation. You can also reboot your machine using this command:

shutdown /r /t 0

These commands are useful if your mouse is failing you or if you simply prefer to do everything with the keyboard.

Shut down or restart your Mac with the keyboard

If you’re using a Mac, the shortcuts are just as simple:

1. To restart your Mac using the keyboard, press the keys Control + Domain + power button (or Touch ID on recent models).
2. If you want to turn off your Mac using the keyboard, press the keys Control + Option + Domain + power button.

These shortcuts work without additional display, so be sure to backup your files before using them.

Shut down or restart a Linux PC

For Linux users, the method depends a bit on the desktop environment used, but here are practical solutions for Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

Method #1: Use the Super Key (Windows Key)

• On Ubuntu : Press the button Excellent (Windows key) to open the activity overview. Type “Shut down” and confirm with Entrance to shut down your PC or type “Restart” and confirm with Entrance to restart.
• On Linux mint : Press the button Excellent (Windows key) to open the Start menu. Then use the arrow keys to navigate to the power off icon. Press Entrancethen select the option you want: “Shut down” or “Restart”.

Method #2: The command line

For users who prefer to use Terminal, these are the most common commands:

poweroff

to turn off, or:

reboot

to restart.

Why use the keyboard to turn off or restart your PC?

Using the keyboard to shut down or restart your computer can be convenient in many cases. For example, if your mouse runs out of battery or if you simply want to go faster. It’s also a way to look a little more “professional” 😎 and save time on a daily basis.

These shortcuts are easy to remember and once you master them, you probably won’t go back to the old way. Don’t hesitate to try each of the techniques we have presented to find the one that works best for you.