7 Ways to Turn off a Windows 10 or 11 Computer

While most of us use the Start button to shut down, if your favorite way of shutting down isn't working due to system freezes or apps have crashed, you might want to shut down properly using another method. Here are 7 ways you can shut down your Windows PC.

1: How to Turn Off a Windows PC - Windows Logo (Start)

The most common way to restart or shut down is to click the Windows logo (Start) in the lower-left corner or press the Windows key.

Click Power > Restart or Shut down.

Tip: Hold down the shift and click on Restart to reboot into Advanced Boot Options.

2: How to Turn Off a Windows PC - Win + X Menu

Press the Windows Key + X. You can also right-click on the Windows logo (Start).

Click on Shut down or sign out. Sign out, and sleep are also available.

We love the Win + X option because it provides quick access to Task Manager, Settings, File Explorer, PowerShell, and so much more.

3: How to Turn Off a Windows PC - Alt + F4

Some of us old-time geeks remember telling people to press Alt + F4 when they had a computer problem as a joke because Alt + F4 will close any open programs.

Make the Desktop your focus by clicking anywhere on your Desktop.

Now, press Alt + F4

Click on the dropdown box to select from Switch user, Sign out, Sleep, Shut down, or Restart.

Click OK.

You can even change the default Alt + F4 options.

4: How to Turn Off a Windows PC- Command Prompt or PowerShell

Using the Command Prompt allows for many options, including logging, reboot into Advanced boot options, and more.

Close any open programs and open the Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Some examples include:

List all options - shutdown
Restart - shutdown /r
Shut down - shutdown /s
Log off - shutdown /l
Hibernate - shutdown /h

5: How to Turn Off a Windows PC - Ctrl + Alt + Delete

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete. You can find six options here.

Front and center, you should see Lock, Sign out, or Switch users.

In the lower-right corner you can find the Power button to Sleep, Shut down or Restart.

6: How to Turn Off a Windows PC - Slide to Shutdown

If you have a touch screen computer, press the Windows Key + R

Type in slidetoshutdown, and press Enter.

7: How to Turn Off a Windows PC - Power Button

If nothing else works, and your computer is frozen or locked up, hold down the power button on your laptop or desktop. Your computer will shut down in 5-10 seconds.

Note: On many laptops, this may cause your computer to sleep, not shut down.

Similar:

Sleep, Hibernate or Shut Down Your PC?

How to Add Shut Down With Options Context Menu in Windows 10

How to Change the Default Alt+F4 Shut Down in Windows 10

How to Enable or Disable a Startup Boot Log in Windows