How to Restart Windows 11: 5 Working Methods to Try
When it comes to restarting a Windows PC, it’s easy to think of it as a one-way command that you can execute from the Start Menu at the bottom of your screen. But with Windows 11, you’d be surprised about the number of different ways available to restart your PC quickly.
If you need to restart your PC to complete an installation, troubleshoot an issue, or even complete the installation of a Windows update on your PC, the guide here will help you do that outside of the “Restart” option you see on your screen while updating.
Read on below to find out!
Use the Start Menu Power Button
This is a method anybody should know as it is the most common. But no harm done if you still need help with it.
- Press the Windows key or click the Start button on the taskbar
- Next, navigate to and click the power button in the bottom-right corner of the menu
- A mini menu will pop up next; select Restart from the options
Your PC will begin to shut down and boot up again afterward.
Use the Combo of Alt + F4 on Desktop
This is one of the more convenient ways to restart your Windows 11 PC, but it’s not known to many. To use it,
- Close or minimize all open windows
- Go back to desktop and press Alt + F4
- A window with the name Shut Down Windows will come up on your screen. Navigate to the drop-down menu therein and select Restart from the options
- Click OK to execute the command and restart your PC.
Use a Keyboard Shortcut
This is one keyboard shortcut I use a lot for other functions but rarely for restarting my PC. Be that as it may, you’ll find it handy.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete
- In the menu that comes up, navigate to the bottom-right corner of the screen and click on the power icon
- Select Restart from the options
Use the Command Line
Restarting your PC doesn’t end with keyboard shortcuts You can also do the same thing with access to your Command Prompt. Albeit a lengthy process than the others, it’s still a nice addition should your PC get stuck in some areas of the context menu. Use the following steps:
- Press Windows key
- Type Terminal in the search box and open the relevant result
- In the command prompt mini window, type shutdown -r and hit Enter
- After the warning message that pops up next, click Close to restart your PC.
Use Start Context Menu
Lastly, you can restart your Windows 11 PC using the hidden power user menu.
- Right-click the Start/Windows icon on your taskbar
- Alternatively, press Windows key + X
- In the context menu that hovers over the Start icon, click on Shut Down or Sign Out
- Next, select Restart from the options
Final Notes
While restarting a Windows 11 should conventionally be within the confines of the Start Menu, the other methods available would still come in handy depending on the situation you find yourself in. Who knows when you might experience freezing on a Window, and the only way to get out of it is to restart your PC using one of the keyboard shortcuts above.
