Buzz
Restarting Windows 10 closes all running applications, shuts down the operating system, and then boots it back up. This can significantly improve device performance, particularly after prolonged usage, as it clears the system's memory (RAM) with each restart. This article outlines various methods for restarting Windows 10.
Important Points to Consider
- To restart, you can either open the Start menu and select 'Power > Restart,' or press 'Win + X' and choose 'Shut down > Restart.' Alternatively, press 'Win + D' for a dialog box offering restart options, or press 'Ctrl + Alt + Del' and select the power icon in the lower right corner.
Steps to Restart Windows 10
Utilizing the Start Menu
Open the Start menu.
- Alternatively, press the ⊞ Win key.
Click Restart. Your device will power off and then restart.
Using the Power User Menu
Start the Power User menu.Press ⊞+X on your keyboard.
Hover over or select Shut down or sign out from the menu that appears. This option is the second from the bottom. Selecting it will prompt a submenu to appear on the right of the main context menu.
- You can also press the U key on your keyboard.
Click Restart. Alternatively, press the R key on your keyboard to perform the same action as clicking Restart.
Access the 'Shut Down Windows' Dialog Box.
Head to your desktop. Simultaneously press ⊞ Win+D or use alternative methods like closing all open apps or clicking the bottom-right of the taskbar.
Access the 'Shut Down Windows' dialog box. Press Alt+F4 together. If an app is open, this key combination will close the window.
Select the dropdown menu. It's located below the 'What do you want the computer do do?' line of text.
Opt for the Restart option.
Confirm the restart. Hit ↵ Enter or click OK.
Utilizing Ctrl + Alt + Del
Access the Windows Security Screen. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys simultaneously. This should bring up a blue screen containing various links and icons.
- The icon can be found at the bottom-right, resembling a circle with a vertical line towards the top.
Choose Restart. Your device will power off and then restart.
Using the Command Prompt
Launch the Command Prompt: Press ⊞ Win+X, then select Command Prompt. Alternatively, press ⊞ Win+R, type cmd, and press Enter or click OK.
Execute shutdown/r: If desired, replace / with -.
To cancel the shutdown, enter shutdown /a.
To cancel the shutdown, enter shutdown /a.
Press the ↵ Enter key: This action will submit the command.
Close the notification: If notified of imminent sign-out, click Close to dismiss it.
Tips
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If your computer freezes, resort to a hardware reboot cautiously. If other solutions failed, proceed with caution due to potential data loss and other risks. Here's what to do:
- Hold down the power button until the computer shuts off. Typically located on the side or top of a laptop, or on the front of a desktop tower.
- Press the power button again to restart.
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To enter Safe Mode, navigate to 'Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Advanced start-up > Restart now'.
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To restart from the sign-in screen, click the Power icon in the bottom-right corner and select Restart.
