To restart a Windows 10 computer with the keyboard, press Windows key + D to go to the desktop, then press Alt + F4. In the Shut Down Windows box, use the arrow keys to choose Restart and press Enter. Another quick option is Windows key + X, then press U, then R. If the screen is frozen, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, press Tab until the power icon is selected, press Enter, and choose Restart.
These shortcuts are handy when your mouse or touchpad stops working. Here are all the options.
Method 1: Alt + F4
- Press Windows key + D to show the desktop. (Alt + F4 closes the active app if you skip this step.)
- Press Alt + F4.
- Press the Up or Down arrow key to select Restart.
- Press Enter.
Method 2: Windows key + X menu
- Press Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.
- Press U to open Shut down or sign out.
- Press R to restart.
Method 3: Ctrl + Alt + Delete
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
- Press Tab repeatedly until the power icon in the bottom-right corner is highlighted.
- Press Enter, choose Restart with the arrow keys, and press Enter.
This works even when apps are frozen.
Method 4: Run command
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type
shutdown /r /t 0and press Enter.
Your PC restarts immediately. Change 0 to a number of seconds to add a delay.
Keyboard restart shortcuts at a glance
| Shortcut | Steps |
|---|---|
| Alt + F4 | Win + D, Alt + F4, choose Restart, Enter |
| Win + X | Win + X, U, R |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Tab to power icon, Enter, Restart |
| Run | Win + R, shutdown /r /t 0 |
If the keyboard doesn’t respond either
Press and hold the physical power button for about 10 seconds to turn off the PC, wait a few seconds, then press it again to turn it on. Use this only as a last resort, since unsaved work is lost.
Frequently asked questions
How do I shut down instead of restart?
Use the same shortcuts and choose Shut down, or press Win + X, U, U. The Run command is shutdown /s /t 0.
Will restarting close my open apps?
Yes. Save your work first. Windows may ask you to close apps with unsaved changes.
Why does Alt + F4 close my app instead?
Alt + F4 closes whatever window is active. Press Win + D first to go to the desktop.
Do these shortcuts work in Windows 11?
Yes. All of them work in Windows 11 too.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.