How to Restart Windows 10 from Command Prompt: A Step-by-Step Guide

Restarting Windows 10 from the Command Prompt is a useful skill, especially when you can’t access the start menu. To do this, open the Command Prompt, type a specific command, and press Enter. This will initiate a restart of your computer. It’s a straightforward process, but let’s go through it step-by-step to ensure you understand how to do it.

How to Restart Windows 10 from Command Prompt

In this section, you’ll learn the exact steps to restart your Windows 10 computer using the Command Prompt. This method is particularly handy if your system is not responding or you prefer using keyboard commands.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Start by pressing the Windows key + X on your keyboard, then select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu.

Opening the Command Prompt with administrative privileges ensures that you have the necessary permissions to execute system-level commands, including restarting your computer.

Step 2: Type the Restart Command

Once the Command Prompt window is open, type shutdown /r and then press Enter.

The shutdown /r command is specifically designed to restart your computer. The /r switch tells Windows to restart instead of just shutting down.

Step 3: Confirm the Action

After typing the command, you might get a confirmation message. Follow any on-screen instructions to proceed.

This confirmation is a safeguard to prevent accidental restarts. Make sure to save any work before continuing, as the restart will close all open applications.

Step 4: Wait for the Restart

Your computer will begin the restart process, which might take a few moments.

Exiting all programs and saving your work beforehand ensures a smooth restart. The computer will go through the usual shutdown and boot-up sequence.

After performing these steps, your computer will shut down and restart automatically. You’ll see the usual boot-up screen, and then you’ll be back at your login screen or desktop, ready to use your computer again.

Tips for Restarting Windows 10 from Command Prompt

• Always save your work before restarting.
• Use the shutdown /r /t 0 command for an immediate restart.
• For a delayed restart, use shutdown /r /t [number of seconds].
• You can use shutdown /r /f to force an immediate restart, closing all applications.
• If the Command Prompt is not opening, try accessing it through Safe Mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the shutdown /r command do?

The shutdown /r command restarts your computer by closing all applications and rebooting the system.

Can I schedule a restart using Command Prompt?

Yes, you can use shutdown /r /t [number of seconds] to schedule a restart after a specified time.

What if the Command Prompt is not opening?

If Command Prompt isn’t opening, try booting into Safe Mode and then accessing it.

Is there a way to cancel a scheduled restart?

Yes, you can cancel a scheduled restart by typing shutdown /a in the Command Prompt.

What’s the difference between shutdown /s and shutdown /r?

The shutdown /s command shuts down your computer, while shutdown /r restarts it.

Summary

1. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Type shutdown /r.
3. Confirm the action.
4. Wait for the restart.

Conclusion

Restarting Windows 10 from the Command Prompt is a quick and efficient way to reboot your system, especially when other methods aren’t available. Whether your computer is unresponsive or you just prefer command-line operations, these steps will help you achieve a smooth restart. Don’t forget to save your work beforehand to avoid losing any data.

For further reading, explore more command-line tools that can help you manage your Windows 10 system efficiently. Mastering these commands can make you feel like a computer wizard, capable of handling almost any situation without breaking a sweat. So, go ahead and try it out; you’ll have another nifty tech trick up your sleeve!