You can restart a Windows 11 PC without touching the mouse, which is useful when the mouse or touchpad stops working, the screen freezes, or you simply prefer the keyboard. There are several shortcuts, from the classic Alt + F4 dialog to the power user menu and a one-line command. This guide covers each method and what to do if the PC is completely frozen.
Quick Answer
Press Windows + D to show the desktop, then press Alt + F4. In the Shut Down Windows dialog, use the arrow keys to choose Restart and press Enter. Or press Windows + X, then U, then R.
Method 1: Alt + F4 on the Desktop
- Press Windows + D so the desktop is active (otherwise Alt + F4 closes the current app).
- Press Alt + F4.
- Press the Down arrow until Restart is selected.
- Press Enter.
Method 2: Windows + X Power User Menu
- Press Windows + X.
- Press U to open Shut down or sign out.
- Press R to restart.
This is the fastest method: three keystrokes.
Method 3: Ctrl + Alt + Delete
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
- Press Tab until the power icon in the bottom-right is selected, then press Enter.
- Use the arrow keys to choose Restart and press Enter.
This works even when some apps are frozen, and from the lock screen.
Method 4: Run Command
- Press Windows + R.
- Type shutdown /r /t 0 and press Enter.
The PC restarts immediately. Use shutdown /r /t 60 to restart in 60 seconds, or shutdown /a to cancel a pending restart. Add /o to restart into the advanced startup options (recovery).
Method 5: Start Menu With the Keyboard
- Press the Windows key.
- Press Tab (or the arrow keys) until the power button at the bottom-right is selected, then press Enter.
- Choose Restart with the arrow keys and press Enter.
If the PC Is Completely Frozen
- Try Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the graphics driver.
- Try Ctrl + Alt + Delete; if it responds, use the power icon.
- If nothing responds, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to force the PC off, then press it again to turn it on. Unsaved work will be lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single shortcut to restart Windows 11?
No single key combination, but Windows + X, U, R is the quickest. You can also create a desktop shortcut to shutdown /r /t 0 and assign it a shortcut key in its Properties.
Why does Alt + F4 close my app instead?
Alt + F4 closes the active window. Press Windows + D first to focus the desktop.
Does this work on Windows 10?
Yes. All of these shortcuts also work on Windows 10.
Summary
- Windows + D, then Alt + F4, choose Restart, press Enter.
- Or Windows + X, U, R.
- Or Ctrl + Alt + Delete and the power icon.
- Or shutdown /r /t 0 from the Run box.
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.