The fastest way to reboot depends on whether your computer is responding

A reboot clears your computer's memory and restarts all running programs. The method you use depends on whether your system is frozen or working normally. If your computer is responding to clicks and keyboard input, use the operating system menu. If it is frozen and will not respond, use the power button or keyboard shortcut. If it will not turn on at all, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, release it, wait 30 seconds, then press it again to power on.

Most reboots take two to five minutes from start to finish. During that time, your screen will go black, you may see a loading screen or logo, and then your desktop will reappear. Do not unplug the computer or remove the battery during a reboot unless the power button method has failed and the machine has been off for at least one minute.

Key Takeaways

  • A normal reboot on Windows uses the Start menu, Settings, and the Restart option — this saves your work before shutting down.
  • A normal reboot on Mac uses the Apple menu, then Restart — you will be asked to save open documents first.
  • If your computer is frozen, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force it off, wait 30 seconds, then press it again to turn it back on.
  • A keyboard shortcut can reboot Windows without using the mouse: press Alt + F4 to close all windows, then use the power menu that appears.
  • Rebooting clears temporary files and memory, which often fixes slow performance or programs that will not close.

Rebooting a Windows computer through the menu

Click the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen. Type "restart" or "shutdown" into the search box that appears. Click "Restart your PC" or "Shut down your PC" from the results. If you choose Restart, your computer will shut down and turn back on automatically. If you choose Shut down, you will need to press the power button to turn it back on after 30 seconds.

Alternatively, click the Start button, then click the power icon in the bottom left corner of the menu. A small menu will appear with options for Sleep, Shut down, and Restart. Click Restart. Your computer will close all open programs and save your work before shutting down.

If you have unsaved documents open, Windows will ask you to save them before restarting. Click Save on each prompt, or click Don't Save if you want to discard changes. The restart will not proceed until you have answered all save prompts.

Rebooting a Mac through the menu

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen. Click Restart from the dropdown menu. A dialog box will appear asking whether you want to reopen windows when the computer restarts. You can click "Reopen windows when logging back in" to return to the same programs and documents you had open, or leave it unchecked to start fresh.

If you have unsaved documents, you will be asked to save them before the restart proceeds. Click Save for each document, or click Don't Save to discard changes. Once all prompts are answered, your Mac will shut down and restart automatically.

Force restarting a frozen computer

If your computer will not respond to mouse clicks or keyboard input, hold down the power button for 10 seconds. The screen will go black and the computer will shut down. Wait 30 seconds with the power off, then press the power button once to turn it back on. This is called a force restart or hard reboot.

A force restart will close all open programs without saving your work. You will lose any unsaved documents or changes. Use this method only when the computer is completely frozen and the normal restart menu is not accessible. On a laptop, you may need to hold the power button longer — up to 15 seconds — before the machine shuts down.

If the computer does not turn back on after you press the power button, wait another 30 seconds and try again. If it still will not start, check that the power cable is plugged in securely, or charge the battery if it is a laptop.

Using a keyboard shortcut to restart Windows without the mouse

If your mouse is not working but your keyboard is, you can restart Windows using only the keyboard. Press Alt + F4 repeatedly to close all open windows and programs. When all windows are closed, a power menu will appear with options for Sleep, Shut down, and Restart.

Use the arrow keys to highlight Restart, then press Enter. Your computer will shut down and restart automatically. This method saves your work the same way the Start menu does, so you will be asked to save any unsaved documents before the restart proceeds.

What happens during a reboot and how long it takes

When you restart your computer, the operating system closes all running programs, saves temporary files, and shuts down. The screen goes black. Depending on your computer, you may see a manufacturer logo, a loading screen, or a spinning circle. This part usually takes 30 to 90 seconds.

Once the operating system has loaded, your desktop appears and you can log in if required. Programs you had open before the restart may reopen automatically, or you may need to open them again. The entire process from the moment you click Restart to the moment you can use your computer again usually takes two to five minutes.

Rebooting clears your computer's temporary memory and resets all running processes. This often fixes problems like slow performance, programs that will not close, or internet connection issues. It does not delete your files or permanently change any settings.

When to reboot versus when to shut down

A reboot (restart) shuts down the computer and turns it back on when ready. A shutdown turns the computer off and leaves it off until you press the power button. Use a reboot when you want to fix a problem and keep working. Use a shutdown when you are done for the day or plan to be away from the computer for several hours.

Rebooting is faster than shutting down and turning the computer back on manually, because it happens automatically without you having to press the power button twice. If your computer is running slowly or a program is frozen, a reboot will usually fix it within a few minutes. If the problem returns after a reboot, the issue may be with a specific program or a hardware problem that needs further investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will rebooting delete my files?

No. A reboot shuts down and restarts your operating system, but does not delete files on your hard drive or solid-state drive. All your documents, photos, and programs will still be there after the restart. You will lose only unsaved changes to documents you had open at the time of the restart.

What if my computer is stuck on a black screen after I restart it?

Wait at least five minutes — some computers take longer to load after a restart. If the screen is still black after five minutes, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force it off, wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again. If it still will not start, the computer may have a hardware problem and may need professional repair.

Can I unplug my computer while it is restarting?

No. Unplugging during a restart can damage files and prevent the operating system from loading correctly. Always let the restart finish on its own. If the computer is frozen and will not respond, use the force restart method instead: hold the power button for 10 seconds, wait 30 seconds, then press it again.

Do I need to close programs before I restart?

No. The restart process will close all programs automatically. Windows and Mac will ask you to save any unsaved documents before the restart proceeds. You can click Don't Save if you want to discard changes, or Save to keep them.

How often should I reboot my computer?

Most computers work best with a reboot once a week or once a month, depending on how much you use them. If you notice your computer is running slowly, a program is frozen, or you have internet connection problems, reboot when ready. You do not need to reboot on a schedule if everything is working normally.