Three ways to restart Windows

A reboot clears your computer's memory, closes all running programs, and reloads the operating system from scratch. Most Windows problems—frozen screens, slow performance, programs that won't close—get fixed by restarting. You have three methods: the standard restart through the Start menu, a forced restart when your computer is unresponsive, and a restart from the command line if you need to schedule one or automate it.

The method you choose depends on whether your computer is responding to clicks and keyboard commands. If it is, use the Start menu. If it is frozen, use the power button. If you need to restart at a specific time or from a remote location, use the command line.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard restart through the Start menu closes all open programs and saves their state before restarting, which is the safest method.
  • A forced restart using the power button should only be used when your computer is completely unresponsive, because it can cause data loss.
  • Holding the power button for 10 seconds forces a shutdown; releasing it and pressing again restarts the computer.
  • The command line method lets you schedule a restart for a specific time or restart when ready without opening the Start menu.
  • After restarting, wait 30 to 60 seconds before opening programs so Windows can finish loading background services.

Restart using the Start menu (the normal way)

This is the safest restart method because Windows closes programs in an orderly way and saves any unsaved work that programs can auto-save. Click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left corner), then click the power icon in the lower left of the Start menu. A menu appears with three options: Sleep, Shut down, and Restart. Click Restart.

Your computer will close all open programs and windows, then shut down and turn back on automatically. This takes 30 to 90 seconds depending on how many programs were running and how much data Windows needs to load. Do not unplug the computer or press the power button during this time.

If you see a message saying "You have unsaved changes in [program name]," click Save before restarting. If you click Don't Save, you will lose any work you did in that program since the last time you manually saved.

Force a restart when your computer is frozen

If your screen is frozen and you cannot click anything or type, your computer is not responding to normal commands. Locate the power button on your computer (usually on the front or side of the tower, or on the keyboard for laptops). Press and hold the power button for 10 full seconds without releasing. The screen will go black and the computer will shut down completely.

Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button once to turn the computer back on. The screen will show the Windows logo and a loading animation. Wait for the desktop to appear fully before opening any programs—this usually takes 60 to 120 seconds. Windows may run a disk check the first time after a forced restart; let it finish without interrupting.

A forced restart can cause data loss because programs do not get a chance to save their work. Use this method only when the Start menu method does not work. If your computer freezes regularly, a hardware problem or malware may be the cause, and you should have it checked.

Restart from the command line

The command line method is useful if you want to restart at a specific time, restart without using the mouse, or restart a computer remotely. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Enter. A black window with white text will open.

To restart when ready, type shutdown /r /t 0 and press Enter. The computer will restart in a few seconds. To restart after a delay—for example, in 60 seconds—type shutdown /r /t 60 (replace 60 with the number of seconds you want to wait). To cancel a scheduled restart before it happens, type shutdown /a and press Enter.

If you want to add a message that appears on the screen before the restart, type shutdown /r /t 60 /c "Your message here". Other users on the computer will see this message and know why the restart is happening. Close the command window by typing exit and pressing Enter.

What to do after your computer restarts

After the restart completes and you see the desktop, wait 30 to 60 seconds before opening programs. Windows is still loading background services like Windows Update, antivirus software, and cloud storage sync. Opening programs too quickly can slow down the restart process or cause programs to behave unexpectedly.

Check the taskbar (the bar at the bottom of the screen) for any notification icons. If you see a Windows Update notification, your computer may need to restart again to finish installing updates. If you see an antivirus notification, let it finish its scan before opening sensitive files.

If your computer restarts on its own without you asking it to, Windows Update is usually the cause. This happens when Microsoft releases a security update that requires a restart. You can delay the restart by going to Settings > System > About and looking for "Restart options," but the restart will happen eventually.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not unplug your computer during a restart. Pulling the power cord interrupts Windows while it is shutting down or loading, which can corrupt system files and make your computer unable to start. If you must cut power, use the power button method instead.

Do not restart in the middle of a Windows Update. If you see a message saying "Installing updates" or "Do not turn off your computer," wait for it to finish. Restarting during an update can leave your system in a broken state. If the update appears to be stuck (the percentage has not changed in 30 minutes), hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then restart normally.

Do not assume a restart fixes every problem. If your computer still runs slowly, freezes, or crashes after restarting, the issue is likely a hardware problem, malware, or a program conflict. Run a malware scan using Windows Defender (built into Windows) or check your hard drive for errors using the Disk Check tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a restart take?

A normal restart through the Start menu takes 30 to 90 seconds. A forced restart may take 2 to 5 minutes if Windows runs a disk check. If your computer has a solid-state drive (SSD), restarts are usually faster than on older hard drives.

Will restarting delete my files?

No. Restarting does not delete files on your hard drive or cloud storage. It only closes programs and clears the computer's memory. Any files you saved before restarting will still be there after the restart.

What is the difference between restart and shut down?

Shut down turns off the computer completely and you must press the power button to turn it back on. Restart shuts down and turns back on automatically. Restart is better for fixing problems because it fully reloads Windows.

Can I restart my computer while it is installing Windows updates?

No. If Windows is installing updates, wait for the installation to finish. Restarting during an update can corrupt system files. If the update is stuck, force a shutdown by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then restart normally.

Why does my computer restart on its own?

Windows Update is the most common cause. Microsoft releases security updates that require a restart, and Windows will restart automatically if you do not restart manually within a certain time. You can delay the restart through Settings, but it will happen eventually.