The quickest way to restart depends on whether your computer is responding
A restart clears your computer's temporary memory, closes all running programs, and reloads the operating system fresh. Most of the time you will use the menu in your system settings. If your computer is frozen or not responding, you have two other routes: a forced restart using your keyboard, or a hard restart by holding the power button.
Which method you choose depends on whether your screen is working and whether your keyboard responds. Start with the menu method first — it is the safest because it lets your computer shut down programs properly. Use the keyboard shortcut only if the menu is not responding. Use the power button only as a last resort, because forcing the computer off can damage files.
Key Takeaways
- The standard restart method uses your Start menu (Windows) or Apple menu (Mac) and takes about one to two minutes from click to full restart.
- If your screen is frozen but your keyboard works, press Alt+F4 on Windows or Command+Q on Mac to close the stuck program before restarting normally.
- If nothing responds, hold your power button for ten seconds to force a shutdown, wait thirty seconds, then press it again to restart.
- After any restart, wait for all startup programs to finish loading before opening files or applications — this usually takes one to three minutes.
Restart through the Start menu on Windows
Click the Start button in the lower left corner of your screen. A menu will open showing your apps and settings. Look for the power icon — it looks like a circle with a line at the top — usually in the lower left of that menu.
Click the power icon. A small menu will appear with three options: Sleep, Shut down, and Restart. Click Restart. Your screen will go black, and your computer will shut down all programs and reload. This takes about one to two minutes. Do not turn off the power or close the lid during this time.
When the restart is complete, you will see your login screen or desktop. If you use a password, enter it. Wait another minute or two for all your startup programs to load before opening files or applications.
Restart through the Apple menu on Mac
Click the Apple logo in the upper left corner of your screen. A dropdown menu will appear. Look for the option that says Restart — it is usually near the top of the menu, above Sleep and Shut Down.
Click Restart. A dialog box will ask you to confirm. Click the Restart button in that box. Your screen will go black, and your computer will shut down and reload. This takes about one to two minutes. Do not force the computer off during this time.
When the restart is complete, you will see your login screen or desktop. Enter your password if prompted. Wait a minute or two for all startup programs to load before opening files or applications.
Force a restart when your screen is frozen
If your screen is frozen and you cannot click any menus, try closing the stuck program first. On Windows, press Alt+F4. On Mac, press Command+Q. This tells the program to close without restarting the whole computer.
If that does not work, or if multiple programs are frozen, use the keyboard shortcut to restart. On Windows, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. A menu will appear. Click the power icon in the lower right corner, then click Restart. On Mac, press Command+Control+Eject (or Command+Control+Power on newer models). A dialog will ask if you want to restart. Click Restart.
These keyboard shortcuts force a restart without using the mouse or trackpad. Your computer will shut down and reload in one to two minutes. Wait for the startup process to finish before using it again.
Hard restart when nothing responds at all
If your screen is black, frozen, or completely unresponsive, and the keyboard shortcuts do not work, hold down your power button for ten seconds. Your computer will force shut down — the screen will go black and all lights will turn off. This is hard on your computer's files, so use it only when nothing else works.
Wait thirty seconds. Then press the power button once to turn the computer back on. Your screen will show the startup process. This takes one to three minutes. You may see a message asking if you want to repair your disk or recover files — follow the on-screen instructions if this appears.
Once your desktop or login screen appears, your restart is complete. Wait another minute for all programs to load before opening files. If your computer restarts unexpectedly after this, or if you see error messages, a hardware problem may be developing — consider taking it to a technician.
What to do after your computer restarts
After any restart, your computer needs time to load all the programs that run in the background. This includes security software, cloud storage, and any apps you set to start automatically. Do not open large files or demanding programs during this time — wait one to three minutes until the screen settles and the hard drive activity light stops blinking.
If you restarted because a program was frozen, that program should work normally now. If the same program freezes again within a few days, it may have a bug or a conflict with another program. Try uninstalling and reinstalling it, or check the software maker's website for an update.
If your computer restarts on its own without you asking it to, a Windows update may be installing in the background. Check your Settings (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) to see if an update is pending. You can usually schedule the restart for a time when you are not using the computer.
When to restart versus when to shut down
A restart closes everything and reloads the system, which fixes most temporary problems. A shutdown closes everything and turns the computer off completely. Use a restart when a program is frozen, when your computer is running slowly, or when you install new software. Use a shutdown when you are done for the day or when you will not use the computer for several hours.
If you are leaving your computer for a long time — overnight or longer — shut it down rather than leaving it in sleep mode. This saves power and gives your computer a complete rest. If you are stepping away for an hour or two, sleep mode is fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will restarting delete my files or lose my work?
A normal restart will not delete files, but it will close all open programs. If you have unsaved work in a document or email, save it before restarting. When your computer restarts, your files will still be there — they are stored on your hard drive, not in memory.
How long should a restart take?
A restart usually takes one to three minutes from the moment you click Restart until your desktop is fully loaded and responsive. If your restart takes longer than five minutes, or if your computer gets stuck on a loading screen, hold the power button for ten seconds and try again.
Is it bad to restart my computer often?
No. Restarting once or twice a week is normal and healthy for your computer. It clears temporary files and memory, which helps prevent slowdowns. If you need to restart more than once a day, something may be wrong — check for updates or malware.
What is the difference between restart and shut down?
A restart closes all programs and reloads the operating system while staying powered on. A shutdown closes all programs and turns the computer completely off. Restart when you want to fix a problem quickly. Shut down when you are done using the computer for the day.
Can I restart my computer while it is updating?
No. If your computer is installing an update, let it finish — interrupting an update can damage your system. If an update seems stuck for more than thirty minutes, hold the power button for ten seconds to force a shutdown, then turn it back on. The update will usually resume or restart from the beginning.