The three ways to restart your computer

A reboot clears your computer's memory, closes all running programs, and restarts Windows from scratch. Most of the time, a restart fixes freezing, slow performance, or programs that won't respond. You have three options: a normal restart through the Start menu (safest), a forced restart using a keyboard shortcut (when the screen is frozen), or a hard restart by holding the power button (last resort only).

The method you choose depends on whether your computer is responding. If you can move your mouse and click, use the Start menu. If the screen is frozen but you can still see it, try the keyboard shortcut. If nothing responds at all, use the power button.

Key Takeaways

  • The normal restart through Start menu takes about 30 seconds to complete and is the safest method for your files and programs.
  • If your screen is frozen, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select "Sign out," wait 10 seconds, and log back in to restart without losing work.
  • A full reboot through Start menu takes 1 to 3 minutes depending on how many programs you have installed.
  • Holding the power button for 10 seconds forces a shutdown but should only be used when your keyboard and mouse are completely unresponsive.
  • After restarting, Windows may take a few minutes to load all your programs and background services before the computer runs at full speed.

Restart using the Start menu (normal method)

This is the safest way to restart because Windows closes all programs properly 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 button icon near the bottom of the Start menu. A small menu will appear with three options: Sleep, Shut down, and Restart.

Click Restart. Your screen will go black, Windows will shut down, and your computer will restart automatically. This takes 1 to 3 minutes depending on how many programs and updates you have. Do not turn off the power or close the laptop lid during this time. You will see the Windows logo appear, then the login screen, and finally your desktop.

If you have unsaved documents open, Windows will usually ask you to save them before restarting. Save your work first, then restart.

Force restart when the screen is frozen

If your mouse won't move and you cannot click anything, but you can still see the screen, use the keyboard shortcut to force a restart. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete all at the same time. A blue screen will appear with options including "Sign out," "Lock," "Change a password," and "Task Manager."

Click Sign out. Wait about 10 seconds. Your screen will go black, and you will return to the login screen. Log back in with your password. This restarts Windows without forcing a hard shutdown, so your files are safer than if you held the power button.

If the Ctrl + Alt + Delete screen does not appear, your computer is not responding to keyboard input either. In that case, move to the hard restart method below.

Hard restart using the power button

Use this method only when your keyboard and mouse are completely unresponsive and nothing else works. Locate the power button on your laptop or desktop. On most laptops, it is on the side or top edge. On desktops, it is usually on the front of the case.

Press and hold the power button for 10 full seconds without releasing. Your screen will go black and the computer will shut down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button once to turn it back on. Windows will restart.

A hard restart can damage files if programs were writing to the disk when you forced shutdown. Windows may run a disk check the next time it starts, which can take several minutes. Avoid this method unless your computer is completely frozen.

What to expect after restarting

After you restart, Windows loads in stages. First you see the Windows logo (10 to 20 seconds), then the login screen appears. Enter your password and press Enter. Your desktop will load, but it may be slow for the first minute or two while Windows loads background services and programs set to start automatically.

Do not turn off the computer or close the lid during this startup time. Let it finish loading completely. You will know it is ready when the taskbar at the bottom stops showing loading activity and your programs respond normally to clicks.

If you restarted because a program was frozen, that program should now work normally. If the same program freezes again, the problem may be with that specific program rather than your whole computer.

When to restart versus when to shut down

A restart closes everything and starts fresh, which fixes most temporary problems. A shutdown turns off the computer completely. For most situations, restart is better because it clears memory and resets Windows without you having to turn the computer back on manually.

Shut down your computer only if you are done using it for the day or if you need to unplug it. If you are troubleshooting a problem, always restart instead. Restart also uses less electricity than leaving the computer on all day, so restarting once a week is a good habit even if nothing is wrong.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not hold the power button unless your keyboard and mouse are completely unresponsive. A normal restart through the Start menu is always safer. Do not close the laptop lid or unplug the computer while it is restarting—let it finish on its own.

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, even if it takes 20 minutes. Interrupting an update can damage Windows. If an update seems stuck for more than an hour, then use the hard restart method.

Do not restart repeatedly if the same problem keeps happening. If your computer freezes every time you open a certain program, the problem is that program, not your computer. Uninstall or update that program instead of restarting over and over.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a restart take?

A normal restart takes 1 to 3 minutes from the moment you click Restart until you see your desktop. Older computers or computers with many programs installed may take longer. The first restart after a Windows update can take 5 to 10 minutes.

Will I lose my work if I restart?

You will lose any work you have not saved. Before restarting, save all open documents. Most programs will ask you to save before closing, but some will not. A hard restart (holding the power button) is more likely to cause data loss than a normal restart.

Can I restart my laptop while it is plugged in?

Yes, you can and should restart while plugged in. Restarting on battery power is fine too, but plugged in is safer because the restart will not be interrupted by the battery running out. Make sure your laptop is plugged in before you restart if possible.

What does "safe mode" mean and when should I use it?

Safe mode is a special startup option that loads Windows with only essential programs and drivers. Use it if your computer keeps freezing even after a normal restart. To start in safe mode, restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly as soon as you see the Windows logo, then select "Safe Mode" from the menu.

Should I restart my computer every day?

Restarting once a week is a good habit to keep your computer running smoothly and to install Windows updates. You do not need to restart every day unless you are having problems. If your computer is running slowly or programs are freezing, a restart is usually the first thing to try.