Restarting your PC is a simple task but there may be times when you want or need to do it using only the keyboard. This can be useful if your mouse is not working, your screen is frozen or you just prefer using keyboard shortcuts to navigate your system quickly.
In this guide, we will explain how to restart a Windows PC using different keyboard methods. These include standard restart commands, access through the Start menu, the use of Command Prompt and what to do when your system becomes unresponsive.
Why Restart Using the Keyboard?
There are a few common reasons why someone might choose to restart their PC using the keyboard. In some cases, a faulty mouse or touchpad may prevent you from clicking anything on the screen. Other times, a system freeze may lock up everything except keyboard inputs. Keyboard shortcuts can save time and help you avoid a full shutdown when all you need is a fresh restart.
Method One: Using the Windows Shortcut Keys
The fastest way to restart a Windows PC from the desktop using the keyboard is with the Alt + F4 shortcut. This works when you are on the desktop with no windows selected.
First, minimise or close all open applications until you are on the desktop. Press Alt + F4. A shutdown menu will appear in the centre of the screen. Use the arrow keys to select Restart then press Enter.
This method is quick and does not require a mouse at all. It works on most versions of Windows including Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Method Two: Using the Ctrl + Alt + Delete Screen
If your system is unresponsive or acting strangely, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete. This brings up a blue menu with several options including Lock, Switch User and Task Manager.
Use the Tab key to navigate to the power icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Press Enter to open the power menu. Use the arrow keys to highlight Restart and press Enter again to confirm.
This method is helpful if you cannot access your desktop or if Windows is behaving erratically.
Method Three: Using the Start Menu with Keyboard
If your mouse is not working but your system is responsive, you can restart using the Start menu by pressing the Windows key. This opens the Start menu. Press Tab if necessary to move the focus to the left panel. Use the Down Arrow key to highlight the power icon. Press Enter.
Use the Up or Down Arrow to choose Restart and then press Enter again to confirm. This is a simple way to restart using only the keyboard when everything else is working normally.
Method Four: Using Command Prompt
Another way to restart the PC using the keyboard is through the Command Prompt. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialogue box. Type cmd and press Enter. This opens the Command Prompt window.
Once inside, type the following command and press Enter:
bash
CopyEdit
shutdown /r /t 0
This command will restart your PC immediately. The /r stands for restart and /t 0 means there is zero delay. You can use this method when you need a quick reboot and prefer typing commands.
What If the PC Is Completely Frozen?
If your PC is completely frozen and none of the keyboard shortcuts work, you may need to perform a hard restart. While not ideal, this is sometimes the only option.
Press and hold the power button on your PC or laptop for about five seconds until the system powers off. Wait a moment then press the power button again to turn it back on.
Use this only when absolutely necessary as it does not give the system time to close files properly. Frequent hard shutdowns can increase the risk of data loss or corruption.
Final Thoughts
Restarting your PC from the keyboard is simple once you know the correct shortcuts. Whether you are dealing with a frozen screen, a faulty mouse or just prefer using the keyboard, these methods offer flexible solutions for restarting quickly and safely. From shortcut keys to Command Prompt commands, you have several options that work across all modern versions of Windows.