How to Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows

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This wikiHow teaches you how to restart a Windows PC by typing commands at the command prompt.

Things You Should Know

  • Press the Windows key + "S" to open the search bar. Type in "cmd".
  • Right-click the Command Prompt and click "Run as administrator".
  • Type "shutdown /r" and press "Enter". Click "Close" to shut down.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Press ⊞ Win+S.
    This opens the Windows Search bar.
  2. Step 2 Type cmd.
    A list of search results will appear.
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  3. Step 3 Right-click Command Prompt.
    It's at the top of the list.
  4. Step 4 Click Run as administrator.
    The command prompt will appear inside a terminal window.
  5. Step 5 Type shutdown /r at the command prompt.
  6. Step 6 Press ↵ Enter.
    A confirmation message will appear.
  7. Step 7 Click Close.
    Windows will now shut down and restart.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 279,564 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: September 7, 2024
Views: 279,564
Categories: Command Prompt
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