PDF download Download Article
Easy-to-follow steps to use Notepad to shut down your computer
PDF download Download Article

Notepad, Windows' free text editor, is also a competent code editing program. You can use some simple Windows commands in Notepad to create a file that will shut down your computer when you run it. This is great if you want to save some clicks for future shut downs, or you want to play a prank on a friend.

  1. This is the free text editing program that comes with every version of Windows. You can use it to create a command that, when run, will shut down Windows for you.
    • You can find Notepad by clicking the Start menu and selecting "Programs" → "Accessories" → "Notepad". You can also click the Start menu, type notepad, and press Enter.
  2. shutdown.exe -s on the first line. This is the command to shut down the computer.
    Advertisement
  3. -t flag. By default, the shutdown process will be delayed by 30 seconds. You can change this by using the -t gflag with the number of seconds you want to delay.
    • For example, to create a shutdown command that waits 45 seconds, type shutdown.exe -s -t 45.
    • To create a shutdown command that shuts the computer down immediately, type shutdown.exe -s -t 00.
  4. If you want, you can add a personalized message to the shut down notice by using the -c flag. Using the above example, type shutdown.exe -s -t 45 -c "comment". The comment must be in quotes.[1]
    • For example, you can let the user know how long until the shutdown begins by typing shutdown.exe -s -t 45 -c "Computer will shut down in 45 seconds".
  5. You will need to save the file as a batch file, which Windows can execute to run the shutdown command.
  6. This will allow you to change the file type.
  7. .txt from the end of the file name. Replace it with .bat.
    • If you don't see the three letter file extensions, click here.
  8. A new copy will be created with the .bat extension, and it will have a different icon than a standard text file.
  9. The shutdown will occur according to the rules you created.
    • Make sure you've saved anything you need to before running the shut down program.
  10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use this with cmd?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Just type, "shutdown/s/t 500" or however long you choose. To abort, type, "shutdown /a."
  • Question
    Does this shut down the computer for good or just until I restart it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It does not shut your computer down for good. It shuts down your computer the same way as if you pressed the off button.
  • Question
    How do I change the icon of this file for a prank?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Rename the shortcut to what you want it to be called. Right-click, go to Properties and press "Change Icon". Press "Browse" and look for a suitable icon.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Create a 'Matrix' Falling Code Batch FileCreate a 'Matrix' Falling Code Batch File
Create a Fake and Harmless VirusCreate a Fake and Harmless Virus
Shut Down Your PC with a Shortcut Key6 Easy Ways to Use Shortcut Keys to Shut Down a Windows PC
Check Mouse Sensitivity (Dpi) on PC or Mac Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
Change Your Desktop Background in Windows5 Quick Ways to Change Your Desktop Wallpaper on Windows
Bring an Off Screen Window Back on WindowsBring an Off Screen Window Back on Windows
Make a Zip File6 Simple Ways to Create a .ZIP File from Files or Folders
Copy and Paste Copy and Paste on Any Device
Paste with the Keyboard4 Easy Ways to Paste Text Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified TimeAutomatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
Change a File ExtensionChange a File Extension
Blender How to Merge Objects3 Easy Ways to Merge Objects in Blender: Step-by-Step
Change the Icon for an Exe File3 Easy Ways to Customize EXE Program Icons in Windows
Copy and Paste a LinkCopy and Paste a Link
Advertisement

About This Article

Tested by:
wikiHow Technology Team
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 21 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 475,897 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 21
Updated: December 26, 2022
Views: 475,897
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 475,897 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Kolitha Dasanayaka

    Kolitha Dasanayaka

    May 26, 2017

    "Now I know how to schedule my computer to turn off!"
    Rated this article:
Share your story

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement