How to Reboot or Restart Your Computer
Summary
Your IT department will often ask a user to reboot or restart the computer for many reasons. Sometimes users will reply they performed this important step but in reality, it wasn't done. Instead, a Shutdown or Sign-out was performed.
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Why a shutdown isn't the same as a restart? A shutdown doesn't truly shut down. It keeps certain processes going. This allows a computer function called "Fast Boot." There was a time when it did. Instead, a shutdown will go to standby or hibernation.
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Why is a reboot or restart necessary? It dumps everything in memory and forces the computer to reload it back into memory. Most problems are resolved by doing this.
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How often should I reboot? A good rule of thumb is at least once or twice a week. Updates are always happening, and most updates require a reboot. Any wonkiness warrants a reboot as well.
Instructions
Windows 10
Go to Start , select the Power button, and then select Restart. If there are any updates, allow them.
Windows 11
Go to Start , select the Power button, and then select Restart. If there are any updates, allow them.
You can alternatively use a combination of keystrokes below:
Troubleshooting
There could be a time when nothing is responsive no matter what you do. When everything appears to be frozen or stuck, Windows is unable to perform a proper shutdown. The step below should be used with extreme caution.
- Any work or progress in Windows could be lost by performing this step. There is no guarantee of retrieving lost work. Most Cloud applications are pretty good at saving data, but it's still the responsibility of the user to save often.
HOLD THE POWER BUTTON DOWN ON THE COMPUTER UNTIL THE COMPUTER SHUTS OFF.
- Sometimes a hard shutdown will require holding the power button down for 30 seconds