All of Our Tested Methods To Restart Computer With Keyboard

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Arsalan Shakil

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Restarting your computer is a common troubleshooting technique that can help resolve various issues and ensure optimal performance. While many people are familiar with restarting using traditional methods, such as the Start menu or the power button, we tested several other keyboard shortcuts that allow you to restart a computer with a keyboard. Besides, read our guide on shutting down laptop from the keyboard if you want to power off the system instead of restarting it.

Key Takeaways 

• Knowing how to restart your computer with a keyboard is useful when your mouse or touchpad isn’t working.  
• You can restart your computer using shortcuts such as Alt + F4, Ctrl + Alt + Del, Win + X, and more.  
• You can also restart your computer using the Run Prompt, Command Prompt and by creating a .bat file.  

Before discussing more complex methods, try using these simple ones:

• Using the Start menu: Press the “Win” key and restart your PC using the arrow keys.
• Using the Power button: Push the “Power” button until your PC shuts down. Then press it again to restart the PC.

Ctrl + Alt + Del Keys

We followed these steps to bring up the Task Manager:

1. Push the Ctrl, Alt, And Del Keys simultaneously > Use arrow keys to navigate to the power icon > Enter. 
2. Go to Restart with arrows >  Press Enter. 

Alt + F4 Keys

This method worked for us: 

1. Ensure that no applications or windows are selected. 
2. Press and hold the Alt Key > Press F4. 
3. A shutdown dialog box will appear > Use the arrow keys to select Restart > Enter. 

Win + L Keys

Refer to the steps below for the process:

1. Hold Windows Key > Press L to access the lockscreen.
2. Press Enter for the login screen. 
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the power icon > Hit Enter > Select Restart > Enter.

Win + X Keys

Take note of the following method:

1. Hold the Windows and X Keys.  
2. Navigate to Shutdown Or Sign Out > Press Enter > Pick Restart. 

Win + D Keys 

Here are the instructions you can resort to:

1. Hold Windows Key > Then press D Key to minimize all open windows. 
2. Simultaneously press Alt Key and F4 > Use arrows to select Restart > Enter. 
3. Type shutdown -r > Enter. 

Ctrl + Alt + End Keys

Proceed with the steps given:

1. If you’re using a remote desktop connection, press Ctrl, Alt, and End Keys simultaneously.  
2. Move to Restart > Enter. 

Alt + Space + C Keys

Use these steps as it is for the method to succeed:

1. If you have an open window, hold the Alt and Space Keys. 
2. Head to Close > Enter. 
3. This will close the active window, and the computer will automatically restart if all windows are closed. 

Using Task Manager

We performed it on our Windows, and it proved helpful:

1. Press Ctrl, Shift, and Esc altogether. 
2. In Task Manager > Click on File > Select Run New Task > Enter.
   

   

3.  Type shutdown -r to perform a restart.

Creating A .bat File 

This is how you do it:

1. Open a text editor such as Notepad > Type the command: shutdown -r. 
   

   

2. Save the file with a .bat extension, for example, restart.bat. 
   

   

3. Locate the saved .bat file > Open it to execute the command and initiate a restart of your computer. 

Using Command Prompt 

We tried running this code, and it was effective: 

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box > Type cmd > Enter.
   
2. In the Command Prompt window, type shutdown -r > Enter.  

Using Run Prompt  

Refer to these quick steps that were handy for us:

1. Access the Run dialog box > Type shutdown -r > Press Enter. 
   

   

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Arsalan Shakil

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com