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You should regularly shut down Windows 11 for several reasons. Shutting down an operating system saves energy, prevents data loss, enhances system performance by installing updates, and cools down the system.
But how do you shut down Windows 11 when you’re done using it? In this article, we’ll show you six ways to turn off your Windows 11 PC, laptop, or tablet.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Using keyboard shortcuts
- Using the Start menu
- Using the Power button
- Via the Power User menu
- Via the Command Prompt
- Via the shutdown shortcut
Method 1: Using keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are an effective way to cut out several steps and reach your destination settings quickly.
You can use these keyboard shortcuts to shut down Windows 11:
- Alt + F4: Press Alt + F4 on your keyboard and then select Shut Down. Press OK to finalise the process.
- Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Another keyboard shortcut to turn off your computer is Ctrl + Alt + Delete. Press the keys and then click the power option in the bottom right corner of the screen. Next, select Shut Down.
Also read: How to enable Secure Boot in Windows 11?
Method 2: Using the Start menu
The traditional way of shutting down Windows 11 is via the Start menu. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and then click on the Power button at the bottom right of the menu.
Step 2: Select Shut Down.
Also read: Why are the USB ports not working on Windows 11? Quick Fix
Method 3: Shut down Windows 11 using the Power button
Press the Power button on your CPU or laptop to shut down Windows 11. Usually, pressing the power button for about five seconds gets the job done.
However, you can configure the power button settings by heading Control Panel. Here’s how to do that:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel and click Hardware and Sound.
Step 2: Click on Change what the power buttons do under Power Options.
Step 3: Click on the downward menu in front of When I press the power button and then select Shut Down. Press on Save changes to confirm the settings.
Method 4: via the Power User menu
The Power User menu has been added to the Windows ecosystem since the launch of Windows 8. It grants access to advanced and most commonly used features on your device.
To access the Power Menu, right-click on Start. Next, head to Shut down or sign out and then select Shut Down to turn off Windows 11.
Also read: How to take screenshots in Windows 11?
Method 5: Shut down Windows 11 via the Command Prompt
You can also use the Command Prompt to shut down Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt by searching for the term in the taskbar search bar. Or, you can use the Power User menu and click on Terminal.
Step 2: Enter the following command to shut down your computer instantly: shutdown /s. Remember to save all your files and settings before doing this, as you’ll only get a minute before Windows shuts down, and all your unsaved changes will be lost.
Method 6: Create a shutdown desktop shortcut
You can create a shutdown desktop shortcut if you want to shut down your Windows 11 computer directly. Double-click on the shortcut to shut down the system.
Step 1: Right-click on the blank space on your desktop home screen and then head to New > Shortcut.
Step 2: Enter shutdown /s /t 0 and then click on Next.
Step 3: Enter the shortcut’s name and click Finish.
Thus, you can effectively shut down your Windows 11 computer using these six ways. Each of these ways is quite easy and requires no technical knowledge. You’re good to go with just a few clicks and buttons pressed.
Also read: Can you get Procreate on Windows?
