How to Restart Your Computer Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Restarting your computer is one of the most common troubleshooting steps for software issues, frozen programs or slow performance. While many computer users typically rely on the mouse or touchpad to navigate menus and restart the computer, there are times when the mouse is unresponsive or the touchpad is not functioning. In such cases, using keyboard shortcuts is the only way to restart your device. I must emphasize that using the keyboard alone can be faster, more convenient, and sometimes even necessary.

This guide will demonstrate the simplest way to restart your computer using the keyboard when your mouse or touchpad is not functioning, which can be used for both Windows and Mac systems. These step-by-step keyboard shortcuts will help you reboot your system easily without using your mouse.

How to Restart a Windows Computer Using the Keyboard

Method 1. Restart via Ctrl + Alt + Delete

This is a common troubleshooting keyboard shortcut that opens a screen with several options, including access to the power menu.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete simultaneously.

Step 2. Once the screen appears, press the Tab key repeatedly until the power icon (usually found in the bottom-right corner) is highlighted.

Step 3: Press Enter to open the power options.

Step 4: Use the arrow keys to select Restart.

Step 5: Press Enter again, and your computer will reboot.

Method 2. Restart Using Alt + F4 on the Desktop

The Alt + F4 shortcut key closes the currently active applications and windows including any browser windows you have open. If you’re on the desktop, it brings up the shutdown dialog.If your laptop defaults to media functions (like brightness) instead of F-keys, then you might need to press Fn + Alt + F4 to make it work properly.

Step 1: Press Windows key + D to minimize all open windows or applications and show the desktop.

Step 2. Press Alt + F4 using Keyboard.

Step 3: A shutdown window appears with options like Sleep, Shut Down, and Restart.

Step 4: Use the arrow keys to select Restart.

Step 5: Press Enter on the keyboard to restart.

This method is quick and useful when you want to restart directly from the desktop

Method 3 : Restart from the Windows Quick Link Menu

Windows 10 and later versions feature a convenient Quick Link Menu that offers fast access to essential system tools, including power options like restart and shut down.

Step 1: Press Windows key + X to open the quick link menu.

Step 2.Use the down arrow key to highlight Shut down or sign out.

Step 3: Press the Right arrow key to open the submenu.

Step 4: Use the down arrow to select Restart.

Step 5: Press Enter on the keyboard to restart.

This method is particularly useful for restarting your computer when navigating with the keyboard only.

Method 4. Restart via Command Prompt (Advanced)

For those who have advanced computer skills and, know how to navigate through command line programs, and make use of command prompt shortcuts these can be used to restart the device. This method is prompt and helps in solving problems, scripting, or remotely managing systems.

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

Step 2.Type cmd and press Enter.

Step 3: • In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command and press Enter: shutdown /r /t 0

Step 4: This command will immediately restart your PC.

This method is beneficial for advanced users or those automating tasks through scripts.

How to Restart a Mac Computer Using the Keyboard

Mac computers support several keyboard shortcuts that allow you to restart quickly, making them useful for both everyday use and troubleshooting.

Method 1: Restart with Control + Command + Eject / Power (Mac)

you can quickly restart your Mac computers using a keyboard shortcut if your mouse isn’t responding

Step 1: Control + Command + Eject (for Macs computer with an optical drive and an Eject key) • Control + Command + Power (for Macs computer without an Eject key, use the Power button instead)

Method 2 : Force Restart with Keyboard Shortcuts

If your Mac is completely frozen or unresponsive, you can force it to restart with this keyboard shortcut.

Step 1 : Press Control + Option + Command + Power button all at once.

Warning: If your Mac is completely frozen, then only you should use this method, which will force a restart by closing every single open application, potentially losing all unsaved data.

Method 3: Restart Using Keyboard Navigation of the Apple Menu (Mac)

If your mouse or trackpad isn’t working, you can still restart your Mac using the keyboard by navigating to the Apple menu at the top of your screen.

Step 1 : Press Control + F2 (or Fn + Control + F2 on some keyboards) to focus on the menu bar.

Step 2 : Use the Left or Right arrow keys to navigate to the Apple logo menu

Step 3 : Press the Down arrow key to open the Apple menu.

Step 4 : Use the Down arrow to select Restart

Step 4 : Press Return and when prompted to confirm, press Return.

This method allows you to either cancel or save your work before to restarting.

Final Thought : How to Restart Your Computer Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Restarting your computer using keyboard shortcuts is a valuable skill for for regaining access when the mouse or touchpad is not responding quickly. No matter if you are Windows or Mac user, learning these keyboard commands will increase your options when resolving issues, as well as improve the efficiency and speed of your daily activities.
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