How to Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows

This wikiHow teaches you how to restart a Windows PC by typing commands at the command prompt.

Steps

  1. Image titled Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows Step 1
    1
    Press ⊞ Win+S. This opens the Windows Search bar.
  2. Image titled Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows Step 2
    2
    Type cmd. A list of search results will appear.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows Step 3
    3
    Right-click Command Prompt. It's at the top of the list.
  4. Image titled Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows Step 4
    4
    Click Run as administrator. The command prompt will appear inside a terminal window.
  5. Image titled Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows Step 5
    5
    Type shutdown /r at the command prompt.
  6. Image titled Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows Step 6
    6
    Press ↵ Enter. A confirmation message will appear.
  7. Image titled Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows Step 7
    7
    Click Close. Windows will now shut down and restart.
    8. Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Create and Delete Files and Directories from Windows Command Prompt
How to
Create and Delete Files and Directories from Windows Command Prompt
Run an EXE File From Command PromptHow to Run an EXE File at the Windows Command Prompt
Use Net Send
How to
Use Net Send
Format a USB Using CmdHow to Format a USB Using CMD (Command Prompt)
Open a Folder in CmdHow to Open a Folder in Command Prompt (CMD)
Copy Files in Command Prompt
How to
Copy Files in Command Prompt
Go Back Using the Command Prompt
How to
Go Back Using the Command Prompt
Use Windows Command Prompt to Run a Python File
How to
Use Windows Command Prompt to Run a Python File
Add Users from CMD
How to
Add Users from CMD
Change a Computer Password Using Command PromptHow to Change a Windows Password Using Command Prompt
Watch Star Wars on Command Prompt
How to
Watch Star Wars on Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt with a Keyboard Shortcut (Windows 8, 8.1, and 10)3 Ways to Open Command Prompt with Keyboard on Windows
Merge Text (.Txt) Files in Command Prompt
How to
Merge Text (.Txt) Files in Command Prompt
Run Command Prompt As an Administrator on WindowsHow to Open the Command Prompt As an Admin on Windows: 4 Easy Steps
Advertisement

About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 35,154 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 1
Updated: May 15, 2018
Views: 35,154
Categories: Command Prompt
Article SummaryX

1. Open Search.
2. Type cmd.
3. Right-click Command Prompt.
4. Click Run as administrator.
5. Type shutdown /r.
6. Press ↵ Enter.
7. Click Close.

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement