How to Cancel Auto Shutdown in Windows 10

Last Updated: June 25, 2024 Fact Checked

Windows 10 has a feature that can automatically shutdown your computer according to a schedule you set. But you might be working or gaming late and don't want your computer to automatically shut down. This wikiHow will teach you how to cancel auto-shutdown using the run command, the command prompt, or PowerShell. However, if you use power-saving settings to save your battery life when your laptop isn't plugged into a power source, you may also need to change those settings in Power Options.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Run, Command Prompt, or PowerShell

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1
Press Win+R (to open Run) or open Command Prompt or PowerShell. Pressing the Win + R key combination will open the Run window.
- You'll find Command Prompt or PowerShell in your Start menu . Since PowerShell is replacing Command Prompt for many modern Windows 10 computers, you can also select PowerShell in the menu that pops up when you press Win + X . ^{[1]
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shutdown -a . This command will cancel the scheduled shutdown for one time. You'll have to repeat this process if you want to cancel other scheduled shutdowns.

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It's below the place where you entered the code in the Run window and will prompt it to close. ^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Power Options

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You can press Win + I to open Settings, or you can find it in your Start menu next to a gear icon.
It should be the first icon in the menu. ^{[3]
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You should see this in the menu on the left side of the window. ^{[4]
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This is towards the right side of the window. ^{[5]
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You'll see this to the right of your current plan.
It's under the general settings.
Double-clicking these will expand their menus.
If you want to change the setting for both of these options, repeat the process for the one you didn't already change. ^{[6]
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9
Click Setting , select the arrow and choose "Never" (desktop only). You will not see this if you're on a laptop.
- Changing the "Sleep" settings to "Never" will ensure that your computer never goes to sleep .
A menu will expand below the header.
If you want to change the setting for both of these options, repeat the process for the one you didn't already change.
12
Click Setting , click the arrow and choose "Never" (desktop only). You will not see this if you're on a laptop. ^{[7]
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- These settings will ensure your computer never hibernates, which might drain your battery if your laptop is not plugged into a power source. ^{[8]
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