How to Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows

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Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: June 5, 2024 Tested

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

Things You Should Know

Press the Windows key + "S" to open the search bar. Type in "cmd".
Right-click the Command Prompt and click "Run as administrator".
Type "shutdown /r" and press "Enter". Click "Close" to shut down.

Steps

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This opens the Windows Search bar.
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A list of search results will appear.

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It's at the top of the list.
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The command prompt will appear inside a terminal window.
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A confirmation message will appear.
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Windows will now shut down and restart.

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How to Reboot from Command Prompt on Windows

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