How to Restart Your Computer Using the Keyboard

Download Article
Download Article

If you're not able to use the mouse or trackpad on your computer, you can still reboot your PC or Mac using just your keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts like Alt + F4 for Windows and Control + Eject for macOS can really come in handy when other input options aren't available. This wikiHow article will show you the easiest ways to restart your computer without a mouse or trackpad.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Windows

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-1.jpg\/aid12764346-v4-728px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can use the Alt key that's on the left or right side of your keyboard.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-2.jpg\/aid12764346-v4-728px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll see a row of F keys at the top of your keyboard.
    • This key combination will close any active applications and windows, including any browser windows you have open. [1]
    • Depending on some laptop models, you may need to press and hold the Fn key to use function keys ( Fn + Alt + F4 ).
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-3.jpg\/aid12764346-v4-728px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Repeat the above process to close all applications . Press Alt + F4 until every browser and application is closed. [2]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-4.jpg\/aid12764346-v4-728px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Using the directional arrow keys on your keyboard, select "Restart" from the drop-down menu if it isn't already selected.
    • This window will appear only if all the applications and windows are closed on your computer.
    • After you've selected this, your computer will restart without the use of your mouse. [3]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid12764346-v4-728px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Press Win + X then use your arrow keys to select Shut down or sign out and press Enter . Then, using the arrow keys, navigate to Restart and press Enter .
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Mac

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-5.jpg\/aid12764346-v4-728px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can use the Ctrl key on either side of your Space bar. [4]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid12764346-v4-728px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A dialogue will pop up, asking if you want to restart, sleep, or shut down . Use your keyboard arrow keys to select "Restart" and press Return . [5]
    • If you have a Touch ID sensor, pressing the Power button won't work.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-8.jpg\/aid12764346-v4-728px-Restart-Your-Computer-Using-the-Keyboard-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Press Ctrl + Cmd + Power or Ctrl + Cmd+ Eject Media to force your Mac to restart. [6]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      3 Easy Ways to Find the Publication Date of a Website
      How to
      Check Browsing History on a WiFi Router
      6 Ways to Pair Your JBL Earbuds: Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
      How to
      Connect PC to TV with HDMI
      How to
      Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
      Easy Ways to Read Crash Dump Files & Troubleshoot Crashes
      What Does DW Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      10 Genius Ways to Cheat a Step Counter on a Phone (No Walking Required)
      How to
      Open a Digital Safe Without a Key
      How to Guess a Password
      How to Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      How to
      Format a Write–Protected Pen Drive
      How to Add the Google Play Store to an Amazon Fire Tablet
      Easy Ways to Adjust Your Mouse Polling Rate on PC & Mac
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keyboard-shortcuts-in-windows-dcc61a57-8ff0-cffe-9796-cb9706c75eec
      2. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/a/alt-f4.htm#windows
      3. ↑ https://www.digitalcitizen.life/7-ways-shut-down-or-restart-windows-10-pc-or-device/
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201236

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Press and hold the Alt key (Windows).
      2. Press and hold the F4 key (Windows).
      3. Select "Restart" and press Enter (Windows).

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 777,758 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement