How to Restart PC with Keyboard: 5 Fast Shortcuts

If your mouse has suddenly stopped working or your screen is frozen, you don't need to panic or pull the plug immediately. Windows offers several powerful keyboard shortcuts to restart your system safely without ever touching a mouse. Whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, these methods will help you regain control of your computer in seconds.

Here is the quickest way to restart if you are in a rush:

Quick Answer: Press Windows Key + X, then press U twice. This command instantly restarts your computer on most Windows systems.

Method 1: The Power User Menu (Win + X)

This is often the most reliable method because it uses the built-in Windows system menu, which usually remains responsive even if other programs are lagging. It works perfectly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Press the Windows Key + X on your keyboard. This opens the Quick Link menu in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Press the U key. This expands the Shut down or sign out option.
3. Press U again to select Restart.

Your PC will immediately begin the restart sequence. This method is superior to others because it requires fewer keystrokes and works over any open window.

Method 2: The Alt + F4 Shortcut (Classic Way)

You might know Alt + F4 as the command to close active windows, but it can also restart your entire system if used correctly. The trick here is ensuring you are focused on the desktop, not an application.

1. Press Windows Key + D to minimize all open windows and go straight to your desktop.
2. Press Alt + F4. A Shut Down Windows dialog box will appear.
3. Use the Down Arrow key on your keyboard to switch the option from Shut down to Restart.
4. Press Enter to confirm.

If pressing Alt + F4 only closes a program (like your browser), it means you didn't successfully switch to the desktop first. Make sure to minimize everything before trying this command.

Method 3: Ctrl + Alt + Delete (The Emergency Menu)

When your screen is frozen or a specific application is crashing your system, the Ctrl + Alt + Del menu is your best friend. This menu has a higher priority than normal applications, so it often opens even when Windows seems stuck.

1. Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Delete simultaneously.
2. Wait for the full-screen menu to appear.
3. Use the Tab key to navigate. Keep pressing Tab until the Power icon (circle with a line) in the bottom right corner is highlighted.
4. Press Enter to open the power options.
5. Use the Down Arrow key to select Restart and press Enter.

This method is particularly effective if your mouse cursor has disappeared entirely but the system is still responding to keyboard inputs.

Method 4: The Run Command (CMD Way)

For users who prefer a more direct, command-based approach, utilizing the Run dialog is a fast and fail-safe method. This bypasses the graphical interface slightly and sends a direct restart signal to the operating system.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type shutdown /r into the text field.
3. Press Enter.

Windows will give you a brief warning that you are about to be signed out, and the restart process will begin typically within less than a minute. If you want it to happen instantly without waiting, you can type shutdown /r /t 0 instead.

Method 5: Hard Reset (When Nothing Else Works)

If you have tried all the methods above and your screen is completely frozen, meaning pressing Num Lock or Caps Lock on your keyboard doesn't even toggle the light, you are facing a total system freeze. In this scenario, software commands will not work.

1. Locate the physical Power Button on your PC case or laptop.
2. Press and hold the button down for 5 to 10 full seconds.
3. Wait until the screen goes black and the fans stop spinning.
4. Release the button, wait a few seconds, and press it again normally to turn your computer back on.

This should only be used as a last resort, as it does not save your open work safely like the other methods mentioned above. However, in a total freeze, it is often the only solution available.