How to schedule shutdown and restart on Windows

Prerequisites & Requirements

• •Windows 10 or Windows 11 installed on your computer.
• •Administrator privileges to access Task Scheduler or execute commands.
• •No unsaved work in open applications, as this may lead to data loss.
• •Backup important data if necessary, especially if using scripts.

Method 1: Using Task Scheduler

• •Step 1: Press `Windows + R` to open the Run dialog, type `taskschd.msc`, and press `Enter`.
• •Step 2: In the Task Scheduler window, click on 'Create Basic Task...' in the right-hand Actions pane.
• •Step 3: Name your task (e.g., 'Scheduled Shutdown') and click 'Next'.
• •Step 4: Choose 'Daily', 'Weekly', or 'One time' for the task trigger and click 'Next'.
• •Step 5: Set the start date and time for the shutdown/restart and click 'Next'.
• •Step 6: Select 'Start a program' and click 'Next'.
• •Step 7: In the 'Program/script' box, type `shutdown` and in the 'Add arguments (optional)' box, type `/s /t 0` for shutdown or `/r /t 0` for restart, then click 'Next'.
• •Step 8: Review your settings and click 'Finish'.
• •Step 9: To verify, check the 'Task Scheduler Library' for your newly created task.
• •Step 10: If it doesn't work, ensure your computer is on at the scheduled time and check the task history for errors.

For Windows 11

• •Access Task Scheduler via the Start Menu by searching for 'Task Scheduler'.
• •The layout may have a more modern look, but the steps remain the same.

For Windows 10

• •Ensure you have the latest updates installed for optimal performance.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

• •Step 1: Press `Windows + X` and select 'Windows Terminal (Admin)' or 'Command Prompt (Admin)'.
• •Step 2: To schedule a shutdown, type the command: `shutdown -s -t [seconds]` (replace [seconds] with the desired time in seconds). For example, `shutdown -s -t 3600` schedules a shutdown in 1 hour.
• •Step 3: To schedule a restart, use: `shutdown -r -t [seconds]`.
• •Step 4: To verify, you can check the shutdown timer by typing `shutdown -a` to abort any scheduled shutdowns.
• •Step 5: If it doesn't work, ensure you have administrative privileges and check for any active shutdowns.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• •Error: 'Access Denied' - Solution: Ensure you are running as an administrator.
• •Issue: Task not running at scheduled time - Fix: Check if the computer is powered on and not in sleep mode.
• •Problem: Command not recognized - Workaround: Ensure you are using the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

• •Keyboard shortcut: `Alt + F4` - Closes the current window and can be used to access the shutdown menu quickly.
• •Command line: `shutdown /h` - Puts the computer into hibernation instead of shutting down.
• •Hidden feature: Use `shutdown /l` to log off the current user.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expert Tips