How to Shut Down a Windows Computer With the Keyboard

The "Alt-F4" shutdown list also lets you sign out or sleep your computer.

Image Credit: Image courtesy of Microsoft

Whether your mouse has stopped working or your screen cut out, you can still turn off your computer safely using the keyboard. On any version of Windows since Vista, pressing Alt-F4 on the desktop acts as a shortcut to shut down the system. Just pick Shut Down from the list and press Enter.

Step 1

"Windows-D" is equivalent to clicking the button in the corner of the taskbar.

Image Credit: Image courtesy of Microsoft

Press Windows-D to minimize all open windows and switch to the desktop. If you're using Windows 8 and have a Windows 8 app or the Start screen open, press Windows-D twice -- once to switch to desktop mode, and then again to reach the actual desktop from any open programs.

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If you have programs open, you should quit each program to save your work before switching to the desktop and shutting down your computer. Almost all programs quit with the shortcut Alt-F4, and you can use the arrows or underlined letters to save. For example, in Word, Alt-F4, S quits and saves.

Step 2

Open the Shut Down Windows dialog box.

Image Credit: Image courtesy of Microsoft

Press Alt-F4 on the desktop to open the Shut Down Windows dialog box on Windows 8, 7 or Vista.

Even on a computer with a working mouse, this is the fastest way to shut down a Windows 8 computer, which otherwise takes several additional button presses and clicks.

Step 3

Select "Shut Down" with the arrows.

Image Credit: Image courtesy of Microsoft

Use the arrow keys to select Shut Down and press Enter to shut down. If your screen isn't working, "Shut Down" is the next to last option in the list, so you can hold down the Down arrow for a few moments to scroll to the bottom, and then press Up one time. To reboot, choose the very bottom option instead.

To cancel without shutting down, press Esc.

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