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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The standard way to restart Windows 10 or Windows 11 is to select Start > Power > Restart. If you cannot use a mouse, open Start with the Windows key or Ctrl+Esc and navigate with the keyboard. Recovery options such as Shift+Restart are for troubleshooting, not routine restarts.
Quick comparison
| Method | Input needed | Windows state | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start menu | Mouse | Running normally | Routine restart |
| Start menu keyboard navigation | Keyboard | Running normally | Routine restart |
| Alt+F4 | Keyboard | Desktop active | Opens a power prompt |
| Ctrl+Alt+Del | Keyboard | Windows responding | Security screen with power controls |
| Windows key+X | Keyboard or mouse | Running normally | Quick Link menu; follow the on-screen options |
| Shift+Restart | Keyboard and mouse or keyboard navigation | Running normally | Windows Recovery Environment |
| Settings > Advanced startup | Mouse or keyboard | Running normally | Windows Recovery Environment |
| Device recovery control or startup interruption | Device-specific control or physical power button | Recovery or startup failure | Recovery tools, not a routine restart |
1. Restart from the Start menu
This is the standard restart method documented by Microsoft for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Select Start.
- Select the Power button.
- Select Restart.
Save open work before restarting. Microsoft’s instruction is: “Go to Start, select the Power button, and then select Restart.”
2. Restart with the Windows key
If you cannot use a mouse, open Start with the Windows key and navigate to the power controls using the keyboard.
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- Press the Windows key to open Start.
- Use the arrow keys or Tab to move through the menu to Power.
- Press Enter, choose Restart, and press Enter.
The exact focus order can vary. Use Tab and the arrow keys until the Power control and Restart option are selected.
3. Restart with Ctrl+Esc
Ctrl+Esc also opens Start. From there, use the same keyboard navigation to select Power and Restart.
- Press Ctrl+Esc.
- Use Tab or the arrow keys to reach Power.
- Press Enter, select Restart, and press Enter.
4. Use Alt+F4 from the desktop
Alt+F4 closes the active window. When no windows are open and the desktop is active, Microsoft says it prompts for shutdown; it does not immediately restart Windows.
- Close or minimize open windows until the desktop is active.
- Press Alt+F4.
- In the power prompt, choose Restart.
- Confirm the choice.
5. Use the Ctrl+Alt+Del security screen
Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete opens the Windows security screen. If Windows is responding, use its power control to choose Restart.
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- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Select the Power control on the screen.
- Select Restart.
6. Open the Quick Link menu
Windows key+X opens the Quick Link menu. It does not restart the computer by itself. Menu options can depend on the Windows version, so use the on-screen instructions to find an available restart route.
- Press Windows key+X, or right-click Start.
- Review the menu and follow the available on-screen power options, if present.
7. Use the Run dialog to open Start
Windows key+R opens the Run dialog, but this guide does not prescribe a shutdown command because its syntax was not verified in the research. Use Run only to launch a known, verified route; otherwise, use Start or a recovery method below.
- Press Windows key+R.
- Enter a verified command or application name only if you know it is appropriate for your Windows version.
8. Use Shift+Restart to enter recovery
Shift+Restart opens Windows Recovery Environment. This is for troubleshooting and advanced startup, not an ordinary restart.
- Open the Start power menu.
- Hold Shift while selecting Restart.
- Wait for Windows Recovery Environment to appear and choose the troubleshooting option you need.
9. Open Advanced startup from Settings
Settings can restart Windows into recovery options. The menu path differs between Windows 11 and Windows 10.
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- Open Settings.
- In Windows 11, select System > Recovery. In Windows 10, select Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- When recovery options appear, select the troubleshooting tool you need.
10. Use a device recovery control
Some computers provide a recovery button or device-specific button combination. There is no universal combination; consult the computer maker’s instructions. Recovery controls are intended to reach recovery tools, not to perform a routine restart.
11. If Windows cannot start
If Windows will not start, Microsoft describes a recovery procedure that interrupts startup twice using the physical power button. This forces shutdown and is not a routine restart method.
- Start the PC and, as Windows begins to load, hold the physical power button until the PC shuts down.
- Repeat the interruption once more during the next startup.
- Start the PC a third time and wait for Automatic Repair to appear.
- Follow the recovery options shown on screen.
Use this procedure only for the described startup-recovery situation. If Windows is responsive, choose a normal restart route instead.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 menu paths may still be useful to readers, but do not assume the operating system continues to receive standard support.
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FAQ
How do I restart my PC?
Select Start > Power > Restart. This is the standard route for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
How do I restart Windows without a mouse?
Press the Windows key or Ctrl+Esc to open Start. Use Tab or the arrow keys to reach Power, then select Restart.
Does Alt+F4 restart Windows?
No. It closes the active window. With the desktop active and no windows open, it prompts for a power action; choose Restart in that prompt.
Does Windows key+X restart the computer?
No. It opens the Quick Link menu. Available options can vary, so follow the on-screen menu rather than assuming a universal restart sequence.
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Is Shift+Restart a normal restart?
No. It opens Windows Recovery Environment for troubleshooting and advanced startup.
Should I hold the power button to restart?
Not when Windows is responsive. Holding the physical power button forces a shutdown; reserve it for the specific recovery situation where Windows cannot start or the computer is unresponsive.
The Bottom Line
For an ordinary restart, use Start > Power > Restart. Without a mouse, open Start with the Windows key or Ctrl+Esc and navigate with the keyboard. Use Shift+Restart or Settings > Advanced startup when you need recovery tools, and reserve forced power-off procedures for startup failures.
Quick Recap
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