Shut down PC after time

Letting the PC shut down after a certain time makes sense in some situations. For example, if you have a long download or the defragmentation of your computer takes a few hours. We will show you the time-controlled shutdown with Windows on-board equipment and introduce you to a convenient free tool.

Delayed shutdown of the PC using "shutdown.exe"

You do not need an extra tool to automatically switch off your computer or laptop after a given time. Windows can do that by default.

• Press [Win] + [R] to open the Run window.
• Enter "shutdown -s -t xxxx". The xxxx here stand for the time in seconds after which the PC should switch itself off. For example, two hours is 7200 seconds.

If you don't want to shut down your computer anymore, enter "shutdown -a".

Shutdown.exe can do more than just shutdown the computer. If you want to cancel the shutdown, enter "shutdown-a". If you do not want to turn off the computer, but instead want to retire or restart it, enter "-h" or "-n". For further options, just enter "shutdown" in the Windows console (cmd) and Windows will present you with all possible options.

Shutdown after time with "Poweroff"

The free Poweroff program, for example, offers you greater ease of use and setting options.