Windows: shutdown PC with a key combination - does that work?

Windows can be shut down with a few clicks of a button. This practical tip shows you how to switch off your Windows computer without using the Start button.

Shut down Windows with a key combination

In just a few steps you can switch off the PC using a key combination:

1. Press [Alt] + [F4] on your desktop to open the "Shutdown Windows" dialog box.
2. "Shutdown" is already preset in the drop-down menu, so all you have to do is press [Enter].
3. Tip: With [Alt] + [F4] the program you are currently using closes automatically. So press this combination several times until you get to the desktop.

Alternative key combination - shutdown Windows

In addition to the key combination mentioned above, you can also choose a wide variant:

• First open the "Run" dialog box with [Windows key] + [R].
• Enter "cmd" there and confirm with [Enter] to open the command prompt.
• Type in the command "shutdown / s" and press [Enter]. Your PC will then switch off.

We will introduce you to other useful commands for the Windows prompt in the next practical tip.