Restarting your computer with the keyboard in Windows 10 is quick and easy. You’ll need to use a few keyboard shortcuts to navigate through the options and select restart. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently restart your computer without using a mouse.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Restarting Computer with Keyboard in Windows 10
This section will guide you through the steps to restart your computer using keyboard shortcuts. Follow these steps to get your computer up and running again without touching your mouse!
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
The Windows key is usually located between the Ctrl and Alt keys on the bottom row of your keyboard. This will bring up the Start Menu, which is your gateway to all the computer’s functions.
Step 2: Open the Power Menu
Press the Tab key until the Power icon is highlighted.
The Power icon looks like a circle with a vertical line through the top. When it’s highlighted, it means the focus is on it, and you can interact with it using the keyboard.
Step 3: Select Restart Option
Press Enter to open the Power menu.
This will bring up a small menu with options like “Sleep,” “Shut down,” and “Restart.”
Step 4: Navigate to Restart
Use the arrow keys to highlight the “Restart” option.
The arrow keys are located in a cluster on the right side of your keyboard. Pressing the down arrow key will move the selection down the list until “Restart” is highlighted.
Step 5: Confirm Restart
Press Enter to confirm the restart.
Your computer will begin the restart process, closing all programs and rebooting the system.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your computer will shut down and then start back up again. This is useful for installing updates or solving minor computer issues.
Tips for Restarting Computer with Keyboard in Windows 10
- Keep your keyboard clean and free of debris to ensure that all keys function correctly.
- Remember the keyboard shortcuts like Alt + F4 to close windows quickly before you restart.
- Use the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to close unresponsive applications before restarting.
- Practice the steps a few times to get comfortable with the process.
- If you have a laptop, ensure it’s plugged in during the restart to avoid any power issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restart my computer if the keyboard isn’t working?
Unfortunately, no. If the keyboard isn’t working, you’ll need to use the mouse or troubleshoot the keyboard first.
Will this process close all my applications?
Yes, restarting your computer will close all applications. Make sure to save any unsaved work before you begin.
Is there another way to restart using the keyboard?
Yes, you can press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then use the Tab key to navigate to the Power icon and select Restart.
How long does a restart usually take?
A typical restart takes about 1-5 minutes, depending on your computer’s performance and any pending updates.
Can I use these steps on other versions of Windows?
These steps are specific to Windows 10, but similar processes may work on other versions of Windows with slight variations.
Summary
- Press the Windows key.
- Press the Tab key until the Power icon is highlighted.
- Press Enter.
- Use the arrow keys to highlight “Restart.”
- Press Enter to confirm.
Conclusion
Restarting your computer with the keyboard in Windows 10 is a handy skill to have, especially if your mouse stops working or you want to become more efficient with your computer usage. By following these simple steps, you can easily restart your system without ever lifting your hands from the keyboard.
For more advanced tips and tricks, consider exploring other keyboard shortcuts and system navigation methods. Practicing these steps will make you more confident in managing your computer, and who knows—you might even become the go-to tech guru for friends and family!
Remember to save your work before restarting and keep your keyboard in good condition. If you found this guide helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with others who might benefit. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.