Does your computer or laptop freeze often? Are you tired of waiting for it to unfreeze and get back to work? If yes, then you are at the right place. Here you will learn how to reboot a computer using only the keyboard. Knowing how to reboot your computer using the keyboard can come in handy when your mouse or trackpad is unresponsive and the computer has frozen.
Moreover, this technique can also be used to perform a hard reboot, which is useful when your computer is completely frozen and does not respond to any input. Before you try to reboot your computer using the keyboard, make sure that you have saved all your work. Once you have saved your work, you can follow the steps below to reboot your computer using the keyboard.
First, press the “Ctrl,” “Alt,” and “Del” keys simultaneously. This will open the Windows Task Manager. Next, use the arrow keys to select the “Power” option and press the “Enter” key. Finally, select the “Restart” option and press the “Enter” key. Your computer will now restart.
Restarting Using the Ctrl, Alt, and Del Keys
Restarting a computer using the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys is a quick and easy way to troubleshoot problems or restart your computer. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Press and hold the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys simultaneously. This will open the Windows Security screen.
- Click on the Power icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Select the Restart option.
- Click on the OK button to confirm.
Your computer will now restart.
Here are some additional details about each step:
- Step 1: Pressing the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys simultaneously will open the Windows Security screen. This screen allows you to access various security options, including restarting your computer.
- Step 2: Clicking on the Power icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen will open a menu with several options, including Restart, Sleep, and Shut down.
- Step 3: Selecting the Restart option will tell your computer to restart. Your computer will then begin the restart process.
- Step 4: Clicking on the OK button will confirm your decision to restart your computer. Your computer will then finish the restart process and restart.
How To Reboot Computer With Keyboard
Rebooting through the Command Prompt
The Windows Command Prompt window (also known as the Command Prompt, CMD, or command shell) is a command-line interpreter that allows you to interact with your computer’s operating system using text-based commands. You can use the Command Prompt to perform a variety of tasks, including rebooting your computer. To reboot your computer using the Command Prompt, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "cmd" into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: shutdown /r
-
Press Enter to reboot your computer.
Here is a table that summarizes the steps involved in rebooting your computer using the Command Prompt:
Step Description 1 Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. 2 Type “cmd” into the Run dialog box and press Enter. 3 In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: shutdown /r 4 Press Enter to reboot your computer. **Additional notes:**
* You can also use the Command Prompt to shut down your computer by typing the following command: shutdown /s
* You can use the “/t” parameter to specify the number of seconds to wait before the computer shuts down. For example, to shut down the computer in 60 seconds, you would type the following command: shutdown /s /t 60
* You can use the “/c” parameter to specify a message to be displayed before the computer shuts down. For example, to display the message “The computer is shutting down in 60 seconds” before the computer shuts down, you would type the following command: shutdown /s /t 60 /c “The computer is shutting down in 60 seconds”Using the Run Command to Reboot
The Run command is a quick and easy way to reboot your computer using the keyboard. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “
shutdown /r” into the Run dialog box. - Click the “OK” button.
Your computer will now reboot.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
Step Action 1 Press the Windows + R keys. 2 Type “ shutdown /r” into the Run dialog box.3 Click the “OK” button. Note that you can also use the Run command to shut down your computer. To do this, simply type “
shutdown /s” into the Run dialog box.Using the Run command to reboot or shut down your computer is a quick and easy way to do it without having to use the mouse. It’s a handy trick that can come in handy when you’re in a hurry or if you’re having trouble using the mouse.
Rebooting with the Windows Logo Key
Rebooting a computer with the Windows logo key is a quick and easy way to restart your system without using the mouse. Here are the steps:
- Press the Windows logo key on your keyboard.
- Hold down the Alt key and press the F4 key.
- Select “Restart” from the menu that appears.
- Press the Enter key to confirm your selection.
Additional Notes: If your computer is not responding, you can try pressing the Windows logo key, Alt key, and F4 key simultaneously to force a restart.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the Windows Security screen. From there, you can select “Power” and then “Restart” to reboot your computer.
Rebooting from the Start Menu
To reboot a computer from the Start Menu, follow the steps below:
- Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu.
- Click on the Power icon in the bottom-left corner of the menu.
- Select “Restart” from the menu that appears.
- Confirm your selection by clicking “Restart” again.
- Your computer will now restart.
Alternatively, you can use keyboard shortcuts to reboot your computer from the Start Menu:
Shortcut Action Windows key + I Opens the Settings app Tab Navigates to the Power icon Enter Selects the Power icon Down arrow Selects “Restart” Enter Confirms the restart Restarting from the Task Manager
If you are unable to restart your computer using the Start menu, you can use the Task Manager to force a restart. To do this:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the File menu and select Run new task.
- In the “Create new task” window, type shutdown /r in the “Open” field and click OK.
- Your computer will now restart.
Additional Notes:
Option Description shutdown /r /t 0 Restarts the computer immediately without any delay. shutdown /r /t 60 Restarts the computer after 60 seconds. shutdown /r /f Restarts the computer and forces all open applications to close. You can also use the Task Manager to restart your computer in safe mode. To do this, follow the steps above and type shutdown /r /safeboot in the “Open” field.
Rebooting with the Power Button
If you cannot use the keyboard or mouse to reboot your computer, you can use the power button. However, this method is not as safe as using the keyboard or mouse, and it can potentially damage your computer if it is not done correctly.
To reboot your computer using the power button, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the power button for at least 4 seconds.
- Release the power button.
- Wait for the computer to turn off completely.
- Press the power button again to turn the computer back on.
If your computer does not turn off after holding the power button for 4 seconds, you may need to unplug the computer from the power outlet and then plug it back in.
Once the computer is turned back on, it will start the boot process. This process can take several minutes, so be patient.
Once the boot process is complete, you will be able to log in to your computer and resume your work.
Force Rebooting the Computer
When a computer freezes or becomes unresponsive, the only way to restart it may be to force a reboot. This can be done using a combination of keyboard shortcuts. The most common method is to press the following keys simultaneously:
Ctrl + Alt + Delete
This will open the Windows Task Manager. From here, you can select the “Shut Down” option and then click on “Restart”.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
This will also open the Windows Task Manager. Once the Task Manager is open, you can use the “File” menu to select the “Run new task” option. In the “Create new task” dialog box, type “shutdown /r” (without the quotes) and then click on “OK”.
Windows Key + R
This will open the Run dialog box. Type “shutdown /r” (without the quotes) into the Run dialog box and then click on “OK”.
Power Button
If all else fails, you can always force a reboot by pressing and holding the power button on your computer for several seconds. This should cause the computer to shut down and then restart.
Method Steps Ctrl + Alt + Delete - Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
- Select “Shut Down” from the menu.
- Click on “Restart”.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc - Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Select “File” from the menu.
- Select “Run new task”.
- Type “shutdown /r” (without the quotes) into the “Create new task” dialog box.
- Click on “OK”.
Windows Key + R - Press Windows Key + R.
- Type “shutdown /r” (without the quotes) into the Run dialog box.
- Click on “OK”.
Power Button - Press and hold the power button on your computer for several seconds.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Rebooting
Restarting your computer using the keyboard can be helpful if your mouse or touchpad is not working. Here are the most common keyboard shortcuts for rebooting:
- Windows:
- Ctrl + Alt + Del, then select Restart
- Alt + F4, type “restart” and press Enter
- Windows key + R, type “shutdown /r” and press Enter
- Mac:
- Control + Command + Power button
- Control + Option + Command + Power button (force restart)
- Control + Option + Command + Eject button
- Linux:
- Ctrl + Alt + Del
- Ctrl + Alt + F2, then type “init 6” and press Enter
- sudo reboot
Troubleshooting Reboot Issues
1. Computer Doesn’t Respond to Keyboard Shortcuts
If your computer doesn’t respond to any of the keyboard shortcuts mentioned above, try using the Power button on the computer case. Press and hold the Power button for a few seconds to turn off the computer. Wait a few minutes, then press the Power button again to turn it back on.
2. Computer Enters BIOS Instead of Rebooting
If your computer enters the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) instead of rebooting, you may have pressed the wrong key combination. Make sure you are pressing the correct shortcut for your operating system. Alternatively, try pressing the F1, F2, or Del key during startup to enter the BIOS settings. Once in the BIOS, select the option to reboot the computer.
3. Computer Reboots Continuously
If your computer reboots continuously, it could be a sign of a hardware or software problem. Try disconnecting all external devices (except for the keyboard and mouse) and restarting the computer. If the problem persists, you may need to perform a system recovery or contact a professional technician.
4. Computer Restarts Instead of Rebooting
If your computer restarts instead of rebooting, it could be due to a power supply issue. Check if the power cord is securely connected to both the computer and the power outlet. You can also try resetting the CMOS battery on the motherboard.
5. Computer Frozen During Reboot
If your computer freezes during the reboot process, it could be due to a software issue. Try starting the computer in Safe Mode and then performing a system restore. If the problem persists, you may need to reinstall the operating system.
6. Computer Displays “No Boot Device Found” Error
If your computer displays a “No Boot Device Found” error during the reboot process, it could be due to a problem with the hard drive or boot sequence. Check if the hard drive is properly connected to the motherboard. You can also try resetting the boot sequence in the BIOS settings.
7. Computer Displays “Operating System Not Found” Error
If your computer displays an “Operating System Not Found” error during the reboot process, it could be due to a corrupted or missing operating system. Try booting from a recovery disk or USB drive and repairing the operating system. If the problem persists, you may need to reinstall the operating system.
8. Computer Displays “Stop Code” or “Blue Screen of Death” Error
If your computer displays a “Stop Code” or “Blue Screen of Death” error during the reboot process, it could be due to a hardware or software issue. Try checking the Event Viewer in Windows to identify the cause of the error. You may need to perform troubleshooting steps based on the specific error code.
9. Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and your computer is still not rebooting properly, you may need to perform more advanced troubleshooting. This could involve checking the hardware components, running diagnostics, or using specialized software tools. It is recommended to consult with a qualified computer technician for assistance with advanced troubleshooting.
Best Practices for Rebooting
1. Save your work before rebooting:
Ensure all unsaved changes to your files and documents are saved to prevent data loss.2. Close all open programs:
Closing all programs before rebooting frees up system resources and reduces the risk of unsaved data being corrupted.3. Unplug any external devices:
Disconnect external devices such as USBs, external hard drives, and peripherals to avoid any potential conflicts during the reboot process.4. Give your computer time to reboot:
Allow your computer sufficient time to complete the reboot process without interruptions. A premature restart can lead to system malfunctions.5. Avoid frequent reboots:
Unnecessary reboots can shorten the lifespan of your computer’s components. Only reboot when necessary for system maintenance or updates.6. Use the Power button if necessary:
If your keyboard is unresponsive or the reboot command is not working, manually restart your computer using the Power button.7. Check for updates after rebooting:
After a reboot, check for any available software or system updates to ensure your computer is running on the latest and most secure versions.8. Restart in Safe Mode if troubleshooting is required:
If you experience persistent issues, try restarting in Safe Mode to diagnose and resolve problems without loading third-party software.9. Perform a clean reboot for thorough maintenance:
Occasionally, perform a clean reboot by disabling all non-essential services and programs to eliminate potential conflicts and optimize performance.10. Hardware and BIOS Issues:
- Check the RAM: Loose or faulty RAM modules can cause boot failures. Remove and reseat the RAM to resolve any connectivity issues.
- Examine the BIOS settings:
Reset BIOS to default values: Incorrect BIOS configurations can prevent the system from booting properly. Resetting the BIOS to its default values may resolve boot issues.
Update BIOS: An outdated BIOS may not support the latest hardware or operating system. Updating the BIOS can resolve compatibility issues and improve system stability.
- Examine the CMOS battery: A depleted CMOS battery can cause the BIOS settings to reset, leading to boot failures. Replace the CMOS battery to maintain proper BIOS configurations.
- Check for hardware conflicts:
Remove conflicting devices: Multiple devices using the same resources (e.g., IRQs) can cause boot conflicts. Removing non-essential devices can resolve these conflicts.
Update hardware drivers: Outdated or incompatible hardware drivers can cause system instability and boot failures. Update the drivers to ensure compatibility with the operating system and hardware.
How To Reboot A Computer With Keyboard
If your computer is frozen or not responding, you can reboot it using the keyboard. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Press and hold the Ctrl key and the Alt key.
- While holding down the Ctrl and Alt keys, press the Delete key.
- A blue screen will appear with several options. Select Restart using the arrow keys.
- Press the Enter key.
Your computer will now reboot.
People Also Ask About How To Reboot A Computer With Keyboard
How do I force restart my computer with keyboard?
To force restart your computer with the keyboard, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds.
- The computer will turn off.
- Wait a few seconds and then press the Power button again to turn on the computer.
How do I restart my computer without a mouse?
To restart your computer without a mouse, follow these steps:
- Use the Tab key to navigate to the Start menu.
- Use the arrow keys to select Restart.
- Press the Enter key.
How do I restart my computer with one key?
There is no way to restart your computer with one key. However, you can use a shortcut to restart your computer quickly. To do this, press the Windows key + R, type shutdown /r, and press the Enter key.
