Simple Ways To Restart Your Computer Using The Keyboard - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Restart Your Computer Using the Keyboard PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: July 26, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,023,985 times.

If you're not able to use the mouse or trackpad on your computer, you can still reboot your PC or Mac using just your keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts like Alt+F4 for Windows and Control+⏏ Eject for macOS can really come in handy when other input options aren't available. This wikiHow article will show you the easiest ways to restart your computer without a mouse or trackpad.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Windows

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  1. Step 1 Press and hold the Alt key. 1 Press and hold the Alt key. You can use the Alt key that's on the left or right side of your keyboard.
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the F4 key. 2 Press and hold the F4 key. You'll see a row of F keys at the top of your keyboard.
    • This key combination will close any active applications and windows, including any browser windows you have open.[1]
    • Depending on some laptop models, you may need to press and hold the Fn key to use function keys (Fn+Alt+F4).
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  3. Step 3 Repeat the above... 3 Repeat the above process to close all applications. Press Alt+F4 until every browser and application is closed.[2]
  4. Step 4 Select "Restart" and press ↵ Enter. 4 Select "Restart" and press ↵ Enter. Using the directional arrow keys on your keyboard, select "Restart" from the drop-down menu if it isn't already selected.
    • This window will appear only if all the applications and windows are closed on your computer.
    • After you've selected this, your computer will restart without the use of your mouse.[3]
  5. Step 5 Use different key shortcuts to restart (if the previous steps did not work for you). 5 Use different key shortcuts to restart (if the previous steps did not work for you). Press ⊞ Win+X then use your arrow keys to select Shut down or sign out and press Enter. Then, using the arrow keys, navigate to Restart and press Enter.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Mac

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  1. Step 1 Press and hold the Ctrl key. 1 Press and hold the Ctrl key. You can use the Ctrl key on either side of your Space bar.[4]
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the Power button (without a Touch ID sensor) or the Media Eject button (with a Touch ID sensor). 2 Press and hold the Power button (without a Touch ID sensor) or the Media Eject button (with a Touch ID sensor). A dialogue will pop up, asking if you want to restart, sleep, or shut down. Use your keyboard arrow keys to select "Restart" and press Return.[5]
    • If you have a Touch ID sensor, pressing the Power button won't work.
  3. Step 3 Use another keyboard shortcut. 3 Use another keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl+⌘ Command+Power or Ctrl+⌘ Cmd+Eject Media to force your Mac to restart.[6]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question How can you restart a Windows 11? Bhoimus Bhoimus Top Answerer The method shown above for Windows 10 also works for Windows 11! If you have access to a mouse, you can go to the Start Menu > Power > Restart. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keyboard-shortcuts-in-windows-dcc61a57-8ff0-cffe-9796-cb9706c75eec
  2. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/a/alt-f4.htm#windows
  3. ↑ https://www.digitalcitizen.life/7-ways-shut-down-or-restart-windows-10-pc-or-device/
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102650
  5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102650
  6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102650

About This Article

Stan Kats Reviewed by: Stan Kats Professional Technologist This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. This article has been viewed 1,023,985 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 7 Updated: July 26, 2025 Views: 1,023,985 Categories: Computers and Electronics Article SummaryX

1. Press and hold the Alt key (Windows). 2. Press and hold the F4 key (Windows). 3. Select "Restart" and press Enter (Windows). Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Stan Kats Reviewed by: Stan Kats Professional Technologist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 7 Updated: July 26, 2025 Views: 1,023,985

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