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Rebooting your computer is a common troubleshooting step that can resolve a wide range of issues. While it is typically done through the graphical user interface (GUI), there are situations where this method is not accessible or efficient. In such cases, the command prompt offers a reliable alternative for rebooting your system. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to reboot from command prompt, empowering you to troubleshoot effectively even when the GUI is unavailable or unresponsive.
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To initiate a reboot from the command prompt, you must first open it with administrator privileges. Right-click on the Start Menu and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or type “cmd” in the search bar and run it as an administrator. Once the command prompt window is open, you can use the following command to initiate a reboot:
shutdown /r
This command will immediately reboot your computer. If you wish to delay the reboot by a specific number of seconds, you can append the “/t” parameter followed by the desired delay in seconds. For example:
shutdown /r /t 60
This command will reboot the computer after a 60-second delay, giving you time to save any unsaved work or perform other tasks before the reboot.
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In certain scenarios, you may want to reboot the computer in safe mode. This is a diagnostic mode that loads only the necessary drivers and services, making it useful for troubleshooting. To reboot in safe mode, use the following command:
shutdown /r /safeboot
This command will reboot the computer into safe mode. Once the reboot is complete, you can perform the necessary troubleshooting steps in safe mode. To exit safe mode and reboot into normal mode, simply restart the computer without using any special commands.
Accessing Command Prompt
1. Through the Start Menu
Utilizing the Start Menu is an effortless method to invoke the Command Prompt. Commence by locating the Start button on the Windows taskbar. It’s typically situated in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Once you’ve found the Start button, type “cmd” into the search bar at the bottom of the menu. Windows will automatically begin searching for the Command Prompt application. Upon locating it, click on the “Command Prompt” shortcut to launch it.
If you encounter multiple results, make sure to select the one labeled “Command Prompt.” Windows invariably lists multiple instances of the application for compatibility purposes. After executing this step, the Command Prompt window will appear on your screen, ready for your commands.
Alternatively, you can access the Command Prompt directly from the Start Menu without typing. Simply locate the “All apps” section in the Start Menu and scroll down until you find the “Windows System” folder. Inside this folder, you’ll find the “Command Prompt” shortcut. Click on it to launch the application.
For quick access to the Command Prompt, you can also utilize the “Run” dialog. Press the Windows key + R simultaneously to open the “Run” dialog box. Once it opens, type “cmd” into the text field and click “OK.” This action will promptly launch the Command Prompt window on your screen.
2. Using the File Explorer
Navigating to the Command Prompt executable file within File Explorer provides another means of opening it. To initiate this process, open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E. Subsequently, navigate to the following directory: C:\Windows\System32.
Within the “System32” folder, locate the file named “cmd.exe.” Once you’ve found it, double-click on it to execute the Command Prompt application. This action will instantly launch the Command Prompt window on your screen.
3. Via the Task Manager
The Task Manager can also be leveraged to access the Command Prompt. Begin by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys concurrently to invoke the Task Manager. Afterward, select the “File” menu and then “Run new task.” A “Create new task” window will appear.
In the “Create new task” window, type “cmd” into the text field labeled “Open.” You can optionally check the box labeled “Create this task with administrative privileges” to launch the Command Prompt with elevated permissions. Finally, click the “OK” button to execute the task. This action will promptly launch the Command Prompt window on your screen.
Running the Reboot Command
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
shutdown /r /t 0
Press Enter to execute the command.
The “/r” switch specifies that the computer should be rebooted, and the “/t 0” switch specifies that the reboot should occur immediately (0 seconds).
You may also use the following alternative commands:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| shutdown /r | Reboots the computer without specifying a time delay. |
| shutdown /r /f | Reboots the computer and forces all running applications to close. |
| shutdown /r /t [time] | Reboots the computer after a specified time delay (in seconds). |
Once the reboot command is executed, your computer will begin the shutdown process. You will see a message on the screen indicating that your computer is shutting down. After a few seconds, your computer will restart.
Note: If you are logged in as a non-administrator user, you will need to provide the administrator password to confirm the reboot.
Using Additional Command Options
The reboot command in Windows can be used with additional options to customize the reboot process. These options can be used to specify the time delay before the reboot, the type of reboot to perform, and the reason for the reboot.
The following table lists the most common additional command options for the reboot command:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| /s | Specifies a soft reboot. This is the default reboot type. |
| /r | Specifies a hard reboot. This option should be used when troubleshooting hardware problems. |
| /f | Specifies a forced reboot. This option will force all open applications to close without warning. |
| /t n | Specifies the number of seconds to wait before rebooting. The default value is 5 seconds. |
| /c “message” | Specifies a message to be displayed during the reboot. The message must be enclosed in quotation marks. |
| /d p:n:r | Specifies the reason for the reboot. The following table lists the possible values for n and r: |
| n | r | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | No action. |
| 0 | 1 | Reboots the computer after closing all applications. |
| 1 | 0 | Reboots the computer after all processes have exited. |
| 2 | 0 | Reboots the computer after the user logs off. |
Restarting Without Logging Off
Restarting without logging off is a convenient way to refresh your computer without losing any unsaved work. Here’s how to do it using the Command Prompt:
- Open the Command Prompt by pressing the ⊞ Win key and typing “cmd” into the search bar.
- Type the following command into the Command Prompt:
shutdown /r /t 0 - Press Enter. Your computer will restart immediately.
Additional Details for Restarting Without Logging Off
The shutdown command has several options that allow you to customize the restart process. Here are some useful options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
/f |
Forces all running applications to close without warning. |
/t time |
Specifies the amount of time (in seconds) to wait before restarting. The default is 30 seconds. |
/c "comment" |
Specifies a comment that will be displayed in the shutdown dialog box. |
Rebooting into Safe Mode
Safe mode is a troubleshooting mode that loads Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, making it useful for diagnosing and resolving system problems. To reboot into Safe Mode using Command Prompt, follow these steps:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Press Win+X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
2. Run the Shutdown Command
Type the following command and press Enter:
“`
shutdown /r /safeboot
“`
3. Restart Your Computer
Your computer will automatically restart into Safe Mode.
4. Access Safe Mode Options
After your computer boots into Safe Mode, you will see a black screen with a blue banner at the top. You can access different Safe Mode options by pressing the following keys:
| Key | Option |
|---|---|
| F4 | Safe Mode |
| F5 | Safe Mode with Networking |
| F6 | Safe Mode with Command Prompt |
5. Troubleshoot Your System
Once you’re in Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot your system using the following methods:
- Check the Event Viewer for error logs.
- Run diagnostics tools, such as System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM).
- Disable or uninstall problematic drivers or software.
- Use system restore to revert to a previous configuration.
- Contact Microsoft support for assistance.
Advanced Startup Options
The Advanced Startup Options menu provides several boot troubleshooting options. To access these options, use these steps:
- Open the Start menu.
- Click the Power button.
- Hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart.
Your computer will restart into the Advanced Startup Options menu. This menu contains the following options:
Startup Repair
Startup Repair can diagnose and automatically fix certain boot problems. This is a good option if you’re having trouble starting your computer.
Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and programs. This can be helpful if you’re troubleshooting a problem that’s being caused by a driver or program conflict.
Command Prompt
Command Prompt is a text-based interface that you can use to troubleshoot boot problems. This is a more advanced option that requires some knowledge of command-line commands.
System Restore
System Restore allows you to restore your computer to a previous point in time. This can be helpful if you’ve made changes to your computer that are causing boot problems.
Startup Settings
Startup Settings allows you to change the way your computer starts. This can be helpful if you need to troubleshoot a problem that’s preventing your computer from starting normally.
UEFI Firmware Settings
UEFI Firmware Settings allow you to change the settings for your computer’s firmware.
This is a more advanced option that should only be used by experienced users.
Troubleshooting Reboot Issues
If you encounter problems rebooting from the command prompt, try the following troubleshooting steps:
**1. Verify that the command is correct:** Ensure that you have typed the correct command, “shutdown /r,” and that there are no typos.
**2. Check for pending updates:** If there are any pending Windows updates, they may cause the reboot process to hang. Install any outstanding updates before attempting to reboot.
**3. Scan for malware:** Malware can interfere with system operations, including the reboot process. Perform a full system scan using your antivirus software
**4. Repair system files:** Corrupted system files can also cause reboot issues. Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool by typing “sfc /scannow” in the command prompt.
**5. Boot into Safe Mode:** If you suspect driver or software issues, try rebooting into Safe Mode. This mode loads only essential drivers and services, eliminating potential conflicts.
**6. Check the boot order:** Ensure that your desired boot device is set as the primary boot option in the BIOS settings. This can be especially important if you have multiple drives installed.
**7. Troubleshoot specific error codes:** If you receive an error message during the reboot process, look up the error code in the Microsoft Knowledge Base or consult a technical support forum. Some common error codes include:
| Error Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 0x80070451 | Insufficient system resources |
| 0xc000021a | Status image failed to load or corrupt |
| 0x0000007B | Inaccessible boot device |
1. Ending background processes
It’s wise to terminate any ongoing background processes before rebooting your system. This helps minimize the risk of data loss or system corruption during the reboot process. To end running processes, open Task Manager (press “Ctrl+Shift+Esc”) and select the “Processes” tab. Right-click on any non-essential processes and choose “End Task.”
2. Saving unsaved work
Before rebooting, ensure that you’ve saved all unsaved work in your open applications. Sudden reboots can result in lost data if you haven’t saved changes.
3. Closing all open applications
Close all open programs before rebooting. This frees up system resources and helps prevent conflicts during the reboot.
4. Disconnecting external devices
If possible, disconnect external devices (e.g., USB drives, external hard drives) before rebooting. This minimizes the risk of data corruption or hardware conflicts.
5. Scheduling a reboot later
If the reboot is not urgent, consider scheduling it for a later time when you’re not actively using your computer. This allows you to complete important tasks and save your work before the reboot.
6. Restarting vs. shutting down and restarting
Rebooting (restarting) differs from shutting down and restarting your computer. Rebooting restarts the operating system without completely powering off the computer, while shutting down powers off the computer and then restarts it. Rebooting is generally faster.
7. Forced reboot
If your computer freezes or becomes unresponsive, you may need to perform a forced reboot by holding down the power button for several seconds until the computer turns off. This should be considered a last resort as it can result in data loss.
8. Using the Command Prompt to reboot
To reboot your computer using the Command Prompt, follow these steps:
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the command: C:\shutdown /r
Press Enter.
Your computer will begin the reboot process. You can specify a time delay in seconds after which the reboot will occur by adding a value to the /r parameter. For example, to reboot in 5 minutes, use the following command:
C:\shutdown /r /t 300
This command will reboot your computer after 300 seconds (5 minutes).
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| C:\shutdown /r | Reboots the computer immediately |
| C:\shutdown /r /t 300 | Reboots the computer after 300 seconds (5 minutes) |
Common Reboot Error Messages
If you encounter an error message while rebooting from the command prompt, it’s important to note the exact wording of the message. Some common error messages and their corresponding causes include:
| Error Message | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Reboot and select proper boot device | An invalid boot device is selected in the BIOS settings. |
| No boot device available | A bootable device is not connected or is not set as the primary boot device in the BIOS settings. |
| A disk read error occurred | The boot sector of the hard drive is corrupt or damaged. |
| NTLDR is missing | The Windows NT Loader (NTLDR) is missing or corrupt. |
| Bootmgr is missing | The Windows Boot Manager (Bootmgr) is missing or corrupt. |
| The boot configuration data file is missing | The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file is missing or corrupt. |
| Inaccessible boot device | The boot device is not accessible due to a hardware issue or a problem with the operating system. |
| Windows failed to start | A critical system file is missing or corrupt, or the registry is damaged. |
| An operating system wasn’t found | No operating system is installed on the hard drive, or the hard drive is not recognized by the BIOS. |
Using the Command Prompt
To reboot your computer using the Command Prompt, follow these steps:
1. Open the Command Prompt
Press the Windows key + R, type “cmd” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. This will open the Command Prompt.
2. Type the Reboot Command
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
shutdown /r
3. Choose a Reboot Option
The system will ask you to confirm the reboot. Choose the desired option from the following:
- **y** to reboot immediately
- **n** to cancel the reboot
- **a** to abort the reboot if it has already started
Alternative Methods for Rebooting
1. Using the Start Menu
Click the Start button, then click the Power button.
2. Using the Power Button
Press and hold the power button on your computer for several seconds.
3. Using the Ctrl + Alt + Del Screen
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del on your keyboard, then click the Power button.
4. Using the Windows Key + X Menu
Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard, then click Shut down or sign out > Restart.
5. Using the Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard, then click Task Manager. In the Task Manager window, click the Power button.
6. Using PowerShell
Press the Windows key + R, type “powershell” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
Restart-Computer
7. Using a Batch File
Create a text file and enter the following command:
shutdown /r
Save the file with a .bat extension, such as “reboot.bat.”
8. Using a Shortcut
Create a desktop shortcut and set the following as the target:
shutdown /r
9. Using the Command Line
Open a command line window and type the following command:
shutdown /r
10. Using the Remote Shutdown Tool
Use the Remote Shutdown Tool (shutdown.exe) to reboot remote computers. This tool allows you to specify the computer name, username, password, and other options. For detailed instructions, refer to the Microsoft documentation on the Remote Shutdown Tool.
How To Reboot From Command Prompt
Restarting your computer from the command prompt can be useful in a number of situations, such as when you’re troubleshooting a problem or when you want to perform a clean reboot. To reboot your computer from the command prompt, follow these steps:
- Open the command prompt by typing “cmd” into the Start menu search bar and pressing Enter.
- At the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter: shutdown /r
- Your computer will now restart.
People Also Ask About How To Reboot From Command Prompt
How Do I Restart My Computer From The Command Prompt If I Don’t Have Administrator Privileges?
If you don’t have administrator privileges, you can still restart your computer from the command prompt by using the following command:
shutdown /r /f
How Do I Reboot My Computer From The Command Prompt In Safe Mode?
To reboot your computer from the command prompt in safe mode, follow these steps:
- Open the command prompt by typing “cmd” into the Start menu search bar and pressing Enter.
- At the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter: bcdedit /set safeboot minimal
- Restart your computer.
How Do I Reboot My Computer From The Command Prompt And Force All Programs To Close?
To reboot your computer from the command prompt and force all programs to close, follow these steps:
- Open the command prompt by typing “cmd” into the Start menu search bar and pressing Enter.
- At the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter: shutdown /r /f /t 0
- Your computer will now restart.
