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Before you start
- Any documents saved
- Time to allow Windows to finish
A clear way through this guide.
We’ll show you one step at a time. When you’re ready, press Done — next step. You can go back or take a break whenever you like.
5 steps · Your own pace
Restart or shut down Windows safely
Step 1 of 5: Save your work first
Save open documents and complete or pause any task that must not be interrupted. Check unfinished uploads and calls. A restart closes apps, and an app’s recovery feature is not a reliable substitute for saving.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 2 of 5: Open the power menu
Select Start, then the Power symbol. Read the options rather than choosing by position. If an update is waiting, you may see Update and restart or Update and shut down.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 3 of 5: Choose the action
Use Restart to reload Windows after a problem or requested update. Use Shut down when finishing. Use Sleep for a short pause if it suits your device. Sleep still uses some battery, so plan power for a long absence.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 4 of 5: Let the process finish
Follow save prompts and leave power connected during updates. Wait for shutdown or restart instead of pressing the power button repeatedly. A screen going dark before an update finishes does not necessarily mean it is safe to unplug.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 5 of 5: Resume when ready
After shutdown, press the power button once to start again. After Sleep, wake using the normal control supported by your computer. If a problem persists after Restart, record it and use the relevant troubleshooting guide.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Take your time. Next marks this step done.
You’ve finished this guide.
Every step is complete. You can come back and practise again whenever you like.
Your small practice task.
Find Restart and Shut down in the menu, then close the menu if you are still working.
Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.
A common question.
Should I hold the power button to turn it off?
Use the Windows menu normally. A forced power-off is a last resort for an unresponsive device and can lose unsaved work.
Official help, if you need it.
These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.