How to Restart Windows 11 [7 Ways Updated 2024]

There are times when we all need to restart our PC. This could be a routine restart, due to a stuck process, or when Windows isn't responding. It's essential to know how to restart Windows 11 using various methods because the standard approach might not work, particularly when Windows is frozen and you can't perform any actions.

This article will delve into various methods to restart Windows 11, encompassing restarting using a keyboard, rebooting in Windows 11 Safe Mode, and other strategies. These tips ensure a secure system reboot in diverse scenarios.

7 Methods: How to Restart Windows 11

There are eight possible methods to restart Windows 11. Before proceeding, bear in mind that if your Windows becomes unresponsive while you have unsaved work, employing any of these methods will result in losing that work. It's crucial to save your progress regularly, either manually or by setting up an auto-save feature at the software level.

Before diving into various methods to restart Windows 11, watch this video first. It offers more information about the Windows 11 startup issue from the login screen.

• 01:52 - Reset Windows 11 Without Deleting Files
• 02:45 - Summary of the reset process
• 03:40 - Resetting Windows 11
• 06:14 - Conclusion

Here's a quick guide on how to restart Windows 11 in 7 different ways.

1. Method 1. Restart Windows 11 via Power User Menu
2. Method 2. Restart Windows 11 using the Keyboard
3. Method 3. Restart Windows 11 through Command Prompt
4. Method 4. Restart Windows 11 via Task Manager
5. Method 5. Restart Windows 11 Using the Physical Power Button
6. Method 6. Restart Windows 11 through the Start Menu
7. Method 7. Press the Reset button on the Windows PC

Method 1: Restart Windows 11 using the Power User Menu

Windows 11's Power User menu is relatively unused but provides swift access to various system settings and options. You can utilize this menu to restart Windows 11 through a simple process.

Step 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the "Power User" menu.

Step 2. Click on "Shut Down" or "Sign Out".

Step 3. Choose "Restart" from the options and wait for your PC to restart.

Method 2: Restart Windows 11 Using the Keyboard

Occasionally, your mouse cursor or touchpad might become unresponsive, preventing you from accessing the Start menu. In such cases, you can use this widely known keyboard shortcut to swiftly open the power options menu.

Step 1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys on your keyboard.

Step 2. Click on the "Power icon" located in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Step 3. From the menu, choose "Restart," and your PC will restart.

Method 3: Restart Windows 11 via Command Prompt

A command line is a powerful utility that can assist you in performing various tasks, including restarting Windows 11. It can also be utilized to restart the network computer if necessary.

Step 1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run prompt.

Step 2. Type 'cmd' in the Run dialog box and press 'Shift + Enter' to open Command Prompt with elevated privileges.

Step 3. Type shutdown /r in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

Step 4. Windows will close all running tasks and then restart the PC.

Method 4: Restart Windows 11 using Task Manager

The Windows Task Manager is not just capable of terminating processes, but it can also execute terminal commands. This proves invaluable when you're unable to access the Windows user interface or during Advanced Recovery scenarios.

Step 1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together to open the Task Manager. Alternatively, you can press Alt + Ctrl + Del, and then choose Task Manager from the options.

Step 2. Click on the File menu and select Run new task.

Step 3. Type shutdown -r -t 00 in the text box, and then press Enter.

Method 5: Restart Windows 11 Using the Physical Power Button

If your Power Button is set to shut down the PC, a brief press should initiate the shutdown process. However, you can utilize it to force-shutdown the PC if it doesn't function as configured.

Step 1. Press and hold the physical power button on your device until it turns off.

Step 2. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your device.

Important: If you can, disconnect any external drives, especially if any file transfers are in progress.

Method 6: Restart Windows 11 via the Start Menu

If you can access the Windows 11 user interface, the simplest way to restart is by using the Start Menu.

Step 1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.

Step 2. Click on the Power icon.

Step 3. Choose Restart from the menu.

Step 4. A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to save your work. Click Restart to continue.

Step 5. Wait for the system to restart.

Method 7: Press the Reset button on a Windows PC

Most laptops and desktops come equipped with a reset button designed to instantly reset or restart Windows. This button is physically wired into the motherboard, and upon being pressed, it sends a reset signal that initiates a full system restart.

It is typically located at the front for Desktop computers and on the sides for Laptops. However, it's advisable to check manually and remember to utilize it when necessary.

Additional Tip: Recover Lost Data When Windows 11 Freezes

某些用户报告称，某些错误会导致"停止响应"问题，迫使他们需要重新启动他们的Windows 11。当Windows 11不断崩溃时，这让他们不寒而栗。他们立刻想到了可能会丢失重要数据的可能性。因此，即使你的Windows无法启动，明智的做法是使用专业的数据恢复工具来拯救你的数据。

Data recovery software, such as Data Recovery Wizard tools, can be installed by users. It aids in the retrieval of data lost due to system failures, file system issues, and unintentional file deletions. Even beginners can swiftly recover permanently deleted files thanks to the software's user-friendly interface.

Features:

• Create a bootable USB and recover data
• Quick Scan and Deep Scan Modes
• Filter and Preview
• Restore deleted files from Recycle Bin, HDD, SSD, USB, SD card, etc.
• Support for multiple file systems: FAT, ext2, ext3, HFS+, ReFS, exFAT/NTFS/NTFS5

If you need to recover deleted files in Windows 11, follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1. Create a bootable disk

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard tool, select "Crashed PC Recovery" and click "Go to Recover".

选择一个空的USB来创建可启动驱动器，然后点击“创建”。

Warning: When creating a bootable disk, the Data Recovery Wizard tool will erase all data saved on the USB drive. Back up important data beforehand.

Step 2. Boot your computer from the bootable USB drive

Connect the bootable disk to the PC that won't start up, and then alter the boot sequence in BIOS. For most users, restarting the computer and pressing F2 simultaneously to enter BIOS typically works effectively.

Set to boot the PC from "Removable Devices" (bootable USB disk) beyond Hard Drive. Press "F10" to save and exit.

(Translation: The image shows the step to restart from a bootable USB drive in the process of data recovery using a professional data recovery software. The text within the image, if any, would need to be translated contextually.)

Step 3. Recover Data from a Crashed System/PC

After booting from the Tools Data Recovery Wizard bootable disk, select the drive you wish to scan to find all your lost files. Preview and recover the files you need to a safe location.

How to Restart Windows 11 in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup option in Windows 11 that boots your computer with a minimum set of drivers and services. This mode also ensures that non-Microsoft services do not load, reducing the potential for conflicts.

It can assist in resolving issues with your computer, such as startup problems, driver issues, or malware infections. In this section, we will guide you on how to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode.

Step 1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.

Step 2. Navigate to System > Recovery > Advanced Startup section.

Step 3. Click on the Restart Now button to boot into Advanced Recovery.

Step 4. The PC will restart, and you'll see the Advanced Recovery with Troubleshooting menu. Click "Troubleshoot" followed by "Advanced options."

Step 5. Click Startup Settings, and then click Restart.

Step 6. When your computer restarts, you'll see a list of startup options. Press 4 or F4 on your keyboard to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode.

Final Words

When encountering issues with your computer, restarting it is a crucial troubleshooting step. This article illustrates three methods to restart Windows 11: the Power User Menu, the Ctrl + Alt + Delete shortcut, and the command line.

Furthermore, we emphasized the significance of having a dependable data recovery tool such as Data Recovery Wizard when encountering freezing issues with Windows 11.

"Hard Reset Windows 11 FAQs"

Hard Restart also refers to a forceful restart. This method is employed when standard procedures to restart Windows fail. It carries the risk of data loss.

**1. How do I restart Windows 11 in Safe Mode?**

It would be best to use the System Configuration tool to safely restart Windows 11. This utility manages the Windows Startup, Boot configuration, and Services.

Step 1. Open the Run prompt (Win + R), type MSCONFIG, and press Enter.

Step 2. In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Boot tab, and under Boot options, select the Safe Boot option.

Step 3. Select the type of Safe Mode you want to boot into and click Apply.

Step 4. Restart your PC, and it will boot into Safe Mode.

**2. How to restart Windows 11 using the keyboard?**

To restart Windows 11 using the keyboard, press the shortcut keys: Ctrl + Alt + Delete. This will open the Security Options menu, from which you can restart your PC. Alternatively, you can use the combination Win + X, then press U, and finally R.

**3. How to schedule a restart in Windows 11?**

The Task Scheduler in Windows can be utilized to run commands that, in turn, can restart the Windows PC.

Step 1. Press the Windows key (Win + S) to access the search bar, type "Task Scheduler," and then click on it when it appears in the list.

Step 2. Right-click on the Task Scheduler Library and select Create Basic Task.

Step 3. Give the task a name and set the time for execution. Choose to start a program. In the program selection, type "shutdown -r -t 00" and click "Next."

Step 4. When you're done, click Finish, and the task will be scheduled.

The Task Scheduler will run the task concurrently and execute the command. If desired, you can create a BAT file and then opt to run the BAT file to execute the restart command.

4. How to restart the update service in Windows 11?

It's advisable to open the Services section (access it by typing 'services' in the Windows search bar and clicking on Services), locate the Windows Update service, right-click on it, and then select 'Restart' from the context menu. This will initiate the service restart.