To reboot quickly, the restart shortcut key that works across both current Windows versions is Win + X, then U, then R. These three presses open the power user menu, go to the shut down list, and choose Restart.
If you prefer the classic box, show the desktop with Win + D, press Alt + F4, use the arrow keys to pick Restart and press Enter. Below are the options for a frozen laptop, a one key restart, and the Mac.
Quick facts
Fastest
Win + X, then U, then RClassic box
Alt + F4 on the desktopIf stuck
Ctrl + Alt + DeleteCommand
shutdown /r /t 0Advanced start
Hold Shift while clicking RestartMac
Control + Command + Power
Restart shortcut key options
| Method | Keys | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Power user menu | Win + X, then U, then R | Any time, any window |
| Shut Down Windows box | Win + D, Alt + F4, arrow to Restart, Enter | You like seeing the choice |
| Secure screen | Ctrl + Alt + Delete, Tab to power icon, Restart | A program has frozen |
| Run box | Win + R, type shutdown /r /t 0, Enter | Instant restart with no menu |
Restart a laptop with Win + X
- Save your work and close files.
- Press Win + X. A menu opens near the Start button.
- Press U to open the power options submenu.
- Press R. Windows restarts.
The same menu gives U for shut down and S for sleep; see the shutdown shortcut key and sleep shortcut key guides. This is also the laptop restart shortcut key with the fewest problems, because it does not use the F-keys.
Shortcut key to restart a laptop that has frozen
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete. This screen comes up even when most programs have stopped responding. Use Tab to reach the power icon in the bottom corner, press Enter and choose Restart. If only one program is stuck, try Task Manager first to close it without restarting.
When nothing responds at all, hold the power button for about ten seconds, wait, and press it again. Use this only as a last step, because unsaved work is lost.
Restart into advanced startup
Holding Shift while you click Restart in the Start menu opens the blue Choose an option screen. From there you can use Startup Repair, System Restore or Safe Mode. This helps when Windows keeps crashing after an update. From the keyboard, open Settings with Win + I, then System, then Recovery, and use Restart now under Advanced startup.
Make your own one key restart
Create a desktop shortcut whose target is shutdown /r /t 0 (right click an empty spot, New, Shortcut) and call it Restart. Open Properties, put the cursor in the field labelled Shortcut key, then hit something like Ctrl + Alt + R. That combination will now restart the PC straight away, so pick one you will not press by accident.
When restart does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Alt + F4 closes a program | Press Win + D first |
| Restart takes very long | Updates are installing; leave the laptop plugged in |
| Restart stuck on a spinning circle | Wait 20 minutes, then force it off and on |
| A program blocks restart | Windows lists it; save its work or choose Restart anyway |
Restart on a Mac
Control + Command + Power restarts a Mac, asking to save open documents. Control + Power shows a dialog with Restart, Sleep and Shut Down. More keys are in the Mac shutdown and sleep guide and the Windows shortcut keys hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the restart shortcut key in Windows 10?
What is the restart shortcut key in Windows 11?
The same keys: Win + X, then U, then R.
What is the computer restart shortcut key when the screen is frozen?
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then use the power icon.
Is restarting the same as shutting down and starting again?
Close, but a restart always does a full fresh start, which is better for clearing problems and finishing updates.
How do I restart a laptop without a mouse?
Use Win + X, then U, then R.