How to Restart Windows 7 and 10 Using Just the Keyboard

Are you tired of constantly reaching for your mouse to restart your computer? Did you know that you can restart your Windows 7 or 10 computer using just your keyboard?

Using keyboard shortcuts can save you time and make your computing experience more efficient. In this article, we’ll show you how to restart your Windows 7 and 10 computers using just the keyboard.

Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to navigate and control your computer without having to use your mouse. They can save you time and make your computing experience more efficient.

Using keyboard shortcuts can also be helpful for individuals with mobility impairments or those who prefer to use a keyboard over a mouse.

Shortcut Keys for Restarting Windows

There are a few different shortcut keys you can use to restart your Windows computer. We’ll go through each one and explain how to use them.

Alt + F4

The first shortcut key we’ll cover is Alt + F4. This shortcut key is used to close the current window or program. However, if you use it on your desktop, it will bring up the shutdown menu.

To use this shortcut key to restart your computer, follow these steps:

1. Make sure all programs and windows are closed.
2. Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard.
3. While holding the Alt key, press the F4 key.
4. This will bring up the shutdown menu.
5. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate to the “Restart” option.
6. Press Enter to select the “Restart” option.
7. Your computer will now restart.

Ctrl + Alt + Delete

Another shortcut key you can use to restart your computer is Ctrl + Alt + Delete. This shortcut key is used to bring up the task manager, but it can also be used to restart your computer.

To use this shortcut key to restart your computer, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the Ctrl and Alt keys on your keyboard.
2. While holding these keys, press the Delete key.
3. This will bring up the task manager.
4. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate to the “Shut down” option.
5. Press Enter to select the “Shut down” option.
6. This will bring up a menu with options to shut down, restart, or put your computer to sleep.
7. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate to the “Restart” option.
8. Press Enter to select the “Restart” option.
9. Your computer will now restart.

Windows Key + D

The Windows key is a key on your keyboard that has the Windows logo on it. Pressing this key will open the start menu on your computer. However, if you use it in combination with the D key, it will minimize all open windows and take you to your desktop.

To use this shortcut key to restart your computer, follow these steps:

1. Make sure all programs and windows are closed.
2. Press the Windows key and the D key at the same time.
3. This will minimize all open windows and take you to your desktop.
4. Press the Alt key on your keyboard.
5. While holding the Alt key, press the F4 key.
6. This will bring up the shutdown menu.
7. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate to the “Restart” option.
8. Press Enter to select the “Restart” option.
9. Your computer will now restart.

Windows Key + L

Another shortcut key that involves the Windows key is Windows Key + L. This shortcut key is used to lock your computer. However, if you use it in combination with the L key, it will take you to the login screen.

To use this shortcut key to restart your computer, follow these steps:

1. Make sure all programs and windows are closed.
2. Press the Windows key and the L key at the same time.
3. This will take you to the login screen.
4. Press the Tab key on your keyboard until the “Restart” button is highlighted.
5. Press Enter to select the “Restart” button.
6. Your computer will now restart.

Other Ways to Restart Your Computer

If you’re unable to use the keyboard shortcuts mentioned above, there are other ways to restart your computer using just your keyboard.

Using the Command Prompt

The command prompt is a tool that allows you to execute commands on your computer. You can use it to restart your computer using just your keyboard.

To use the command prompt to restart your computer, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key and the R key at the same time.
2. This will open the “Run” dialog box.
3. Type “cmd” and press Enter.
4. This will open the command prompt.
5. Type “shutdown /r” and press Enter.
6. Your computer will now restart.

Using the Task Manager

You can also use the task manager to restart your computer using just your keyboard.

To use the task manager to restart your computer, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys on your keyboard.
2. While holding these keys, press the Esc key.
3. This will open the task manager.
4. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate to the “File” menu.
5. Press Enter to open the “File” menu.
6. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate to the “Run new task” option.
7. Press Enter to select the “Run new task” option.
8. Type “shutdown /r” and press Enter.
9. Your computer will now restart.

Conclusion

Using keyboard shortcuts can save you time and make your computing experience more efficient. In this article, we’ve shown you how to restart your Windows 7 and 10 computers using just the keyboard.

Whether you prefer using the Alt + F4 shortcut or the Windows key + D shortcut, you now have multiple options for restarting your computer without having to use your mouse. Give these shortcuts a try and see which one works best for you.