But what do you do if your box won’t shut down?
Fortunately, there are several easy fixes.
Change what happens when the power button is pressed.
Change the power button option toShut down, and then selectSave changes.
This setting exists to prevent accidental shutdowns.
You’re likely aware no amount of pleading will stop the process.
It happened often enough that Microsoft added a setting to customize the behavior of the power button.
Windows 11 will now shut down normally after pressing the power button.
If you still can’t get it to turn off, continue with these steps.
Hold down the physical power button until the computer shuts off.
If you’re able, ensure that open programs are shut down and all your work is saved.
kick off the Start menu and press the power icon to findShut down.
If you typically use the power button to shut down, try the normal way.
PressCtrl+Alt+Deland then pick the power icon, followed byShut down.
In some really specific situations, you might only have access to the command line, likeCommand Prompt.
you might make the computer shut down here with theshutdown command.
This will turn it off immediately.
Run Windows Updateto check for OS updates, anduse a driver updater toolto install outdated or missing equipment drivers.
Troubleshoot when Windows Update gets stuck or frozen.
Another reason is a broken power button.
FAQ
Yes, it is safe to shut down your system by pressing the power button.
If you’re still having problems, open Troubleshoot parameters and run thePowertroubleshooter.
PressCtrl+Shift+Escto bring up Task Manager and select theStartuptab.
Select theStatuscolumn to sort applications by Disabled and Enabled.
If you don’t know what something is, leave it alone.
kick off the Start menu, select thePowericon, then chooseRestart.
Alternatively, pressCtrl+Alt+Del, then selectPower>Restart.
UseWindows Task Schedulerto schedule routine shutdown events.
Alternatively, open Command Prompt, typeshutdown -s -tand the number of seconds you want, then press Enter.
