Key combination: Restart in Windows 10

When the computer makes problems, often only a restart helps. However, if even the Start menu can no longer be opened, a restart in Windows 10 also works via a key combination. You can find out what options you have for a restart in Windows 10 here.

Restart Windows 10 with a keyboard shortcut

While in some situations you may want to specifically prevent a restart, these keyboard shortcuts will help you restart your Windows 10 computer:

1. Press the [Alt] + [F4] keys simultaneously to open the restart program window. This is set to "shutdown" by default. By clicking on the drop-down menu, you will find "Restart" in the selection. By clicking on "OK" you confirm the restart.
2. Alternatively, use the console command to restart Windows 10. The key combination [Win key] + [R] opens the "Run window" for entering commands. In this window, enter the command "shutdown /r". Your PC will then restart automatically.

How to restart Windows 10 without a key combination

In addition to the Windows 10 Start menu, you can also shut down the operating system via the lock screen. The keyboard shortcut [Win key] + [L] locks the screen, and at the bottom right you will find the icon for a restart or shutdown, respectively. As a last resort, you can also restart your PC by long pressing the power button.