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SMALL STEPS. USEFUL SKILLS.

Restart your Windows computer

Restart Windows and let it start up again.

Windows 11About 2 minutes4 steps · 3 with pictures
Follow along on your device

Use the pictures where shown. Follow the short instructions between them.

STEP 1 OF 4

Save your work, then open Start

Save any open documents. Then select the Windows logo on the taskbar to open Start.

FOLLOW ALONG ON YOUR SCREEN01
The Windows taskbar with the Start button highlighted.

The Start button may be at the left of the taskbar on your computer.

Your screen may look slightly different
Take your time. There’s no rush.
Prefer to see all the steps together?+

STEP 1

Save your work, then open Start

Save any open documents. Then select the Windows logo on the taskbar to open Start.

The Start button may be at the left of the taskbar on your computer.

The Windows taskbar with the Start button highlighted.
Step 1

STEP 2

Open the Power menu

Select the Power symbol in Start.

The Start menu with the Power button highlighted at the bottom right.
Step 2

STEP 3

Choose Restart

Select Restart. Let the computer shut down and start again by itself.

The Power menu with Restart highlighted.
Step 3

STEP 4

Sign back in

Wait for the sign-in screen, then sign in as usual.

If Windows is completely frozen, use your device maker’s force-restart instructions: the button and hold time vary by model. Only force a shutdown if Restart from the Start menu does not work, since unsaved work can be lost.

IF SOMETHING LOOKS DIFFERENT

A little help along the way.

Your menus may look different after an update. Look for the same control name and take your time.

I cannot find that option+

Check that this guide covers your device and software. If the names do not match, use the manufacturer’s instructions linked below for your model.

I need to go back a step+

Use Previous step or select a step number above. This changes the guide only; it does not undo anything on your device.

Are these pictures of my device?+

They are example screens showing exactly where to click. Your names, apps, wallpaper and layout may look a little different, but the options you need are the same. Some pictures show what you should see after a step.

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