Did you know you can quickly shutdown or reboot Microsoft Windows from the command line? Here is how to do it. Start a command shell (cmd.exe) and type the following commands:
Shutdown Windows
shutdown -s -t 0 -f
Reboot Windows
shutdown -r -t 0 -f
Parameter meaning:
-r restart the computer
-s shutdown the computer
-t 0 wait 0 seconds before shutdown
-f force running applications to close
Using Desktop Shortcuts
You don't like using a command shell or seldomly use it? Good news, you can place a shortcut on your desktop containing the above commands. In one click, you will either shutdown or reboot your Windows system. In your newly created shortcut, set the Target value to:
For a quick shutdown:
C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe -s -t 00 -f
For a quick reboot:
C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe -r -t 00 -f
Bonus
You can also terminate hung applications (not responding) by storing the following value in the Target field of your shortcut:
C:\Windows\System32\taskkill.exe /f /fi "status eq not responding"
Enjoy!