Windows Starting Windows, Restarting the Computer, and Shutting Down the Computer
Turning on your computer is easy. Simply press in on the power button of the computer, let go, give it a few minutes, and your computer is ready for you to use. Turning it off does not mean to press the power button a second time--this is only used as a last resort when the computer completely freezes. Do the following activities to learn how to correctly shut down or restart (reboot) your computer. Each activity has a heading. Use the letter h to move forward through the headings, or Shift h to move backwards through the headings. There is an audio demonstration link under the last heading. This is an MP3 file that you can play on your computer, or download to play on other devices. When you are finished move to the link at the bottom of this page titled "BACK" to go to the "Simple Windows Lessons" web page.
Reboot means to restart your computer using key commands.
Shut down means to shut down your computer using key commands.
Alt F4 can be used from the Windows 8 Desktop view to shutdown or restart (reboot) the computer.
1. Hit the Windows key one time.
2. Right arrow one time and you will hear the button "Shut Down."
3. Hit the Enter key one time and the computer will shut down.
1. Make sure you are on the Windows 8 Desktop and not in the "Metro" view.
2. Press and hold down the Alt key and hit the F4 key one time.
3. Release the keys.
4. Hit the Enter key one time and Windows 8 will shut down.
1. Hit the Windows key one time.
2. Right arrow two times.
3. Up arrow until you hear "Restart."
4. Hit the Enter key one time and your computer will "reboot" or restart.
1. Make sure you are on the Windows 8 Desktop and not in the "Metro" view.
2. Press and hold down the Alt key and hit the F4 key one time.
3. Release the keys.
4. Up or down arrow to the "Restart" item.
5. Hit the Enter key one time and your Windows 8 computer will restart or "reboot."
Audio Demonstration of shutting down and restarting Windows 7 and Windows 8 Link