Rather than take the several steps involved in going to Start-Turn Off Computer, some prefer to have a shortcut on the desktop to accomplish the task in one operation. Tasks such as Shut Down, Log Off or Restart can be implemented easily. These shortcuts work for all versions of Windows (XP, Vista, Seven).
These shortcuts are created by entering the appropriate command into the shortcut dialog box. “Shortcut” option can be found in “New” entry in the right-click context menu anywhere in windows explorer.
Look at the below screenshot:
Here is a list of commands that can be used as reference:
| Function | Command |
|---|---|
| Logoff | C:\Windows\ system32\shutdown.exe -l |
| Shutdown (with 30 second default delay) | C:\Windows\system32\shutdown.exe -s |
| Shutdown (with delay of zero second) | C:\Windows\system32\shutdown.exe -s -t 0 |
| Shutdown (with delay of nn seconds) | C:\Windows\system32\shutdown.exe -s -t nn |
| Restart (with 30 second default delay) | C:\Windows\system32\shutdown.exe -r |
| Restart (with delay of zero second) | C:\Windows\system32\shutdown.exe -r -t 0 |
| Restart (with delay of nn seconds) | C:\Windows\system32\shutdown.exe -r -t nn |
In Windows, there is a specifica file for shutdown or related commands. This file is Shutdown.exe and it is typically located in C:\Windows\System32\. If your Windows directory is other than the C: drive, replace drive letter accordingly.
If you are familiar with environment variables, note that all possible locations of the Windows directory can be covered by writing the base command as %WINDIR%\system32\shutdown.exe
Shutdown process can be forced without giving the usual warning by adding “-f” to shutdown commands. For example:
%WINDIR%\system32\shutdown.exe -s -f
Note that data may be lost in a forced shutdown.