How do I restart my computer when it's completely frozen?
First press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then choose the power icon in the bottom right corner and select Restart. If nothing responds for a few minutes, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds until it turns off, then press it again to start.
A short freeze often clears by itself, so give it a minute or two first, especially if the drive light is blinking or an update is running. Ctrl + Alt + Delete is a special key combination Windows almost always listens to, even when the screen seems stuck, and it gives you a safe way to restart.
Holding the power button is a last resort. It cuts power without closing apps, so anything you haven't saved will be lost. On a Mac, press and hold the power button, or Touch ID button, until the Mac turns off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
- Wait a minute or two in case it catches up
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select the power icon, then Restart
- Still stuck? Hold the power button about 10 seconds until the screen goes dark
- Wait a few seconds, then press the power button once to start again
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On, Off & Restart
From the Meet Your Computer course. Turn it on, sign in, and pick Sleep, Restart or Shut down.