Restarting vs. Shutting Down Your Computer | Windows & macOS

Windows and macOS provide several options for managing your computer's power. Each serves a different purpose.

Restart

• What it does: Closes running applications, reloads the operating system, and starts a new session.
• When to use it: When troubleshooting issues, after updates, or when your computer behaves unexpectedly.

Shut Down

• What it does: Closes applications and powers down the computer. Some Windows computers use Fast Startup, which preserves part of the system state.
• When to use it: When you are finished using your computer or need to power it off.

Sleep

• What it does: Places the computer into a low-power state while preserving your current work session.
• When to use it: When stepping away briefly and planning to resume work.

Computers run many background processes that support applications, network connections, and connected devices. Occasionally, these processes may stop responding or encounter temporary errors.

A restart can help by:

• Closing applications and background processes that may not be responding.
• Reloading operating system services and device drivers.
• Reestablishing network connections.
• Completing certain pending software or operating system updates.
• Clearing temporary system conditions that may be causing performance issues.

1. Save your work and close any open applications.
2. Select the Start button on the taskbar.
3. Select the Power button.
4. Select Restart.
5. Allow Windows to complete the restart and return to the sign-in screen.

1. Save your work and close any open applications.
2. Select the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the screen.
3. Select Restart.
4. Confirm the restart if prompted.
5. Allow your Mac to restart and return to the sign-in screen.

Some Windows computers use a feature called Fast Startup. This feature helps Windows start more quickly after being shut down.

When Fast Startup is enabled, shutting down may save part of the operating system's current state instead of completely reloading it.

Selecting Restart performs a more complete operating system restart, making it the preferred option when troubleshooting.

Consider restarting your computer when you experience any of the following:

• Applications freezing or unexpectedly closing.
• Unusually slow computer performance.
• Network or Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
• Audio, microphone, camera, or connected device problems.
• Software updates requesting a restart.
• Applications behaving unexpectedly after an update or installation.

Restarting may resolve these issues, but some problems will require additional troubleshooting.

• Computer will not restart: Allow additional time for applications to close or updates to complete. If the computer remains unresponsive, contact Customer Care.
• Unsaved work: Always save your work before restarting. Unsaved changes may be lost.
• Updates during restart: Windows and macOS may install updates during a restart. Do not interrupt the process.
• Issue continues after restarting: Document the issue and contact Customer Care for additional assistance.