This hidden Windows 11 feature lets you force an emergency restart — how it works and where to find it

Tom's Guide

14-05-2025

Windows 11 hides a powerful emergency restart feature that most users don't know exists. This method provides a safer alternative to forcefully holding down your power button when your PC freezes completely.
Unlike the harsh shutdown you get from pressing and holding the physical power button, which can corrupt files and cause system instability, this emergency restart goes through a more controlled process that reduces these risks.
The technique has reportedly been around since Windows XP over 20 years ago, but it's so well-hidden that even the most tech-savvy users often miss it. If you've ever had to force-shutdown a frozen computer, this method offers a cleaner solution that could prevent data loss and potential system issues.
Here's how to use the emergency restart feature on your Windows 11 PC.
The process only requires a simple keyboard and mouse combination that you probably already know.
First, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard. This opens the familiar Windows security screen that most users recognize from logging in.
Next, hold down the Ctrl key and click the power button located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Don't release the Ctrl key when clicking.
A warning dialog will appear stating: "You are attempting an Emergency Restart. Click OK to immediately restart. Any unsaved data will be lost. Use this only as a last resort."
Finally, click OK to confirm, and your computer will shut down and restart normally.
Emergency Restart shines in specific situations where normal restart methods fail. For example, when your computer has completely frozen and won't respond to any keyboard or mouse input, traditional restart options become impossible to access.
This method is particularly useful when software crashes have made your system completely unresponsive, Task Manager won't open or close unresponsive programs, or when your screen is stuck on a particular application or error message.
Laptop users especially benefit from this feature if their device lacks an easily accessible physical power button, or if the power button requires holding for several seconds.
The technique serves as your go-to solution when standard troubleshooting methods have failed.
If Emergency Restart isn't working or your system is still responsive enough to navigate menus, there are a few alternative methods you can try to safely restart your PC:
Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt and type shutdown /r, then press Enter.
Run command: Press Windows + R, type shutdown /r, and hit Enter.
PowerShell: Open PowerShell and run the same command: shutdown /r.
Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to File > Run new task, type shutdown /r, check "Create this task with administrative privileges," and click OK.
Now you've learned how to use the Windows 11 emergency restart feature, perhaps take a look at some of our other computing articles.
You can give your old Windows 10 PC a second life with these 7 practical uses you might not have considered and how to install Windows 11 on an 'unsupported' PC. And to be secure as possible, here's 7 things you should do now to avoid getting hacked.
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