Sigh. How do I restart or shut down the PC in Windows 8?


Recommended Posts

Both are just too complicated for non-tech. savvy users (or they simply won't know about Power Options etc. in order to do that).

They could do it in Windows 7, they'll struggle in Windows 8...

Maybe it's MS secret plan to keep people logged into windows longer, the first time I used 8 with the Charms bar, I had to Google how to shutdown too

Right corner/WinKey+C > Settings > Power

WinKey + W > Turn Off

WinKey + M > Alt + F4

WinKey+R > shutdown -h -t 0

WinKey + L > Power Options (IIRC)

Ctrl+Alt+Del > Power Button (right hand corner)

Press the hardware power button

...I think that's almost every option possible :p

Right corner/WinKey+C > Settings > Power

WinKey + W > Turn Off

WinKey + M > Alt + F4

WinKey+R > shutdown -h -t 0

WinKey + L > Power Options (IIRC)

Ctrl+Alt+Del > Power Button (right hand corner)

Press the hardware power button

...I think that's almost every option possible :p

Non of which are as intuiative as how it was in Windows 7 for PC/desktop users :p

Looks like everyone has you covered already. My next question would be, why are you installing Windows 8 already if you can't even figure this ou?

Tell that to the thousands and thousands of people who will be purchasing a new PC on October 26th of this year.

  • Like 3
Non of which are as intuiative as how it was in Windows 7 for PC/desktop users :p

And again, it's bothering you that bad that the old shutdown/reboot/sleep buttons aren't as in your face obvious as they used to be then just make new ones. You can do that. Takes all of three seconds.

This topic has derailed. You originally wanted to ask about how to easily restart the computer and have been given solutions, to which you then post about how typical Windows users won't get it.

We're not talking about "typical Windows users", we're talking about you, the person who asked. And by bringing them up, you've derailed a support thread into a complaint thread. We have plenty of those.

  • Like 3

This topic has derailed. You originally wanted to ask about how to easily restart the computer and have been given solutions, to which you then post about how typical Windows users won't get it.

We're not talking about "typical Windows users", we're talking about you, the person who asked. And by bringing them up, you've derailed a support thread into a complaint thread. We have plenty of those.

We're not just talking about me, because I have been into computing for a very long time and if people like me are struggling with something so simply, we're talking about millions of users.

I totally agree that anyone who has never used 8 before will be lost looking for the power options, I was, but thinking about it, its my least used setting in Windows, so having it out of the way isn't too bad really, unless you have another screen to the right of the main one and your using a mouse to access the charms bar

I totally agree that anyone who has never used 8 before will be lost looking for the power options, I was, but thinking about it, its my least used setting in Windows, so having it out of the way isn't too bad really, unless you have another screen to the right of the main one and your using a mouse to access the charms bar

Which I am and it's a right bugger :p

We're not just talking about me, because I have been into computing for a very long time and if people like me are struggling with something so simply, we're talking about millions of users.

Without resorting to this, how do I restart or shut down my PC in Windows 8?

Key word: I

Please make it clear that you are talking about users other than yourself. We entered this thread to offer advice to you.

  • Like 2

Because I, like many users on this forum, am the person people go to for computer help.

yes, and when those people come to me, I will show them exactly where to go and that will be the end of it

I don't see how clicking 'start' to stop a computer is more intuitive.

lol, but then there are things like "Windows update must first download an update for windows update before windows update can download updates for your system"

  • Like 2

It's different, but not really complex. People don't constantly shut down/reboot their PCs, it's something that's done maybe once, or a handful of times a day at the very most. An extra step or two isn't a big deal.

We're not just talking about me, because I have been into computing for a very long time and if people like me are struggling with something so simply, we're talking about millions of users.

You would have known the answer if you had payed any attention to the tutorial the first time you fired up Windows

You would have known the answer if you had payed any attention to the tutorial the first time you fired up Windows

Don't even get me started on the fact the "hot corners" need a tutorial... :rolleyes:

I don't see how clicking 'start' to stop a computer is more intuitive.

because it starts the shutdown process :) :p

i have started seriously using windows 8 today with the RTM for testing and orientation. Although i must admit i couldn't find the shutdown option and had to google it, unlike when i first used windows 95 when it was first released, there was only one button start and it was quite obivious when clicking it.

I understand that Windows 8 is targeting slate devices as well but surely Windows 8 could have detected that it was running on a standard PC and had a couple of easier options for shutdown in a more visible place.

That aside i have found windows 8 less jaring, i am using it with the office 2013 beta at work again to get my bearings for future help desk calls, so far so good. Wished they would have done more work on Win8's version of hyper-v, being able to run Server VM's is handy but i was hoping to run client VM's a bit better for testing etc.. however it still treats these as server vm's, no sound and an annoying experience. Performance seems great though and am slowly getting used to the start menu for my source of quick information instead of gadgets.

Before i was don't like it, now im indifferent, at this rate i may even like it :D

Have you considered pressing the power button on your PC? Default setting is too shut down the PC.

But sometimes, I want to Restart. Or Sleep.

So this topic still needs to exist so people (including myself) can find those options.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5 by Razvan Serea Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a utility for completely removing AMD/NVIDIA/INTEL graphics drivers and related packages from your system, attempting to eliminate all leftovers (including registry entries, folders and files, driver store). Though AMD/NVIDIA/INTEL drivers can usually be removed via the Windows Control Panel, this uninstaller tool was created for situations where standard uninstall fails, or when you need to fully remove NVIDIA or ATI graphics card drivers. After using this driver cleaner, your system will behave as though it’s the first time you’re installing a new driver—similar to a fresh Windows installation. As with all such tools, we recommend creating a restore point beforehand, allowing you to undo changes if issues arise. If you're having trouble installing an older or newer driver, try it—there are reports that it resolves such problems. Recommended usage: The tool can be used in Normal mode but for absolute stability when using DDU, Safemode is always the best. Make a backup or a system restore (but it should normally be pretty safe). It is best to exclude the DDU folder completely from any security software to avoid issues. You do NOT need to uninstall the driver prior using DDU. Requirements: .NET Framework 4.8 Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 (32-bit or 64-bit) Note: Using on Insider Preview builds is at your own risk. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5 changelog: Added 'Reset to recommended' button for the Options. General fixes and improvements. Download: Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5 | 1.7 MB (Freeware) Download: DDU Portable | 1.2 MB Links: Display Driver Uninstaller Home Page | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • WACUP 1.99.51.24568 Preview by Razvan Serea WACUP (WinAmp Community Update Project) is a modern, enhanced version of the classic Winamp music player, designed for better stability, performance, and compatibility. Built for Windows, WACUP retains the familiar Winamp interface while adding 64-bit support, bug fixes, and new features like improved audio format support, customizable skins, and optimized playlist management. Unlike bloated alternatives, WACUP focuses on lightweight performance and regular updates, making it the best choice for fans of the classic Winamp experience. Basically, if you miss the good old days of Winamp and want a modern upgrade that doesn’t mess things up, WACUP is for you! WACUP key features: Classic Winamp Feel – Keeps the familiar interface and functionality. Bug Fixes & Stability – Fixes old Winamp issues and improves performance. 64-Bit Support – Works better on modern systems. More Formats & Plugins – Supports additional audio formats and third-party plugins. Customizable UI – Skins and tweaks for a personalized look. Better Library Management – Improved playlists, media organization, and search. No Bloat – Focuses on performance without unnecessary extras. Regular Updates – Community-driven development with new features and fixes. WACUP 1.99.51.24568 Preview changelog: Fixed a deadlock seen from the recent crash reports when doing some of the drag + drop actions within the media library window Fixed a loading crash seen related to a problem with some of the artwork cache image files being restored which should now be better handled allowing for the bad image to be removed without it failing Fixed a deadlock seen from the recent crash reports when the internal metadata cache clearing is triggered which could block the main ui thread for too long with this now being moved to a background thread Fixed some performance issues with some of the methods related to determining artwork support which mainly affected the local library import / refresh (this is still slower for some compared to other players because there's more data & artwork aspects being checked for which means doing more processing on a single file despite the best of attempts to reduce duplicate / heavy processing where possible) Fixed a crash with the JTFE based missing files hotkey which no one seems to have used for an age for this to appear (maybe it's time to seriously consider stripping out features that aren't being used) Fixed how some of the file types which use extra information to reference their sub-songs is handled which was preventing some from being correctly resolved back to their base file (noticed fixing above) Fixed an issue with the handling of files with underscores in their filepath which wasn't being correctly handled causing some of the filename to be lost when shown as the title if title reading is delayed Fixed a few things that might be behind NotSoDirect not being stable for some setups though am still not certain that the changes done for this are going to fully resolve the problem from the crash reports Fixed the OS toast handling when there's no prior shortcut in the OS start menu to now create the shortcut (needed to allow the yes/no buttons for the new build / post-release toast) to be done as a hidden one so it's less likely to cause annoyance for those not wanting to see it whilst still allowing this less than ideal OS api implementation requirement to be met to avoid toasts without the needed buttons Fixed a regression when moving from taglib1 to taglib2 which broke some of the handling in place to allow for external programs to still access files when wacup has a held open cached instance of the file Everything else Updated cppwinrt (gen_win10shell.dll) to 3.0.260520.1 (26 May 2026) Updated libcurl (libcurl.dll) to 8.2.1 (24 Jun 2026) Updated Monkey's Audio (in_ape.dll) to 13.15 (28 Jun 2026) Updated mpg123 (mpg123.dll) to 1.33.6 (6 Jun 2026) Updated OpenSSL (libcurl.dll) to 3.5.7 (9 Jun 2026) Updated pugixml to 1.16 (16 Jun 2026) Updated taglib (tag2.dll) to 2.3.0 (11 May 2026) Updated vgmstream (in_vgmstream.dll) to the latest Git commit from 28 Jun 2026 Download: WACUP 64-bit | 9.6 MB (Freeware) Download: WACUP 32-bit View: WACUP Website | Screenshots Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • "over a thousand engineering hours" and started selling it but could not take a couple of minuets to send an AI email to ask permission. What an expensive lesson.
    • just tested it yesterday, a simple page with autoloading ADS takes 60mb....just 1 page for 60 megabytes.   poor people with a limited internet never will visit neolose
    • Tor Browser 15.0.17 by Razvan Serea Protect your privacy. Defend yourself against network surveillance and traffic analysis. Tor is a network of virtual tunnels that allows people and groups to improve their privacy and security on the Internet. The Tor software protects you by bouncing your communications around a distributed network of relays run by volunteers all around the world: it prevents somebody from watching your Internet connection and learning what sites you visit, it prevents the sites you visit from learning your physical location, and it lets you access sites which are blocked. The Tor Browser Bundle lets you use Tor on Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux without needing to install any software. It can run off a USB flash drive, comes with a pre-configured web browser to protect your anonymity, and is self-contained. Tor Browser 15.0.17 changelog: All Platforms Updated Tor to 0.4.9.11 Updated NoScript to 13.6.25.1984 Build System / All Platforms Bug tor-browser-build#41821: Update gpg subkeys for boklm Bug tor-browser-build#41827: Update morgan's keychain with renewed key Download: Tor Browser (64-bit) | Tor Browser (32-bit) | 109.0 MB (Open Source) View: Tor Browser Website | Other Operating Systems Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Collagen Project earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Reacting Well
      Wakeen1966 earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Rookie
      Almohandis went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Apprentice
      jahara21 went up a rank
      Apprentice
    • Reacting Well
      NovaEdgeX earned a badge
      Reacting Well
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      526
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      265
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      146
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      99
    5. 5
      macoman
      55
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!