[Step-by-step Guide] How to Remotely Restart or Shut Down a PC
Knowing how to remotely restart a PC is essential for every user. There might come a time when you are accessing remotely your work computer and encountering a bug, or you are noticing a security issue. In most cases, a reboot might fix the issue, so learning how to remotely restart a computer will allow you to perform the task in no time.
In this article, we will show you the more efficient ways that teach you how to remotely restart or shut down a PC regardless of your physical location.
Part 1. Remote Restart/Shut Down a Computer with PowerShell
The first effective method to learn how to remotely restart a PC is to use PowerShell commands. Apart from restarting, you can also use this method to shut down a remote computer, and even a group of computers.
Before we explain this method though, it is important to explain that PowerShell is a cross-platform task automation tool. It consists of a command-line shell, a scripting language, and a configuration management framework. The good thing about PowerShell is that it runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, offering you great flexibility.
Below, we will explain how to remotely restart a computer with PowerShell, and explore all of your available options.
- Step 1.Find the Windows PowerShell on your computer.
- Step 2.Load the tool to type the commands you need to either restart or shutdown a computer remotely.
- Step 3.Then, type the appropriate command and tap Enter.
The commands that you need to know to restart and shutdown a PC with PowerShell are the following:
- Restart a computer: Restart-Computer -ComputerName COMPUTER_NAME -Force
- Restart several computers that you have added to a particular list: restart-computer (get-content c:\work\computers.txt)
- Shutdown a computer: Stop-Computer -ComputerName COMPUTER_NAME -Force
- Shutdown two or more computers: Stop-Computer -ComputerName “Server01”, “Server02”,…
It is important to know that the COMPUTER_NAME we have included above is either the NETBIOS name, IP address, or FQDN of the remote computer, so use whichever you have available.
Part 2. Remote Restart/Shut Down a PC with Remote Desktop
Apart from the above method, you can also use the Microsoft Remote Desktop tool, Chrome Remote Desktop, and any third-party remote desktop software you might already be using. In this section, we will explain all of these methods in simple steps.
1With Microsoft Remote Desktop
The first tool that you can use to learn how to remotely shutdown a PC is the Microsoft Remote Desktop app. RDP is a simple-to-use tool that is available for free for all users. Therefore, you can establish a remote connection and take control of the remote computer to restart or shut it down.
This is how to remotely restart and shut down a PC with Microsoft Remote Desktop:
- Step 1.Search for “Remote Desktop Connection” or “RDP” on your computer’s search bar. Click “Open” to launch it.
- Step 2.Type the IP address or computer name of the computer you want to reboot or shutdown. At this stage, you can also set a user name. However, you can still establish a connection even without setting one.
- Step 3.Click the “Connect” button and wait for a few seconds. When the connection has been established, you will need to type the username and password.
- Step 4.Now, you will be able to see the remote computer’s screen and use its keyboard and mouse remotely. Use your mouse to shut down or restart the PC.
2Chrome Remote Desktop
The next tool that you can use to learn how to remotely shutdown a PC is Chrome Remote Desktop. This is a built-in feature, available to all Google Chrome users, therefore you can use it from any device that you have this browser installed into.
However, before you can use this method, you must first complete a couple of steps:
- Step 1.Go to remotedesktop.google.com/access from your Google Chrome browser.
- Step 2.Go to the “Remote access” section and download and install the Chrome Remote Host Service.
- Step 3.Name your computer and set a 6-digit PIN that you must remember later on.
The steps for rebooting or shutting down a computer with Chrome Remote Desktop are the following:
- Step 1.On Google Chrome, go to remotedesktop.google.com/access
- Step 2.On the “Remote access” section, you will find the device that you have already set up.
- Step 3.Click on the device, and type the PIN.
- Step 4.Now that you have access to the computer remotely, you can click on the Home icon to either reboot or shut it down.
3Other Remote Desktop Software
The above two are very efficient tools for both restarting and shutting down a PC. Nevertheless, they are not the only apps that you can use for the purpose. In fact, you can learn how to remotely restart PC through a third-party app. Right now, some of the most well-known remote desktop tools allow you to take full control of the target computer and even shut it down.
For example, TeamViewer, LogMeIn, AnyDesk, and AnyViewer among others. Find the one that works best for you to start using it for remote access to a computer, including rebooting and shutting it down.
The Bottom Line
By following one of the above methods, you have learned how to remotely restart PC. This task becomes easier than ever before if you already own a dependable third-party remote desktop tool.
FAQs about Remote Restart/Shut Down a Computer
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