One of the many things that Windows’ automation features let you control on your computer is the device’s Automated Shutdown feature. Using that, you can schedule the shutdown so that it switches off your PC at any specific time.
In case you didn’t know this already, configuring the auto-shutdown option on a Windows PC is fairly simple and quick. Actually, there are several ways to get this done successfully, and we’ve provided all the necessary instructions in this article to guide you. So, keep reading and feel free to choose whatever method you find most convenient.
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Set up Automatic Shutdown Using the Run Feature
The most efficient and easiest approach to make a schedule for your computer to shut down automatically is to use Run. Let’s say you want it to do so after 30 minutes.
Basically, all you have to do is type a command into the Run dialog box, and your computer will shut down when the selected time period is through.
Follow these easy steps to get this done:
- To open the Run dialog box, press the Win + R keys.
- Enter the command after typing it into the box. Make sure you substitute your own time for 1800 seconds.
- When the amount of time in seconds selected has passed, your computer will shut down.
Keep in mind that the Run command process measures time in seconds rather than minutes. Use 600 seconds, for instance, if you wish to shut off in 10 minutes. Use 36,000 to set your computer to turn off in 10 hours. The important thing is to always remember to add the time in seconds rather than minutes; the decision about the length of time till shutdown is always yours to make.
Set up Automatic Shutdown Using Command Prompt
You can also utilize the Command Prompt to create a shutdown schedule for your computer if you’re a Command Prompt person and would rather use it in place of the Run feature for your tasks.
To shut down your computer automatically via this method:
- Press the Win and R keys simultaneously.
- Next, type “CMD” into the area on your screen, then click on “Enter.” A Command Prompt window will open. Enter the command “shutdown -s -t 1800ow” when the Command Prompt window appears, being careful to change 1800 seconds to the duration you wish to use.
As with the first method, you’ll also need to make sure to add the specified shutdown time in seconds rather than minutes.
Schedule Automatic Shutdown Using Task Scheduler
You may have noticed that the two techniques we’ve described above do assist you in shutting down your computer automatically by adding seconds, but you are unable to set a precise time and day for the shutdown. For instance, how can you get your computer to shut down every night at 9PM?
The Task Scheduler on your PC can prove quite useful in this situation. It allows you to set recurring schedules as well as shutdown schedules for any selected date and time. Using this method, you can use the software to set your computer to turn off whenever you want every day or night.
Follow these steps to set up automatic shutdown with your Task Scheduler:
- To find Task Scheduler, use the Cortana search bar. When it displays in the search results, click on it.
- As soon as the utility opens, you’ll be able to choose from a number of options. In the right sidebar, locate the one that reads “Create Basic Task” and click it to launch it.
- The name and details of the intended task will be requested on the screen that follows. As long as it is clear what the task is for, you can give it any name. then move on by clicking Next.
- Your task will now ask you when you want it to run. You can select your options based on whether you want a repeat task. Select One time and then click Next at the bottom if you only want to run the task once.
- The task’s start time can now be set. On the day and at the time you set, your computer will shut down on its own. Fill in the information using the time and calendar boxes, then click Next to proceed.
- When the task runs, you will be prompted to choose an action. Click Next after selecting the “Start a program” option.
- On this page, you must select the shutdown utility. You can browse your files by clicking the Browse button.
- Go to C:\Windows\System32\, locate “shutdown.exe,” and then double-click it.
- Actually, the shutdown tool needs a “argument” before it can shut down your computer. To switch off your system and prevent the utility from performing any additional actions, such as rebooting your PC or putting it to sleep, type “-s” into the Add arguments area. then move on by clicking Next.
- You should be viewing the task’s last screen at this point. Verify that everything is in order, then click Finish to complete the shutdown schedule creation.
Your Task Scheduler task will be automatically activated at the time and date you specify, thus shutting down your computer. Make sure you aren’t using your computer when it is about to shut off or you run the danger of losing your work.
Set Automatic Shutdown Using a Third-Party App – Sleep Timer
Although Task Scheduler does the job, making shutdown schedules is not the simplest task. As you can see, before your task is complete, you’ll have to navigate through a number of panels for each schedule generation.
A third-party software could be useful if you don’t want to waste your time on this and would rather do it quickly.
You could try Sleep Timer, a free portable Windows PC tool that enables you to turn off your computer at a specified time without having to navigate through a number of screens. It only includes a single screen where you’ll be able to set your preferences, after which your schedule will be prepared.
- Double-clicking the downloaded program will launch it on your PC.
- You’ll see several options for shutting down your computer on the main screen. For your system to switch off at the time you specify, you must configure it as follows:
- Choose Time for Mode
- Select Shutdown for Action
- For “Perform action at,” pick the time you wish your PC to shut down.
Afterward, select the play icon to begin the action. It will display how long your computer has left before shutting down.
In summary, turning off your computer whenever you want doesn’t have to be a hassle; you can simply enable automatic shutdown via any of the methods we’ve described above.
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