Shutting Down Your Computer

WINV2.1.2, WINV-2.1.3

When you finish working on your computer, you need to make sure to turn off, or shut down, your computer properly. This involves several steps: saving and closing all open files, closing all open windows, exiting all running programs, shutting down Windows itself, and finally, turning off the computer. However, if you shut down your computer before or while installing Windows updates (download must be complete), Windows will automatically complete the install before shutting down, so you don’t have to wait around. Shutting down your computer makes sure Windows and all its related programs are properly closed; this avoids potential problems starting and working with Windows in the future. If you turn off the computer by pushing the power switch while Windows or other programs are running, you could lose important data.

Shut Down Your Computer

Click the Start button, and then point to the arrow next to the Lock button.

Click the option you want:

• Restart. Exits Windows Vista and restarts the computer.
  
  
• Sleep. Switches the computer to low-power mode and maintains your session.
  
  
• Hibernate. Saves your session, exits Windows, and then restores your session the next time you start Windows.
  
  
• Shut Down. Exits Windows Vista and prepares the computer to be turned off.
  
  

[View full size image]

Important:

Options vary depending on Windows settings.