October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Redmond desk3 min

How to Shut Down or Restart a Windows 10 or 11 PC Remotely

Windows includes command-line and PowerShell options for remotely shutting down or restarting a PC. Learn the commands, required permissions, and how to troubleshoot connection failures.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You can remotely shut down or restart a Windows PC with built-in tools: use shutdown.exe for a quick command, or PowerShell when you need credentials, scripting, or to wait for a restart. The target computer must be reachable, and your account must have permission to shut it down. These commands do not make a PC accessible over the public internet by themselves.

Shut down or restart a remote PC with shutdown.exe

On the computer you are using to send the command, open Command Prompt or PowerShell. Replace PC-NAME with the target computer’s resolvable name, then run the appropriate command:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Shut down after 60 seconds: shutdown /s /m \PC-NAME /t 60
  • Restart after 60 seconds: shutdown /r /m \PC-NAME /t 60

The /m \PC-NAME argument identifies the remote computer; /s means shut down, /r means restart, and /t 60 sets a 60-second delay. Microsoft documents optional /c comments and /d reason codes in its shutdown command reference.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use /f only when you intend to force running applications to close: unsaved work may be lost. If you set a timeout, verify the target-specific syntax before relying on cancellation; shutdown /a is documented to cancel a pending shutdown during its timeout, but do not assume that a local cancellation command will cancel a remote computer’s operation.

#1 Best Overall
Pepper Jobs Fly Mouse for W10/W11 HTPC, 2.4GHz Air Mouse Remote Control
  • 【World 1st Remote Control for W11/W10】As world's 1st GYRO air mouse remote controller designed for W11 OS, W10 air remote mouse's shortcut buttons and hotkeys are fully optimized for W 11/W10
  • 【Backlit LEDs Everywhere】This PC remote has full QWERTY keyboard with double-sided backlit LEDs (contains a power saving timer that automatically turns off the LEDs after 5 seconds without action). Favorable for you using in the dark
  • 【3-in-1 Control Design】W10 PC remote control can work as a TV remote, mouse and keyboard, making your life more convenient. A switching key easily changes it from TV remote into mouse/keyboard
  • 【IR Learning】W10 GYRO remote controller can learn up to 34 keys from your TV IR remote. It's convenient to control your devices in 1 remote, Please watch our videos or read user manual to know more details on how to use IR learning function
  • 【Plug and Play】W10 Bluetooth PC remote has the operating distance up to 10 meters. Plug USB port accessory into your device to turn on the Bluetooth function. No driver installation is needed. Our product have a 12-month warranty. Please feel free to contact our customer service

Use PowerShell for credentials, scripts, or restart checks

From PowerShell, run one of these commands with the remote computer’s name, IP address, or fully qualified domain name:

  • Stop-Computer -ComputerName 'PC-NAME' shuts it down.
  • Restart-Computer -ComputerName 'PC-NAME' restarts it.

Microsoft’s cmdlet documentation describes the available computer-name and credential parameters: Stop-Computer and Restart-Computer. If you need to use a different authorized account, supply it with -Credential and follow the prompt.

Rank #2
Rii Mini i25 Wireless Fly Mouse Keyboard and Remote Control
  • Multifunction, Wireless Mini QWERTY Keyboard & IR remote & Fly Mouse Combo, with USB interface receiver . Generally, this keyboard works well on smart TV. But different smart TVs have diverse systems,especially Samsung smart TV. so we can't make sure it is compatible with any system.:) Before you place order . Try the common wired keyboard and mouse on your smart TV.If the keyboard and mouse all work well, this keyboard-mouse combo can,too.
  • Built-in advanced lithium-ion battery, energy-efficient.support USB charge,when press and drag at the same time,if the mouse freezes for a couple of seconds,you can use the USB extension cable on your device . You can use it for emails,to enjoy your favorite games. It is compatible with HTPC,TV BOX running Android systems
  • Innovative Shape,Portable, elegant, Perfect for PC, Pad, Android Tv Box, Google TV Box, Xbox 360, PS3, HTPC, IPTV.Not work with the amazon fire tv stick !
  • In any circumstance, it does a good job! 1. Press the SET button for more than 4 seconds, the yellow LED will blink once and lit. 2. Align the Rii remote IR Light with the original remote IR Light. (note: distance less than 7cm). Then, press the key to be programmed, LED indicator will flash twice and be on, which means the key is ready for programming. 3. Press the key to be programmed in the original remote. Rii remote LED will flash three times and be on, indicating the programming is complet
  • Repeat steps 2-4 and finish the programming for other keys. 5. Press Set or leave it without any operation 10 seconds. Rii remote will exit programming mode. Note: The remote control can only support a remote control.

To wait for a restart and for WinRM to become available again, use Restart-Computer -ComputerName 'PC-NAME' -Wait -For WinRM -Timeout 300. This wait depends on the target’s configuration and management service returning within the timeout. Avoid -Force unless you accept the consequences of forcing applications to close and potentially losing unsaved work.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Know which remote-management path you are using

These commands do not all rely on the same connection method. In particular, Restart-Computer -ComputerName uses RPC and does not depend on PowerShell remoting. PowerShell remoting, by contrast, sends remote commands using WinRM/WS-Management. Enabling WinRM is therefore not a universal prerequisite for every remote restart method; it is required when you choose the remoting path. Microsoft explains the distinction in its remoting requirements and PowerShell remoting overview.

Rank #3
Rii MX3 2.4G Fly Mouse Mini Wireless Keyboard Infrared Remote Control
  • 3 in 1: 2.4G wireless Keyboard and mouse, 6-Axis Somatosensory and Infrared remote control,how to repair,please insert enclosed the dongle into your device's USB port;pairing will be completed once you can see and move mouse cursor on the screen,if pairing was unsuccessfull,press the OK key and TV key at the same time,your device should now be connected;
  • Compatible with Google Android Smart TV/Box,IPTV,Networked set-top Box,Mini PC,HTPC,Windows,PCTV, Projector etc,please note,this is a universal controller,it is normal that few keys might not be applicable to your device ;
  • Plug and play,Motion sensor allows mouse to be controlled by waving the remote.transmission distance up to 10 meters,operating experience with the current best 2.4GHz wireless technology,3-Gyro + 3-Gsensor, convenient to operate in horizontal and vertical mode for games and typing;
  • Features IR learning: it can learn up to 5 keys on your TV IR remote,there are 5 keys that can learn TV remote keys:the Power key and four color keys as showed in product diagram,Please be noted your TV remote has to support NEC protocol for learning,this procedure can be performed repeatedly until finished all learnging;
  • Professional customer service team, all these promise you a happy purchase. We will be appreciated for contacting us seller first when you meet any question
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Check these prerequisites if the command fails

  • Target is online and reachable: Confirm it is powered on, connected to the relevant network, and that the name or address resolves and can be reached from the controlling computer.
  • Your account is authorized on the target: The shutdown command requires the “Shut down the system” user right; Microsoft’s Restart-Computer documentation also specifies the SeShutdownPrivilege requirement. Being an administrator on the computer sending the command does not by itself establish permission on the target. See Microsoft’s shutdown reference and Restart-Computer reference.
  • Selected management path is configured: If using PowerShell remoting, the target must be configured to receive remote commands, with WinRM running and a listener. Microsoft documents Enable-PSRemoting and remoting troubleshooting.
  • Firewall and network profile permit the connection: WinRM’s documented defaults are HTTP port 5985 and HTTPS port 5986. Rules and network location determine whether connections are allowed. Microsoft warns that “The firewall rule for public networks is meant to protect the computer from potentially malicious external connection attempts.” Do not broadly expose remote-management ports or disable the firewall to work around a failure. See Microsoft’s WinRM security considerations.

For an access-denied response, check the credentials and shutdown rights first. For a connection error, check reachability and then the configuration, listener, firewall rule, and network profile for the method you selected. Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers can also be subject to organization-specific policies, so settings may differ between networks.

Rank #4
Sale
iPazzPort Mini Air Mouse Remote with Keyboard - 7-Color Backlit
  • 【Broad Compatibility + Dual-Mode】Air Mouse Keyboard with 2.4GHz & Bluetooth dual-mode, widely compatible with Smart Android TV Boxes, PC Laptops & Projectors for seamless multimedia use. Note: Limited compatibility with devices using proprietary software (e.g., LG/Samsung smart TVs). Test with a wired keyboard first.)
  • 【6-Axis Precision】6-Axis Gyroscope Sensor delivers lag-free, accurate control for this air mouse remote with keyboard, with ergonomic single-handed operation for browsing and media selection
  • 【Light-Press Buttons + Vibrant Backlight】Air Mouse Keyboard features with light press force, fast response, and easy input. 7-color RGB backlight ensures clear keys in the dark for effortless typing.
  • 【One IR Learning key】Power is a blank button and needs to be learned before working, which allows you to freely learn basic functions (Power, Channel, volume, and mute etc) in your TV. Powered by 2 x AAA batteries (NOT included) with long-lasting battery life.
  • 【Quality Guaranteed + Support】This ipazzport remote comes with a worry-free warranty and dedicated customer support, ensuring reliable use of your air mouse keyboard for everyday multimedia needs.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.