How to Shut Down a Computer

Familiarize yourself with your computer to learn exactly how it shuts down. While the process is nearly always the same, there may be slight variances of which you should be aware. Learning to properly shut down your computer will help you avoid losing important information.

Instructions

Shut Down Windows

1. Close any applications you have running, such as your email or instant messaging service, by clicking the "X" in the upper-right corner of each program page.

2. Left-click your mouse on the Start button, typically found in the bottom-left corner of your computer screen.

3. Highlight the option to "Shut Down" and left-click your mouse again to initiate the proper shutdown process.

4. Wait until your computer logs you off of any applications, your computer screen goes blank and the power light turns off before you turn off your monitor or close your laptop.

Shut Down a Mac

1. Click on "Finder" at the top of your computer screen to access a drop-down menu. It's typically found next to the Apple icon.

2. Highlight the "Shut Down" option from the drop-down menu.

3. Allow your computer the time it needs to completely shut down before you close the lid on your laptop or remove the power supply from your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't shut down your computer properly, turn it off by holding the power button down for several moments. Wait 15 minutes before turning it back on.

• If an application is not responding, press "Control," "Alt" and "Delete" to run the Task Manager. The Task Manager will let you close a program that's not responding. Once that's done, you should be able to complete your shutdown.

• You can also use a keyboard shortcut by hitting "Control" and "Eject" to get you to a dialog box from which you can select "Restart," "Sleep" or "Shut Down."