How to Turn PCs off & on Remotely Through a Network

Shutting down computers remotely through a network, using command prompt, allows the user to shut down all machines across the network. With this ability the administrator or user can save valuable time powering down computers in a lab, library or business with one command instead of approaching each PC and manually powering down. The process involves typing certain command letters in the command prompt application of Windows and having access to the user name and password, if applicable.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and type "cmd" in the search box. Double-click the "cmd" program shortcut. The Command Prompt window displays on screen.

2. Type "shutdown -s -m \\(name of computer) -t (time before shutdown)" on the command prompt screen and press the "Enter" key on your keyboard.

   In the example, "shutdown -s -m \\desktop -t 45 -c Finish work now before shutdown," [desktop] would be the name of the computer and [45] is how long before the computer shutdowns. [-c] is the property for adding a comment such as the one "Finish work now before shutdown."

3. Type "shutdown -a" if you want to cancel a given shutdown procedure only if the counter has yet to reach zero.

Tips & Warnings

• When connecting to another computer you might be asked to log into the machine with a user name and password.

• Typing the shutdown command directly into the Run dialog box is not advisable. If there is a typo you will not be informed of the typo.

References

• Samanathon: Windows Tip: Shutdown Your Computer With The Command Prompt