How to make computer shut down on a timer in Windows?

Question

Issue: How to make computer shut down on a timer in Windows?

Hello. Is there a way to program a Windows computer to shut down automatically after a certain time?

Solved Answer

Sometimes, users may want to take advantage of the automatic shutdown in Windows. Even though the computer usually goes into sleep mode[1] after some period of inactivity, it is best to shut it down for longer breaks. Sleep mode uses very little power, RAM,[2] the PC starts up faster, and users do not lose any work progress.

However, leaving it on sleep mode longer can be quite draining and not environmentally friendly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it is recommended that you put your computer into sleep mode if you are not going to be using it for more than 20 minutes. It is also recommended that you shut down your computer if you are not going to use it for more than two hours.[3]

That is why in that case, users can schedule a sleep timer shutdown in Windows. This can be done in several different ways. People can use the command prompt, the run dialog box, a desktop shortcut, or the Task Scheduler application to perform it. In this guide, you will find 4 methods to make computer shut down on a timer in Windows. We will also show you how to cancel the sleep shutdown command.

How to make computer shut down on a timer in Windows

Method 1. Use the Command Prompt

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  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run the dialog box
  • Type cmd and hit Enter
  • Type in the following command, and hit Enter:

Shutdown -s -t 3000

Use the Command Prompt

  • -s is giving the command to shut down and -t is the number of seconds, you want it to wait
  • You can change the timing to your own liking

Method 2. Use the Run box

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  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run the dialog box
  • Type shutdown -s -t and the number of seconds you need
  • Select OK

Use the Run box

Method 3. Use a Desktop Shortcut

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  • Go to your Desktop and right-click anywhere
  • Select New, and then Shortcut

Use a Desktop Shortcut

  • Type in the command Shutdown -s -t 3600 and click on Next

Use a Desktop Shortcut2

  • Give the shortcut a name and click on Finish
  • A shortcut will be created on your Desktop

Method 4. Use Task Scheduler to Set up Regular Shutdowns

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  • Open the Task Scheduler by typing Schedule into the Windows search box
  • Go to Actions and choose Create Basic Task
  • In the Name and Description boxes, enter a name and description of your task and click Next
  • In the Create Basic Task Wizard window, select a Trigger and go to the Next window

Use Task Scheduler to Set up Regular Shutdowns

  • Enter the dates and times as needed using the prompts from the Wizard
  • In the Action window, select Start a program and click Next
  • In the Start a Program window, use the Browse button to select the shutdown program on your computer. It might be named shutdown.exe or some other form of shutdown, depending on your computer

Use Task Scheduler to Set up Regular Shutdowns2

  • After you have selected the shutdown file, select Open
  • In the Start a Program window, select Next
  • In the Summary window, select Finish

Cancel the Sleep Shutdown Command in Windows

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  • Go to your Desktop and right-click anywhere
  • Select New, and then Shortcut
  • Type in the following command:

Shutdown -a

Cancel the Sleep Shutdown Command in Windows

  • Type the name for this shortcut and click on Finish

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About the author
Ugnius Kiguolis
Ugnius Kiguolis - The problem solver

Ugnius Kiguolis is the founder and editor-in-chief of UGetFix. He is a professional security specialist and malware analyst who has been working in IT industry for over 20 years.

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