How can I remotely reboot or shutdown Windows while using Remote Desktop Connection? The following simple solution covers the process of rebooting a machine from a remote location or shutting down a remote computer. The process assumes your using Microsoft's (RDC) or "Remote Desktop Connection". By default, Windows Remote Desktop Connection only enables a user to disconnect or log off. This solution will allow you to Shutdown or Reboot that remote PC.
How to Remotely Shutdown or Reboot Windows
To remotely shutdown or reboot a Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Vista computer;
- Click Start from the taskbar
- From the "Start Search" box type one of the following commands and press Enter:
shutdown -f to shutdown shutdown -r -f to reboot shutdown -i -f to display the Shutdown Dialog Menu
To remotely shutdown or reboot a Windows XP computer;
- Click Start > Run from the taskbar
- Type one of the following commands and click OK:
shutdown -f to shutdown shutdown -r -f to reboot shutdown -i -f to display the Shutdown Dialog Menu