How to use Windows 11's Emergency Restart

Windows 11 includes an Emergency Restart method that can be triggered from the security screen. The technique was shared on the Sysadmin subreddit in 2022 by user '-Steets-', and some commenters say it dates back to Windows XP. To activate it, press CTRL + ALT + DEL, then hold down CTRL and click the power button in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

A message appears stating youre attempting an Emergency Restart: "Click OK to immediately restart. Any unsaved data will be lost." It also adds, "Use this only as a last resort." Click OK and the computer will shut down and restart. The method serves as an alternative to a hard reset — the closest thing to holding down the on/off button without actually pressing it.

Its useful when a PC is frozen and responds only to CTRL + ALT + DEL, and it can help on laptops that lack a physical power button. There appear to be no drawbacks; the writer tried it on a desktop and multiple laptops without issue.

windows 11, emergency restart, security screen, ctrl+alt+del, power button, hard reset, frozen pc, sysadmin subreddit, laptops, windows xp