Windows 10 can schedule a one-time restart with the built-in shutdown command. This is useful when you want the computer to restart after a delay, such as after a download or unattended task finishes.
Schedule a restart with a countdown
- Open Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal.
- Enter
shutdown /r /t 3600to schedule a restart in one hour. - Press Enter. Windows should display a notification that a restart has been scheduled.
The number after /t is the delay in seconds. For example, 600 is 10 minutes and 1800 is 30 minutes. Save your work before the countdown expires because open applications may prevent a clean unattended workflow or you may lose unsaved work if a forced restart is used.
Cancel the scheduled restart
Before the countdown finishes, run shutdown /a. The /a option aborts a pending shutdown or restart.
Schedule a restart for a specific time
For a recurring or clock-time restart, Task Scheduler is more appropriate than a long countdown. Create a task with the desired trigger and configure it to start shutdown.exe with arguments such as /r /t 0. Use an account and privileges appropriate for the computer, and test the task before depending on it.
Do not schedule automatic restarts on a shared or production computer without considering active users and unsaved work. In an organization, use the administrator’s established device-management and maintenance-window tools instead.
Since standard free Windows 10 support ended in October 2025, computers that can run a supported Windows version should have migration included in their maintenance plans.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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