How do you create a shortcut to shut down your PC from the desktop?

Turning off your PC with a single click can be particularly useful, whether to save time or automate certain tasks. Rather than using the Start menu or a keyboard shortcut, you can create a shortcut directly on the desktop that will instantly shut down your computer. This quick and easy method lets you execute the shutdown command with a single click, without any additional navigation.

Create a desktop shortcut to shut down your PC

A desktop shortcut to instantly shut down your computer can be very useful, whether to simplify the shutdown process or automate certain actions. This step-by-step guide shows you how to create such a shortcut in Windows.

Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.

Select New then Shortcut.

In the window that opens, a field entitled “Enter element location” appears.

Enter the following command:

shutdown -s -t 0

• shutdown: command for managing PC shutdown and restart.
• -s: indicates that the computer should shut down.
• -t 0: means immediate stop (0 seconds delay).

Click on Next.

Give your shortcut a name, e.g. Shut down PC.

Click on Finish.

You now have a functional button for shutting down your PC.

Customize the shortcut icon to shut down your PC from the desktop

By default, the shortcut will use a standard icon. To make it more recognizable :

Right-click on the newly created shortcut.

Select Properties.

Click on Change icon in the Shortcut tab.

A warning window may appear, click OK.

Choose a suitable icon (for example, a stop icon) or import your own .ico file.

Click OK, then Apply to validate changes.

Congratulations, you now have a nice, functional icon for shutting down your PC from the Windows desktop.

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