How to Set Automatic Shutdown in Windows System?

In this busy world, we are highly expecting the scheduled way of access in each & every work. With respect to that, this blog is to give an extensive solution for your most repeated question- “How can I schedule the shutdown in Windows 11?” Let’s get started…

  • There are various methods to implement a scheduled shutdown in Windows 11, that can automatically shut down your PC at your specified time.
  • Then, you can set a shutdown timer in Windows 11 by typing the command in Run or the Windows Terminal.
  • On the other hand, set using the desktop shortcut that starts a shutdown timer when you tap on it.
  • Eventually, you can also schedule a shutdown in Windows 11 by setting up an automated task using the Task Scheduler tool.

How can I schedule the shutdown in Windows 11?

Method 1: Schedule shutdown with Run

  • Initially, Press the keys like Windows key + X on your system.
  • Access through the Run option on the menu to proceed with window settings.
  • Mention the following shutdown timer command in the Open box: shutdown -s -t XXXX
  • Once specified, hit OK to set the timer. Windows 11 will shut down once after the number of seconds set by your timer command.

Note: You can either replace the XXXX in that command with a real numerical time value.

For example: Specifying an exact value of 1 would set Windows to shut down in one second.

Typing 3600 (In words-three thousand, six hundred seconds) will set Windows to shut down in an hour. The following are some values frequently used.

  • Two hours: shutdown -s -t 7200
  • Three hours: shutdown -s -t 10800
  • Four hours: shutdown -s -t 14400
  • Five hours: shutdown -s -t 18000
  • Six hours: shutdown -s -t 21600

Method 2: Schedule shutdown via Windows Terminal

  • To begin with, launch the search tool using the keys like Windows key + S on your system.
  • Then, you need to Input the keyword Windows Terminal inside the text box to locate the command-line app.
  • Just, right-click on the Windows Terminal and choose Run as an administrator using your context menu.
  • Find and Open a new tab button to get the menu.
  • Select the Command Prompt from the menu.
  • Type the command in the Prompt’s tab: shutdown -s -t XXXX
  • Finally, choose the Return key to arrange for the shutdown timer.

IMPORTANT NOTE: *Mention a time in seconds.

Method 3: Schedule shutdown with Task Scheduler

  • Try to launch the search utility and mention Task Scheduler within the search tool’s text box.
  • Next, try to choose the Task Scheduler to access through the utility’s window.
  • Select Create Basic Task on the right side of the Task Scheduler.
  • Further, mention the Scheduled Shutdown within the Name box, and tap the Next button.
  • Prefer a One-time option> Next option to proceed next.
  • Confirm the date and time for the PC to shut down at, and choose the Next option.
  • Pick the Start a program option> Next.
  • You need to press the Browse button to pick the shutdown.exe at: C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe
  • Further, pick the Open option.
  • Mention -s in the Add arguments box.
  • Finally, select the Next >Finish options to finish the scheduled task setup.

Method 4: Set up a shutdown timer desktop shortcut

  • First, you need to Right-click on the empty space on your desktop to choose the New and Folder options.
  • Type the shutdown timer command using the item location box: shutdown -s -t XXXX
  • Next, use the Next to proceed with the final step.
  • Mention the title for the shortcut in the text box, and choose the Finish option.
  • Finally, you can also use the Scheduled Shutdown shortcut on your desktop.