Auto shutdown of the computer is not only necessary, but also very practical. You can use this mode when you do not need to worry about manually shutting down the system, in many situations. For example, shutting down the computer without user intervention may be required at the end of the update installation process, at the end of downloading files from the same torrent trackers, after optimizing the system, closing virus scanning programs, and simply when you turned on any music at night, but you feel that you can fall asleep, you don’t feel like leaving the computer on when the album is playing, and then getting up is just too lazy. About how to configure the computer to turn off automatically, and then we will talk. You can do this in several ways, among which the main ones are:
- setting the current power scheme (laptop only);
- using a special command in the Run console or on the command line;
- task creation in the "Task Scheduler";
- the use of timer programs;
- Setting automatic shutdown in other applications.
Power Configuration
The first to consider a method that, although very conditional, can still be attributed to the automatic shutdown of a Windows computer on board. True, the proposed option is used exclusively for laptops.
Its essence is to go to the installation of power parameters and use the item to configure actions when closing the lid in the menu on the left. As already clear, there is no cover on stationary PCs, so this method is not applicable. In the options you need to set the shutdown.
Note: you can make a similar setting when choosing the parameters of the current power scheme, only the options should be set in a special window with a list of actions.
Of course, auto-shutdown of the computer in Windows 10 or in another similar system will be performed immediately after closing the laptop cover. But you do not need to go to the shutdown menu or use hotkey combinations.
How to configure automatic shutdown of a computer with Windows 7 or with another modification of the system on board in the simplest way?
It goes without saying that the previous method is convenient. But what if the PC or laptop shuts down at a certain moment, for example, after one hour, starting from the current moment? In this case, the parameters can be adjusted using the system’s own resources.
Auto shutdown of a computer in Windows 7 or in systems earlier or later, which in this case is absolutely unimportant, can be set either in the Run console (Win + R), or on the command line (cmd), or using the PowerShell tool called the same name team. In all three cases, the same string is used for execution.
Suppose that the computer automatically shuts down exactly one hour after activating this mode.
In the windows (fields) of the consoles, the shutdown - sft 3600 command is entered, in which the wait time is set in seconds (in our case 1 hour = 3600 seconds).
After a command is issued for execution, a minute before the end of the specified time interval, the system will issue a warning that it will shut down soon, which will allow the user, for example, to save important changes in editable documents or simply close all programs, since they will be forced to shut down when shut down.
Setting auto shutdown using a .bat file
The above example allows you to automatically turn off the computer only once for one given command. If you liked this method, it can be improved a little for continuous use.
To do this, launch the standard “Notepad”, enter the above text in the window, save the file with a manual indication of the BAT extension, select “All files” in the object type and place it, for example, on the “Desktop”. After starting the file with a double click, a command console will appear in which you will need to enter the time interval in seconds and press the enter button. The result will be completely identical to the previous example.
Using the Task Scheduler
The Windows built-in tool in the form of a “Task Scheduler” is also easy to set up, although it takes a little longer, but it allows you to configure not only a one-time, but also a constant auto-shutdown of the computer at the same time. To access this tool, you can use the taskschd.msc command, and then select the library section and create a new simple task by clicking on the corresponding link in the menu on the right.
The following steps for setting the required parameters will be the following steps:
- entering the name of the task (for example, “Shutting down the computer”);
- choice of the frequency of action in the trigger settings;
- setting the desired response time;
- input of the executed command for the launched task (it is completely identical to the one that was described for the Run menu).
Special timers and widgets
Now a few words about third-party software developments, of which a great many have been created for Windows-systems. It makes no sense to list all of them, so let's focus on the most popular utilities.
Some of the easiest are small programs like Shutdown Timer or PowerOff. The first utility is terribly simple. In it, you just need to select the desired action and set the time for its execution.
The second utility has two advantages. Firstly, it does not require installation on the hard drive, since it is portable, and secondly, it has much more options (taking into account the number of days in a month, setting a schedule for the days of the week, turning on the countdown timer, etc.). Deal with the application of labor is not. In order not to deal with the description of all the features, just download the utility and run it for review.
Activate PC auto shutdown in other programs
As for the rest of the software, most narrowly targeted applications like torrent clients, downloaders, optimizers, driver updates, portable or full-time antiviruses, etc. have such tools at their disposal. Find them in the labor settings will not be (usually these are the items of completion, on which you need to check).
How to disable computer auto shutdown?
Now let's see how to cancel the installed commands and tasks, if for some reason automatic shutdown of the computer system is not required.
In the case of entering the shutdown command, it is necessary to use the shutdown line (during the waiting period, this command deactivates the one that was specified with the time to shutdown in seconds).
In the "Scheduler", the simplest method of deactivating a shutdown will be the usual deletion of the created task, although you can do without it.
If you still need to leave the created task, you can simply turn it off by choosing to change the trigger settings for this. Widgets and utilities can also be deactivated or simply deleted.
Which tools do you prefer?
But which of all this is best put into practice? Giving advice is hard enough. In principle, if you need full automation, it is best to use the PowerOff utility (not even the Scheduler). If it is necessary to disconnect with the indication of different time intervals (you never know when it may be required), do not be too lazy to create a BAT file, since when you start it you will determine the disconnection time yourself.