This article shows how to restart a networked computer remotely (ie using a second machine) using the Windows "Command Prompt". It should be noted that it is not possible to restart a Windows computer remotely using the "Command Prompt" if it has not been correctly configured to allow this operation. Also, it is not possible to restart a computer that is not connected to the same local network as the one you are using.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Enable Remote Reboot
Step 1. Physically log into the computer you intend to reboot remotely
Before a network machine can be shut down or rebooted remotely, it must be configured so that it can be done.
Step 2. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Step 3. Type in the keyword services
The Windows "Services" program will search your computer.
Step 4. Click the Services icon
It features a gear and is visible at the top of the "Start" menu. The "Services" window will appear.
If the indicated icon does not appear in the list, type the keyword services.msc in the "Start" menu to force it to appear
Step 5. Scroll through the list of services that appeared to locate and select the Remote Registry entry
Since the list is sorted in alphabetical order, the service indicated is visible in the section dedicated to the letter "R". Click the option Remote registry to highlight it.
Step 6. Press the "Properties" button
It is located at the top of the window, below the menu View, and it has a gray folder icon. The "Properties" window of the chosen service will be displayed.
Step 7. Access the "Startup Type" drop-down menu
It is located in the center of the "General" tab of the "Properties" window. A list of options will be displayed.
Step 8. Choose the Automatic item
It is one of the options visible within the drop-down menu that appeared.
Step 9. Press the OK button
It is located at the bottom of the window. This will enable the ability to restart your computer remotely.
Part 2 of 4: Enable Remote Computer Restart within the Windows Firewall
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
Make sure you perform this procedure using the computer you want to reboot remotely.
Step 2. Type the keyword firewall
Windows' "Windows Defender Firewall" program will search your computer.
Step 3. Click the Windows Defender Firewall icon
It is characterized by the image of a small brick wall flanked by a terrestrial globe. It should appear at the top of the "Start" menu.
Step 4. Select the Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall link
It is located in the upper left of the window. You will see a list of all allowed apps and computer features.
Step 5. Press the Change Settings button
It is located in the upper right corner of the pane where the firewall rules are listed. By pressing it, you will have the option to change the Windows firewall settings.
Step 6. Scroll through the list of firewall rules to locate and select the "Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)" entry
It is displayed towards the end of the list of apps and features.
Step 7. Select the check button to the left of "Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)"
If the computer you are using is connected to a public network, you will also need to select the "Public" check button located to the right of the "Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)" item
Step 8. Press the OK button
It is located in the lower right part of the window. This way, your computer's firewall will no longer block remote access requests.
Part 3 of 4: Finding a Windows Computer Name
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
Make sure you perform this procedure using the computer you want to reboot remotely and not the one you will send the command from.
Step 2. Open a new "File Explorer" window by clicking the icon
It features a small folder and is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu.
Step 3. Click the entry This PC
It is visible in the left sidebar of the "File Explorer" window, characterized by a monitor-shaped icon.
Step 4. Go to the Computer tab of the ribbon in the "File Explorer" window
It is located in the upper left part of the latter. A new toolbar will appear.
Step 5. Press the Properties button
It features a white rectangular icon with a red check mark inside it. It should be the first available option starting from the left. A new computer properties window will appear.
Step 6. Make a note of the name of your computer
It is displayed under the entry titled "Computer Name" visible in the "Computer Name, Domain and Workgroup Settings" section.
Be careful to make a note of the computer name exactly as it appears on the screen
Part 4 of 4: Perform Remote Reboot Via Command Prompt
Step 1. Log in to another computer connected to the same network
You will need to use a user account that is also the system administrator and the computer must be connected to the same local network to which the machine you want to reboot remotely is connected.
Step 2. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Step 3. Type the keywords command prompt, then press Enter
It will search your computer for the Windows "Command Prompt" program.
Step 4. Type the command shutdown / i in the "Command Prompt" window and press the Enter key
A dialog box will appear from which you can restart the remote computer.
Step 5. Press the Add… button
It is located in the upper right part of the appeared window. A new dialog will appear.
Step 6. Type the name of the remote computer you want to restart
Enter the exact name of the computer you want to reboot remotely in the text field that appears.
If you have not yet made a note of the name of the network machine you want to reboot remotely, do so now, as it is basic information to be able to continue
Step 7. Press the OK button
It is located at the bottom of the window.
Step 8. Set the command to remotely reboot the target machine
Access the "Choose one of the following options:" menu and select the item Restart.
If you wish, you can also select the option to send a warning message to the user who is currently using the computer to be restarted, before the restart command is executed. You can also set the length of time the warning message will be visible (the default is 30 seconds)
Step 9. Press the OK button
It is located at the bottom of the page. In this way, the command will be sent to the target computer, which will be restarted according to the selected settings (immediately or after a specified number of seconds).
Advice
- If the computer you are trying to remotely reboot has a third-party anti-virus program or firewall, it may need to be disabled before the procedure can be successful.
- You can find the name of the computer by clicking on Start, then on Settings, System and finally on System Information.
