How do I set up a timed shutdown in Windows 10?

I’ve been using my Windows 10 PC for various tasks and sometimes need it to shut down automatically after a certain period. Whether it’s for saving energy, preventing my computer from running all night, or simply scheduling it to power off after completing certain downloads or backups, I want to know the best way to set up a timed shutdown in Windows 10.
I’ve come across a few methods, like using the command prompt, creating a shortcut, or utilizing Task Scheduler, but I’m unsure which one would work best for my needs. I also wonder if there’s any built-in feature or tool in Windows 10 that simplifies this process. Moreover, I’d like to understand the steps clearly so that I can apply this on my own without needing advanced technical support. Could someone provide an explanation or step-by-step guide on how to achieve this?
6 Answers

Advanced users might prefer using PowerShell for more complex, automated tasks:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
- Create a new scheduled task trigger with
$shutdown = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -At 11pm -Daily
(modify parameters as needed). - Register the scheduled task using
Register-ScheduledTask -Action (New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute 'shutdown.exe' -Argument '/s /f /t 0') -Trigger $shutdown -TaskName 'DailyShutdown'
.
This approach leverages PowerShell’s capabilities for detailed task automation.

You can use the command prompt to quickly set up a timed shutdown. It’s easy and doesn’t require any additional software. Here’s how:
- Open Command Prompt by typing ‘cmd’ into the search bar and pressing Enter.
- Type
shutdown -s -t XXXX
and press Enter. ReplaceXXXX
with the number of seconds you want the timer to run. For example,shutdown -s -t 3600
will shut down the computer in 1 hour.
This method is straightforward for those who are comfortable using the command prompt.

Creating a desktop shortcut is another straightforward approach:
- Right-click on an empty space on your desktop, select New, then Shortcut.
- Type
shutdown.exe -s -t XXXX
(replaceXXXX
with your preferred delay in seconds) in the location field. - Click Next, give the shortcut a name like ‘Shutdown Timer’, and click Finish.
- Double-clicking this shortcut will start the shutdown timer.
This method is convenient and easy to set up.

If you prefer using a graphical interface, Task Scheduler in Windows 10 offers a flexible way to schedule shutdowns without keeping any windows open:
- Open Task Scheduler from the Start menu.
- Click ‘Create Basic Task’ on the right pane.
- Name the task and add a description. Click Next.
- Choose the trigger type (daily, one time, etc.), then click Next.
- Set the start date and time and click Next.
- Select ‘Start a program’ and click Next.
- In the ‘Program/script’ box, type
shutdown
, and in the ‘Add arguments’ box, type-s
. Click Next. - Review your settings and click Finish.
This method is perfect for scheduling recurring shutdowns.

For those who prefer using third-party tools, Wise Auto Shutdown is an excellent choice:
- Download and install Wise Auto Shutdown from its official website.
- Open the application and choose the ‘Shutdown’ option.
- Set the desired time for the shutdown, either by specifying an absolute time or a delay.
- Click ‘Start Task’.
This tool provides a user-friendly interface and simplifies the process for non-technical users.

A simple script can also do the trick. Follow these steps:
- Open Notepad.
- Enter
shutdown.exe -s -f -t 3600
, adjusting the time as necessary. - Save the file with a
.bat
extension, such asshutdown_timer.bat
. - Run this file whenever you need to initiate a timed shutdown.
This method suits users who are comfortable creating and running scripts.