Shut down shortcut: ⌃⌥⌘Power on Mac, Alt+F4 on Windows
To shut down: on Mac press Control+Option+Command+Power (⌃⌥⌘Power) to quit apps and power off. Windows has no single key — press Alt+F4 on the desktop and choose Shut down, or Win+X then U then U.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shut down (quit apps, power off) | ⌃⌥⌘Power (or ⌃⌥⌘⏏) | Alt+F4 (desktop) → Shut down | |
| Shut down via power menu | Apple menu → Shut Down | Win+X → U → U | |
| Force power off (frozen) | Hold power button | Hold power button 10s |
Shut down a Mac
Press Control+Option+Command+Power (⌃⌥⌘Power) — or ⌃⌥⌘⏏ on Macs with a Media Eject key — to quit all apps and shut down. If an app has unsaved work it will ask you to save first. The Apple menu → Shut Down… does the same with a dialog.
Shut down in Windows
Windows has no dedicated shut-down hotkey. From the desktop (Win+D) press Alt+F4 and pick Shut down. Or use Win+X → U → U. A full shutdown closes every program — save your work first.
Shut down vs sleep vs force off
Shut down powers the machine fully off. Sleep keeps your session in memory for an instant wake. A force power-off (hold the power button ~10 seconds) should only be used when the computer is completely unresponsive.
FAQ
How do I shut down a Mac with the keyboard?
Press Control+Option+Command+Power (⌃⌥⌘Power), or ⌃⌥⌘⏏ on Macs with an eject key. Apps are asked to save first.
Is there a shut-down shortcut in Windows?
No single key. On the desktop press Alt+F4 and choose Shut down, or Win+X then U then U.
What if the computer is frozen?
Hold the physical power button for about 10 seconds to force it off. Use this only as a last resort — unsaved work is lost.