5 Tested Methods to Remote Reboot Unresponsive Computers

How do I restart a remote desktop that is not responding?

Being able to remotely manage computers is crucial for productivity, especially when troubleshooting issues. But what happens when a remote computer stops responding? Restarting an unresponsive remote machine can be frustrating, especially if you're not physically present.

Understanding how to remotely reboot unresponsive computers is increasingly important. This article covers five effective techniques for restarting a remote computer, ranging from basic command-line operations to advanced software solutions. Each method is designed to suit various needs and scenarios, offering both traditional and modern approaches for effective remote management.

How to remotely reboot unresponsive computers

Explore the most dependable techniques for remotely rebooting a PC with efficiency. Here is a list of top software options tailored to meet your specific requirements.

Option 1. AnyViewer: Best remote PC management software

One of the most efficient ways to remotely restart a PC is by using AnyViewer, a third-party remote management tool. This software enables you to control unattended devices with a single click, offering options to reboot, shut down, or lock them. It boasts a user-friendly interface and employs ECC 256-bit end-to-end encryption to safeguard your sensitive data from unauthorized access.

AnyViewer is also an excellent choice for remote desktop operations, featuring low latency to handle weak internet connections and ensure stable performance during crucial remote sessions. Additionally, it ensures a high frame rate and display resolution, enhancing graphical quality for a better user experience.

Follow the three steps to reboot remote computer on Windows 10 and 11 with ease:

Step 1. Begin by downloading and installing AnyViewer on both your local and remote computers.

Step 2. Next, create an AnyViewer account and log in on both devices.

Step 3. From your local device, select the remote computer and click "Reboot" to initiate the restart process.

Tip: Ensure you enable the “Start AnyViewer with Windows” option to retain remote access permissions even after the computer restarts.

Option 2. Shut down or restart a remote computer using PowerShell

PowerShell is a robust command-line tool within the Windows environment, providing a versatile approach to managing remote computers. Using PowerShell to shut down or restart remote systems offers a straightforward and reliable method, especially for those familiar with command-line operations. Here’s a guide on how to use PowerShell for this purpose:

Step 1. Press Win + X to open the power menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin). To start a remote session, run the command:

• Enter-PSSession -ComputerName "RemoteComputerName" -Credential (Get-Credential)

Step 2. Once connected, shut down the remote computer using:

• Stop-Computer -ComputerName "RemoteComputerName" -Force

Step 3. To restart the remote computer, use:

• Restart-Computer -ComputerName "RemoteComputerName" -Force

Option 3. Using CMD to remotely shut down or reboot a PC

Using the Command Prompt (CMD) for remote reboots or shutdowns is a practical method for those familiar with command-line tools. With the right commands and proper access, CMD can effectively manage these tasks on a remote PC. Here’s a guide to reboot remote computer from Command Prompt:

Step 1. Search for "CMD" in the Windows Search bar, right-click on it, and select "Run as administrator." Once CMD is open with administrative privileges, use the following command to start a remote session:

• psexec \\RemoteComputerName cmd

Step 2. Within the remote session, shut down the remote computer by executing:

• shutdown /s /m \\RemoteComputerName /t 0

Step 3. To restart the remote computer, use:

• shutdown /r /m \\RemoteComputerName /t 0

 

Option4. Shut down or reboot a remote PC by Remote Desktop Protocol

Widely used in Windows environments, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows seamless access and control over a distant computer, as if you were physically present at the device. Shutting down or restarting a remote PC via RDP is straightforward and requires minimal setup. Here’s how to use RDP for these tasks:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" on your Windows computer, select "System," and then click on "Remote Desktop" from the left panel. Toggle the switch to "Enable Remote Desktop."

Step 2. Open the "Remote Desktop" application on your computer, enter the name of the remote PC, and click "Connect." Enter your login credentials when prompted. Once connected, click the "Start" menu on the remote PC and select "Restart" or "Shut Down."

Option5. Using GUI to remotely shut down or restart a computer

Using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to remotely shut down or restart a computer provides an easy and intuitive method, ideal for those who prefer visual tools over command-line options. The "shutdown /i"command is key here; it opens a graphical dialog box where you can select or enter the name or IP address of the remote computer.

From this dialog, you can choose whether to shut down or restart the remote PC and add a comment if needed. Here’s a guide on how to use the GUI for remote shutdown or restart:

Step 1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R, type "shutdown /i", and hit Enter. This will launch the Remote Shutdown Dialog where you can enter the name or IP address of the target PC by clicking "Add."

Step 2. Choose the desired action from the "What actions would you like to perform on these computers" options, such as "Shutdown," "Restart," or "Annotate Unexpected Shutdown." If you wish to notify users before the action, check the "Warn users of the action" box.

Step 3. You can select a reason and add a comment in the "Shutdown Event Tracker" section. After entering all necessary details, click "OK" to start the shutdown or restart process.

The bottom line

In summary, remote reboot unresponsive computer can be handled effectively using various methods. You can choose from user-friendly software like AnyViewer, command-line tools like PowerShell or CMD, Remote Desktop Protocol, or a graphical interface. Each method provides a practical way to manage remote systems and ensure smooth operation, even when you can't access the computer physically.