Use Cortana to Restart, Log Off, Hibernate, Shutdown, Sleep, Lock Windows computer

When Cortana made its debut on Windows 10 PCs, it generated much enthusiasm among Windows loyalists. It was touted as more than a simple search feature. The digital voice assistant helped make things simpler. However, one feature that largely remained out of the requests by users was ability of Cortana to be able to shut down computers. This article covers this shortcoming of Cortana. and shows readers how they can use Cortana to restart, log off, hibernate, sleep, lock or shutdown their Windows PC, by creating shutdown, restart, log off shortcuts.

UPDATE: Starting with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, you can shut down, restart, or sleep your PC simply by saying any of these:

• Hey Cortana, lock my computer
• Hey Cortana, shut down my computer
• Hey Cortana, restart my computer.

Shut down Windows using Cortana

Having set up Cortana, open Windows File Explorer and navigate to the following location:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

Now you have to create a shortcut here. So, right-click inside this Programs folder and select the New Shortcut option.

In the location field that appears on the computer screen, type the following:

shutdown.exe -s -t 10

This will initiate the shut down process after 10 seconds.

If you wish to shut down right away, simply use:

shutdown.exe -s

Name the Shortcut Shut Down.

Once you are done with creating the shortcut, say Hey Cortana and then say, Open Shut Down. You can use Open, Start  or Launch voice commands.

Following this action, you’ll see Windows initiate the shut down process.

Use Cortana to Restart Windows

If you would like to restart your Windows computer using Cortana, you can use this command –

shutdown.exe -r

and name it as Restart.

Now say Hey Cortana and then Open Restart. Again, here too you can use Open or even Start or Launch voice commands.

You PC will restart.

Log off Windows using Cortana

If you would like to log off your Windows 10 computer using Cortana, you can use this command –

shutdown.exe -L

and name it as Log Off.

Now say Hey Cortana and then Open Log Off. Here too you can use Open or even Start or Launch voice commands.

Hibernate using Cortana

To Hibernate your computer, use the following command to create a shortcut and name it Hibernate:

rundll32.exe PowrProf.dll, SetSuspendState

Then say Hey Cortana and then Open Hibernate.

Sleep computer using Cortana

To Hibernate your computer, use the following command to create a shortcut to Sleep your Windows computer, and name it Sleep:

rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState 0,1,0

Now say Hey Cortana and then Open Sleep.

If something does not work for you, open CMD and run powercgf -a and see if your computer supports that power state.

Lock computer using Cortana

To Lock your computer, use the following command to create a shortcut to lock your Windows computer, and name it Lock:

rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

Now say Hey Cortana and then Open Lock.

Can Cortana restart my computer?

Yes, Cortana can restart your computer if you are using Windows 11 or Windows 10 Fall Creators Update or later versions. Earlier, you needed to use some commands to restart or shut down your computer. However, now you can simply say restart my computer or similar commands to restart or shut down your PC using Cortana.

Can Cortana shut down computer Windows 11?

Yes, Cortana can shut down the computer if you are using Windows 11. You need to open Cortana first. Then, you can use commands like shut down my computer or restart my computer or something like that. Although you needed to use various commands to set things up, now there is no need to do that.

You can also add other new voice commands to Cortana with Cortanium app.

More Cortana Tips & Tricks here.