How to Restart a Remote Computer [Two Ways]

Introduction to restarting a remote computer

Restarting a remote computer means the system on a remote computer will be first shut down and then restarted. You may need to restart a remote computer when you want to speed up its performance or when a program on it is not working properly. It is pretty easy to restart a local computer, but do you know how to restart a remote computer? Actually, it is just as easy as restarting a local computer. Here in this tutorial, we offer you 2 solutions. 

How to restart a remote computer on Windows 10 [two options]

Here we provide you with two options on how to restart a remote computer on Windows 10.

Option 1. Use the Windows build-in RDP to restart a remote computer

The steps are divided into three parts when you use RDP to restart a remote computer on Windows 10. First, you need to enable Remote Desktop on the host computer. Second, you need to get the IP address and username of the host computer. Third, you could start remote control over RDP on the client computer.

Part 1. Enable Remote Desktop on the host computer

Step 1. Navigate here: Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop, and turn on Enable Remote Desktop.

Step 2. Find User accounts and click Select users that can remotely access this PC.

Step 3. After opening the Remote Desktop Users window, click Add to add users who are allowed to access this computer (you need to add already existing users to realize remote desktop).

Part 2. Get the IP address and username of the host computer

Step 1. Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog box. Type in “cmd” and press OK. Then type “ipconfig” at the blinking cursor and press Enter. Now you can see a group of IP addresses, of which the IPv4 address is the one you need.

Step 2. Then type “query user” to see the username.

Part 3. Start remote control on the client computer

Step 1. The client computer doesn’t need any configuration. Just search for Remote Desktop Connection in the Search box. And then open it.

Step 2. Enter the IP address and User name in the Remote Desktop Connection interface to achieve connection.

Step 3. After you’ve achieved the connection successfully, you could see the screen of the remote computer. Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner, and then click Restart to restart the remote computer.

Bonus tips: Best Remote Desktop Connection alternative [free & easy]

If you would like an easier way to remotely access a remote computer and then restart it, and also can be used on Windows 10/11 Home Edition, you can try AnyViewer. Why it is the best Remote Desktop Connection alternative?

It is easy to set up and use.

It can be used directly even when the two computers are on different networks.

It supports multiple Windows versions, including Home Editions.

It transfers files in a faster speed compared with RDC.

Step 1. Download, install and launch AnyViewer on both computers. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)

Step 2. Fill in the signup information.

Step 3. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you've logged in to.

Step 4. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices, then you can achieve unattended remote access to the remote computer by clicking Remote control.

Step 5. Locate the Menu bar on the top middle of the desktop of the remote computer, click Operation, then you could see a list of shortcuts. Click Restart to quickly restart the remote computer.

Notes:✎...

You can also upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy more rights:

Faster file transfer speed. Transfer speed for a free account is 500 KB/s, and for a paid account is up to 10 MB/s.

More devices can be assigned to the same account for unattended remote access.

More Currently connected devices are displayed for connection history.

Connect in privacy mode to protect privacy.

Initial more concurrent connections to one computer.

Option 2. Use the command line to restart a remote computer

Like using RDP, the steps are divided into three parts when you use RDP to restart a remote computer on Windows 10. First, you need to edit remote registry setting. Second, you need to know the computer name. Third, you could restart a remote computer using the command line.

Part 1. Edit the remote registry setting on the remote computer

Step 1. Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog box. Type in “services.msc” and hit OK.

Step 2. In the Services window, double click Remote Registry to check its status.

Step 3. Change the Startup type to Automatic.

Part 2. Find the computer name of the remote computer

Step 1. Search for “file explorer” in the search box. And then open it.

Step 2. Navigate here: This PC > Computer > Properties. 

Step 3. In the middle of the page, you’ll find the Device name.

Part 3. Restart a remote computer using the command line on the local computer

Step 1. Search for “command prompt” in the search box. And then open it.

Step 2. Type “shutdown/i” in the Command Prompt window and then press Enter. You can add the computer that you want to restart.

Step 3. Add the computer name you then click OK.

Conclusion

This tutorial has provided you with 2 ways to restart a remote computer on Windows 10, using remote desktop tools or the command lines. To help you restart a remote computer more easily, we recommend you to use the RDP alternative AnyViewer. It won’t require you to change any settings of your computer. In just a few steps, you can start to remote control another computer and restart it.