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Shut down Windows on a timer

Use shutdown /s /t to make Windows power off automatically after a chosen number of seconds, and shutdown /a to cancel it.

WindowscmdPower & SleeptroubleshootingMedium risk
Run: shutdown /s /t 3600 (3600 seconds = 1 hour); cancel anytime with: shutdown /a

01Command

Command
$ shutdown /s /t 3600

02What it does

The /t switch accepts a delay in seconds, so /t 3600 schedules a shutdown in one hour and /t 300 in five minutes. Windows shows a notification with the exact time it will shut down. If your plans change, shutdown /a cancels the pending shutdown while the countdown is still running.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk
!Warning: Unsaved work will be lost at shutdown — save files first. Add /f only if you really want to force-close apps.

04Undo

Undo
$ shutdown /a

05Sources

  • Shutdown.exe - Shutdown the computer
    SS64.com · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents /s (shutdown), /t xxx (time-out period in seconds before shutdown) and /a (Cancel a system shut down during the time-out period).
  • shutdown (Windows Commands)
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Reference page lists /s to shut down the computer, /t <seconds> to set the time-out before shutdown, and /a to abort a pending shutdown.

Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Category: System & Settings

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