Find out how to create a shutdown shortcut that automatically closes Windows with one click.

Does it seem absurd that Windows makes you go into the Start menu in order to shut down? Once again, our Windows tip comes from a loyal viewer, Mark Rivera from Dededo, Guam.

On today's episode, watch Leo Laporte demonstrate how easy it is to create a shortcut button on your desktop. When it's clicked, it shuts down your computer.

One-click shutdown

If you have Clean Sweep Deluxe, Mike recommends that you disable it before proceeding. Follow these directions to create a one-click shutdown shortcut:
  1. Navigate to your desktop.
  2. On the desktop, right-click and go to New, then to Shortcut (in other words, create a new shortcut).
  3. You should now see a pop-up window instructing you to enter a command line path.
  4. Enter one of these as the path:

    • Use this path if your operating system is Windows 95, 98, or Me:

      C:\windows\rundll.exe user.exe,exitwindows

    • Use this path if your operating system is XP:

      SHUTDOWN -s -t 01


    If the C: drive is not your local hard drive, then replace "C" with the correct letter of the hard drive.
  5. Click the "Next" button.
  6. Name the shortcut and click the "Finish" button.


Now whenever you want to shut down, just click on this shortcut and you're done. Also, if you want to make life better and faster, you can right-click the new shortcut you just made, go to Properties, and type in X (or whatever letter) in the Shortcut Key box.