Do you always forget to turn off your computer before getting into bed or forget to look at the clock while working? This article will tell you how to shut down your computer at a time you specify.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using “Task Scheduler”
Step 1. Open “Task Scheduler”
This option is available in Windows 7 and Windows 8. In Windows 7, click "Start → Control Panel → System and Security → Administrative Tools → Task Scheduler". In Windows 8, Press Win key, type "schedule tasks", and select "Schedule tasks" from the search results.
Step 2. Click "Create Basic Task"
This option is available in the “Actions” menu located on the right side of the window. You must provide a name and description for the activity. Give it an easy-to-remember name, such as "Time to Turn Off Your Computer." Click Next > to continue.
Step 3. Choose a frequency
Select "Daily" on the "Task Trigger" page and click Next >. Choose a time to shut down the computer each night at your convenience. Keep the "Recur ever: X days" setting set to "1". Click Next >.
Step 4. Select "Start a program"
This option will be on the "Action" screen and should be selected automatically. Click the Next > button to continue.
Step 5. Enter the location for the “shutdown” program
When Windows shuts down (shutdown), there is actually a "shutdown" program running. In the "Program/script" field, type C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe.
In the "Arguments" field, type /s. Click Next >
Step 6. Review your settings
On the “Summary” screen, review the settings to make sure you have chosen the right day. Click the Finish button to save the activity. Your computer will now shut down at a certain time each day.
Method 2 of 2: Creating a BAT File
Step 1. Open notepad via "Start > All Programs > Accessories > Notepad"
Alternatively, type "notepad" without the double quotes into the "start" menu and press "enter".
Step 2. Copy the following code:
- @echo off
- :W
- if %time%==00:00:00.00 goto:X
- goto:W
- :X
-
shutdown.exe /s /f /t 60 /c "Sleep!!!!!!"
It will keep checking the time to see if it's midnight, and if so, the computer will shut down with a "Sleep!!!!" message
Step 3. Change the "if %time%==" section to the time you want
Settings must be in the format: HH:MM:SS. MS and in 24-hour format for this to work.
Step 4. Hit "File > Save As"
- Change the "Save as type" box to "All Files"
- Type "timer.bat" into the "file name" and click "Save"
Step 5. Double click on the file
A “command prompt” screen will appear.
Step 6. Keep this window open while you do your work
Step 7. When the time you specified in method 3 arrives, your computer will display a message for one minute then your computer will shut down
Step 8. If you want to cancel the shutdown process, press Windows key (the key that has the Microsoft logo) + R
Step 9. Type “shutdown -a” without the double quotes in the window that appears and press “Enter”
A “Command Prompt” window will appear and then disappear. A balloon similar to this will also appear.
Warning
- These methods apply to Windows 7 users only. This program does not work on other operating systems.
- Remember to leave the command prompt window open. You can shrink it as you wish.
