Instructions for Adding A Desktop Shortcut for Shutdown in Windows 11

By adding a shutdown shortcut for Windows 11, you can save a few mouse clicks.

When you have finished using the PC, shutting down the computer is your last step. There are many basic methods for shutting down the PC, for example, shutting down through the "Start" menu and shutting down using the keyboard.

Nevertheless, sometimes there may be a freeze when shutting down using these methods. In this case, shutting down via a desktop shortcut may be a good method.

Step-by-step instructions for adding a shutdown button to the Windows 11 desktop

You can complete this operation without downloading other third-party software. The specific steps can refer to the following demonstration:

1. Right-click the Windows 11 desktop and select the New context menu option.

2. Select Shortcut to open the Create Shortcut window

3. Now input shutdown /s /t 0 within the location text box as in the screenshot directly below.

4. Click the Next button to proceed to the naming step.

5. Type Shutdown within the text box.

6. Press the Finish button to add the shortcut to the desktop.

Now we can set an icon for it. Right-click the shortcut and select "Properties", then "Change Icon", select an appropriate icon, and then click "OK". Or you can find some icons you like from the Internet to set it up.

After completing this operation, open the "Change Icon" window of the "Close" button again. Click Browse on that window to select the custom symbol you downloaded. Select it in the "Change Icon" window, and click "OK"> "Apply".

Step-by-step instructions to pin the shutdown shortcut to the taskbar

Do you want to fix the shutdown shortcut key on the taskbar? If so, please keep reading.

You can right-click the shutdown button and select "Show more options". Select Pin to taskbar on the classic context menu.

The most effective way to set a keyboard shortcut for the shutdown button

You have also used a keyboard shortcut to shut down Windows 11.

1. Right-click the Shutdown button on the desktop to select its Properties option.

2. Click inside the Shortcut key box within the Shortcut tab.

3. Press the S keyboard key to set up a Ctrl + Alt + S hotkey for the shortcut.

4. Select the Apply button to save the new keyboard shortcut setting.

5. Click OK to close the window.

Now press Ctrl + Alt + S hotkey to shut down Windows 11. Please note that in any case, the shortcut should remain on the desktop, because only the keyboard shortcut on the desktop will work.