Keyboard shortcuts exist to provide users with faster options for performing various tasks. While turning off your Mac the usual way is straightforward, using keyboard shortcuts allows you to shut it down even more quickly. These shortcuts can also be used to restart, log out, or put your computer to sleep. Regardless of the version of macOS you are using, keyboard hotkeys are supported, making it convenient to operate your Mac even when your mouse or trackpad is not working.
In this guide, we will discuss various power hotkeys that enable you to save a few clicks when shutting down or restarting your Mac. By the end of this guide, you will be able to power off and restart your Mac without even touching the mouse. Let’s dive straight into the topic.
How to Shut Down Mac With Keyboard
Every Mac keyboard shortcut performs a specific function. While there are numerous hotkeys available, you don’t need to memorize all of them for your daily tasks. However, it’s important to be familiar with the ones you frequently use, as they are simple to understand and highly effective during operation.
Using Keyboard Shortcut
Shutting down your Mac with a keyboard is as simple as pressing the Command + Option + Control + Power/Eject button configuration. Please note that your data will not be automatically saved, but you will receive a confirmation box asking if you want to save your documents before shutting down.
Additionally, pressing the Control + Power/Eject button configuration will display a dialog box asking if you want to shut down your computer or restart/put it to sleep.
Please note that most modern Macs have a power button, while older models with a DVD drive have an eject button instead of a power button.
Using Terminal
The Terminal can also be used to shut down your Mac. By entering specific codes and commands, you can schedule your computer to turn off at a specific time. Here’s how:
- Use the Command + Space button configuration to open Spotlight.
- Type and enter “Terminal.”
- Copy and paste the following code:
sudo shutdown time - Replace “time” with the desired shutdown time. If you want to shut it down immediately, replace “time” with “now.”
- Enter your password when prompted.
Restart Mac With Keyboard
From Shortcut
Similarly, you can swiftly restart your computer by pressing the Command + Control + Power/Eject button configuration. Please note that any unsaved data will not be saved before the restart. However, you will receive a dialog box asking you to save your documents before restarting your computer.
Similarly, the Control + Power/Eject button configuration will first ask if you want to restart the computer or shut it down/put it to sleep.
Using Terminal
- Use the Command + Space button configuration to open Spotlight.
- Type and enter “Terminal.”
- Copy and paste the following code:
sudo shutdown -r time - Replace “time” with the desired restart time. If you want to restart it immediately, replace “time” with “now.”
- Enter your password when prompted.
Log Out From Mac With Keyboard
The Command + Option + Shift + Q button configuration logs you out from the current user session. This action automatically closes all open tabs and applications, redirecting you to the login screen. Here, you will need to enter your password to log in since Touch ID does not work at this stage. The Option + Shift + Command + Q button configuration does not ask for confirmation before logging out.
However, pressing only the Command + Shift + Q button configuration asks for confirmation, giving you some extra time to save important documents.
Lock Your Mac With Keyboard
If you don’t want to log out from your account or completely shut down your computer, you can lock it immediately, sending it back to the login screen. When locked, you will need to enter your password or use Touch ID to log back in. Any open applications or documents will not be affected.
To lock your computer and turn it towards the login screen, use the Command + Control + Q button configuration.
Enable Sleep Mode on Mac With Keyboard
Putting your Mac to sleep is a middle ground between logging out and locking your computer. Unlike logging out, the sleep feature doesn’t close any open applications or documents. However, it conserves more battery life compared to the lock feature.
Using Shortcut
The Command + Option + Power button configuration immediately puts your Mac to sleep. Similar to the previous shortcut, the Control + Power/Eject button configuration will first ask if you want to put your computer to sleep or shut it down/restart it.
Additionally, the Control + Shift + Power button configuration is known to put only the display to sleep.
Using Terminal
- Use the Command + Space button configuration to open Spotlight.
- Type and enter “Terminal.”
- Copy and paste the following code:
sudo shutdown -s time - Replace “time” with the desired sleep time. If you want to put it to sleep immediately, replace “time” with “now.”
- Enter your password when prompted.
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What Can I Do if My Mac Won’t Shut Down?
If your Mac won’t shut down, it’s advisable to give it some time to complete the shutdown process. If there are many apps and services running in the foreground or background, the shutdown process may take longer. Wait for at least a minute before attempting to fix the issue.
If the Mac still fails to shut down, you can try the following steps:
- Close all applications and their alerts from the dock.
- If an application refuses to shut down, click on the Apple icon on the top left corner of the screen and select “Force Quit.”
- In the new window that appears, select the misbehaving application and click “Force Quit.”
- Try shutting down your computer using the regular method or keyboard shortcut.
How Can I Force Shutdown My Mac?
Force shutdown should only be used as a last resort when your Mac won’t shut down normally or is frozen. When your Mac freezes, it may become hot, unresponsive and laggy.
To force shutdown your computer, follow these steps:
- Hold down the power button until the display turns off and the Mac shuts down.
- Close the lid for about 30-60 seconds.
- Turn on your computer.
By using these keyboard shortcuts, you can conveniently perform essential actions on your Mac without relying solely on the mouse or trackpad. Mastering these shortcuts will help you save time and increase productivity while operating your Mac.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
