Sometimes, your HP laptop might act a little strange or slow. A quick restart can fix many issues. Whether your laptop is frozen, running slow, or you just want a fresh start, restarting it is easy.
Why Restart Your HP Laptop?
Restarting helps clear temporary files, refresh system processes, and fix minor glitches. It’s like giving your laptop a short nap so it can work better when it wakes up!
Method 1: Restart Using the Start Menu
This is the easiest and most common way to restart.
- Click on the Start button (Windows logo) at the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Select Power.
- Click Restart.
Your laptop will now shut down and turn back on automatically.

Method 2: Restart Using Keyboard Shortcuts
If your mouse isn’t working, use this shortcut.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time.
- Click on the power icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select Restart.
This method is quick and works even if your laptop is being slow.
Method 3: Force Restart (If Frozen)
If your HP laptop is completely frozen and unresponsive, you need to force it to restart.
- Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds.
- Wait until the screen goes black and the laptop turns off.
- Press the power button again to turn it back on.
Use this method only when necessary, as it forcefully shuts down your laptop without saving work.
Method 4: Restart Using Command Prompt
If you’re feeling techy, you can restart using a command!
- Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
- Type cmd and press Enter.
- In the Command Prompt, type
shutdown /r /t 0
and hit Enter.
This will restart your laptop immediately.

What to Do If Your HP Laptop Won’t Restart
If your laptop refuses to restart, try these tips:
- Check if any programs are preventing the restart.
- Hold the power button until it turns off, then turn it back on.
- Remove the battery (if removable) and put it back in.
- Make sure your laptop is plugged in and has enough battery.
When to Restart vs. Shut Down
Restarting is great for refreshing your laptop, but sometimes a full shut down is better.
- Restart: Use when your laptop is slow, glitchy, or needs an update.
- Shut Down: Use when you’re done using your laptop for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Restarting your HP laptop is simple and can fix many common issues. Now you know multiple ways to restart, even if your screen is frozen! Keep this guide handy, and your laptop will keep running smoothly.