Restart vs. Shut Down: All You Need to Know

Just about all computer operating systems, from Microsoft Windows to macOS will give you two options for turning off your computer – restart and shut down. Computer users make use of the terms restart and shut down on different occasions. Surprisingly, many people do not recognize notable differences between the two functions. 

While a novice may find it hard to distinguish between them, an average user knows that shut down will turn off the computer entirely, but restart implies that the computer turns on again after the moment it shuts down. 

But are those all the significant differences for both functions? Not quite. 

There are significant differences between the shutdown and restart. This article will discuss the differences between both terms and the appropriate time to restart your computer or shut it down. 

Let’s get started!

What Does Shut Down Imply?

Before developing Windows 8 and 10, shutdown and restart performed the same function. That is, they were both used to close down programs. The introduction of a new feature in Windows 8 and 10 known as “Fast Startup” changed it.

It kept the long process of starting up a computer at bay. With Windows 10, the fast startup made it easy to shut down all files and windows that you may have opened. However, it doesn’t completely shut down the essential operating system known as the Windows kernel. 

It may seem like the shutdown and its new feature of a fast startup is convenient for computer users, but there is a little catch. This stems from the fact that the shutdown does not clear out entirely if something is wrong with the hardware driver.

This Windows kernel information does not completely clear out until a restart occurs unless you turn off the fast startup feature.

When to use the shutdown option?

• You can use the shutdown option on your menu button when there is a system problem. When you leave your computer on for a long time, it may act strangely. When you shut down your system in this situation, it will help clear issues. 
• If you want to conserve energy: If you’re going to save energy, you should shut down your computer at regular intervals. Aside from the fact that it helps you cut down electricity costs, it also protects your environment. 

What Does Restart Imply?

Restart shuts down the computer system temporarily and then turns it on again. It cleans up the RAM and the processor cache.  

Restart is notably known for shutting down the computer completely, including its kernel. You are confident of getting a clean start when the computer comes on again to this effect. However, it takes a longer time to achieve this. 

When to use the restart option?

• Restart is advisable when installing any updates/software: If you want to finish up an update successfully, you have to apply the restart button.
• When the computer looks frozen or as though some error has occurred with it
• If the network is not steady

How Often Can You Perform a Restart?

IT experts suggest that computer users should perform a restart on their computer at least every two to three days. It enables the windows to clean up files, discard temp files, and update themselves. 

The essence of doing this is to make sure that all files that have been deleted from the PC’s cache are not going to cause a potential security threat.

How Often Can You Perform a Shutdown?

Shutting down your computer is environmentally friendly. It is energy-efficient and a great way to leave your computer unattended. 

Which is Better for Battery Life: Shutdown or Restart

Shutting down turns off your system completely until it is turned on again. Restart, on the other hand, only turns off the computer momentarily. Therefore, if you are concerned about your battery life, a shutdown is preferable. This is ideal for power consumption and prolongs the battery’s life span.

Shutdown or Restart: Which is Better for Security?

This is an important question that raises concerns for computer users. With the rise in cybercriminals’ activities, it is vital to encourage secure access to computers. Therefore, a shutdown is better for security.

Shutting your computer down means that the system is offline for a particular duration. When it is in this condition, it becomes challenging for hackers to manipulate it. Also, when the system is shut down, it does not communicate a specific command when it has been infected with malicious content.

Contact Us for Help with Your Computer

Shut down and restart options are used to perform unique operations in a computer. Shutting down a system implies that some parts of the system are active. However, if you want to debug a program, install a program, or update your software, the most suitable is the restart option.

To get regular updates for your computer and have it working efficiently, reach out to us online, or call 407-536-8381.