How to Send a Signal to Reboot a PC Through an IP
By Andy Walton
Windows' built-in Remote Shutdown function allows you to restart, shut down or log out of a networked computer, using either that computer's network name or IP address to identify the machine. You must enable the Remote Registry function and open certain firewall ports on the receiving machine before you can use Remote Shutdown. In addition, you can only perform a remote restart on a machine that you have administrative user rights on. This acts as a security measure, helping to ensure that the function will not be used for malicious purposes.
Step 1
Type “services” (without quotes) on the Start screen of the computer you want to restart remotely. The Search menu appears automatically; click the “Settings” tab, and then select “View Local Services” to open the Services window.
Step 2
Right-click “Remote Registry” and select “Properties” from the context menu.
Step 3
Click the “Startup Type” drop-down menu and select “Automatic.” This configures your computer to run Remote Registry at startup. Click the “Start” button to start the Remote Registry service, and then click “OK” to save your changes and close the window.
Step 4
Type “firewall” on the Start screen, click on the Search menu's “Settings” tab, and then select “Windows Firewall.”
Step 5
Click “Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Firewall,” and then click “Change Settings.” Check the box next to “Windows Management Instrumentation” to allow Windows management traffic through your computer's firewall. Click “OK” to save your changes and close the window.
Step 6
Go to a different computer, type “cmd” on its Start screen, and then click “Command Prompt” to open a command prompt window.
Step 7
Type “shutdown -m \ [IP Address] -r -f” (without quotes) at the command prompt, where "[IP Address]" is the IP of the computer you want to restart. For example, if the computer you want to restart is located at 192.168.0.34, type “shutdown -m \ 192.168.0.34 -r -f”. The “-r” and “-f” flags tell the remote computer to restart and safely close all open programs, respectively. Press “Enter” to confirm the command and restart the remote machine.
References
Tips
- You can use the “-t” flag to set up a restart timer on the target computer: add “-t [Time]” to the end of your restart command, where "[Time]" is the length of time you want the timer to run for in seconds. For example, adding “-t 60” causes a delay of one minute between receipt of the command and the target machine shutting down.
Warnings
- Information in this article applies to computers running Windows 8. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
Writer Bio
Andy Walton has been a technology writer since 2009, specializing in networking and mobile communications. He was previously an IT technician and product manager. Walton is based in Leicester, England, and holds a bachelor's degree in information systems from the University of Leeds.