How To Create A "Shut Down" Desktop Shortcut

Have you ever wished there was a quicker, simpler way to shut down your computer? Do you wish you could sidestep the whole process of clicking "Turn Off" or "Shut Down" from the "Start" menu, only to have to click it again on the dialog box that comes up? Following are some simple steps to help you create a desktop shortcut so you can shut down in one swift step.

Step 1

Right click anywhere on your desktop, making sure your cursor is not on an icon. Point to "New" and then click on "Shortcut."

Step 2

A "Create Shortcut" wizard will pop up. In the field following "Type the Location of the Item:" enter the following: %windir%\System32\shutdown.exe -s -f -t 00. Simply copy and paste this code, starting with the first % and ending with the 00 (but not the period).

Step 3

Click "Next." Under "Type a Name for This Shortcut:" enter "Shutdown."

Step 4

Click Finish. A new icon called "Shutdown" will appear on your desktop.

Step 5

If you want to customize the icon, right click it and then click on "Properties." Go to the "Shortcut" tab and click the "Change Icon" button.

Step 6

In the dialog box that opens, click on the icon you wish to use. Click "OK", and then "Apply", and then "OK" again.

Step 7

When you are ready to shut down your computer, simply double click your new shortcut.