Try Signing Out of Windows Instead of Restarting
This tip works on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Have you ever installed, uninstalled, or updated a program, and it says you must restart your computer? Most of us have.
Here’s a simple tip that may save you time the next time you find yourself in that situation.
Instead of restarting your computer, sign out instead. Then all you have to do is sign back in again. Many times, it will work if you’ve installed, uninstalled, or updated a program. It won’t work with all programs, and it does not work with Windows updates, but it works much of the time.
When you restart your computer, Windows shuts down all running programs, all open user accounts, and turns your computer off, then starts it again.
When you sign out of your user account, Windows shuts down your user account only. Your computer will remain powered on and return to the lock screen (login screen) for the next time you or another user on your PC logs in. Signing out and then signing back in usually takes less time than restarting.
So, the next time you install, uninstall or update a program that tells you that you must restart your computer, try signing out and then signing back in.
Here are two ways to sign out of Windows 10:
1. Right-click the start button, hover over “Shut down or sign out” and select “Sign out” from the extended menu which appears:
2. Press Windows key + D to go to your desktop. When you’re looking at your desktop, press ALT + F4 to open the Windows Shut Down Dialog. Use the down arrow to select “Sign out” from the list of shut down options, then click on “OK”:
Remember, this trick won’t work all the time, but it will work most of the time when a program you are installing, uninstalling, or updating tells you that you must restart your computer.
May this method be used with Windows updates?
No. It’s in the article too. “It won’t work with all programs, and it does not work with Windows updates, but it works much of the time.” But it will work for some programs that require a reboot and also for some reg edits.