Every computer has a power button, usually at the top right of the keyboard on a laptop or on the front of a desktop tower.
Sleep or shut down?
Closing a laptop lid puts it to sleep, which is fine day to day. Shut down properly once a week so updates can finish.
Step by step
- Press the power button once and wait for the sign-in screen.
- Type your PIN or password and press Enter.
- To shut down on Windows, click Start (the window symbol), then the power symbol, then Shut down.
- On a Mac, click the Apple menu at the top left, then Shut Down.
Common mistakes
- Holding the power button to switch off. Only do this if the computer is completely frozen.
Tips
- Helpful tip: Write the computer’s make and model on a sticky label underneath, so helpers know what it is.
Try it yourself
- Shut your computer down properly and switch it back on.
Printable cheat sheet: Switching On, Signing In and Shutting Down
- Press the power button once and wait for the sign-in screen.
- Type your PIN or password and press Enter.
- To shut down on Windows, click Start (the window symbol), then the power symbol, then Shut down.
- On a Mac, click the Apple menu at the top left, then Shut Down.
Print this page and keep the sheet by your device. Never write passwords or PINs on it.
Good to know: Take your time and go at your own pace. Nobody genuine will ever ask you for a password, PIN or one-time code, and you never need to share them to follow this lesson. If anything on your screen looks unexpected, stop and ask a family member or your Tech Helper.