How to Schedule Automatic Shutdown on Windows 11

Do you often leave your computer running when you walk away for the day? Setting up an automatic shutdown is a great way to save energy and lower your power bill. Windows 11 has a built-in tool called Task Scheduler that handles this for you.

Why automate your shutdown?

Computers need to stay on occasionally to receive important security updates from Microsoft. However, leaving them on 24/7 wastes electricity. By scheduling a shutdown, you ensure your PC stays updated while still turning off when you don’t need it.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish these steps, your computer will automatically begin the shutdown process at the exact time you selected every single day.

To get started, click your Start menu and search for “Task Scheduler.”

Once the app opens, click on “Task Scheduler Library” on the left. On the right side of the window, click “Create Task.”

A window will pop up. Follow these steps:

• On the General tab, type a name for your task.
• Select “Run whether the user is logged on or not.”
• Check the box for “Run with highest privileges” (This step requires admin privileges).
• Set “Configure for” to “Windows 10 or Windows 11.”

Next, click the Triggers tab and click the “New” button.

In the new window:

• Set the task to begin “On a schedule.”
• Select “Daily.”
• Pick your preferred time.
• Make sure the “Enabled” box at the bottom is checked.
• Click OK.

Now, click the Actions tab and click “New.”

In the action window:

• Keep “Start a program” selected.
• In the “Program/script” box, type: shutdown.exe
• In the “Add arguments” box, type: /s /t 60 /c "Computer will shutdown in 60 seconds"
• Click OK.

Next, go to the Conditions tab. Uncheck “Start the task only if the computer is on AC power” and check “Wake the computer to run this task.” Click OK.

You will be asked to enter your user account password to save these changes (This step requires admin privileges).

Your task is now active! You will see it listed in the Task Scheduler library.

If you ever want to stop the automatic shutdown, just open Task Scheduler, find your task, and delete it.

Summary

Scheduling a shutdown is an easy way to save energy. By using the Task Scheduler tool, you can tell Windows 11 exactly when to power off. Just remember to set your triggers, use the correct shutdown command, and ensure you have administrative permissions to save the task.