If you need to use your PC for a large part of the day, you may want to keep it running all the time. However, this has certain downsides. Firstly, it will end up increasing your power bills since it will use more energy. Additionally, if power surges occur while your PC is on, it could get damaged.

Also, when your PC is on, its fan keeps running continuously to keep it cool, which can also reduce its lifespan. To avoid these problems, you can set it to turn off automatically using the Windows Task Scheduler.

Create a recurring shutdown timer

If you wish to shut down your Windows PC regularly, you will have to set a recurring shutdown timer using the Windows Task Scheduler.

  1. Open the Start menu, type task scheduler and open it when it appears in the search results.
  1. When the Task Scheduler opens, click on 'Create basic task' on the right.
  1. Now, give the task a name, such as 'Automatic PC Shutdown', and a description for the task before clicking on the 'Next' button.
  1. Now you can choose how frequently Windows will perform the task. It can be daily, weekly, monthly, or other options. Click on the 'Next' button after selecting the frequency.
  1. On the next page, you can choose the start time and date when your PC will perform that task. If you use a 12-hour clock, make sure to set AM and PM and then click on the 'Next' button.
  1. Then select 'Start a program' on the next page before clicking on the 'Next' button.
  1. Click on the 'Browse' button to select the program or script required to perform the task.
  1. Click on 'shutdown.exe' in the folder that opens and then click on the 'Open' button.
  1. In the 'Add arguments' field, type -s and click on the 'Next' button.
  1. Now, you can review the task and go back and make changes if you want. When you're done, click on the 'Finish' button.

Check the automatic PC shutdown task

You can verify that the task you have created for shutting down your PC regularly works properly.

  1. Open the Task Scheduler and click on 'Task Scheduler Library' on the left.
  1. Search for the task you created by looking for its name in the provided list. When you find it, click on it and then click on the 'Run' button.
  1. Wait for a few seconds and you will see a notification that your PC will shut down. Make sure that you've saved your work beforehand.

Things to know

  • You can also use Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt to turn your PC off automatically after a set interval. However, this solution is for instances when you only want your computer to shut down once instead of after regular intervals.
  • Windows Power Options also lets you turn your PC off automatically after it remains idle for a certain period.
  • When you schedule your computer to turn off regularly, it will do so irrespective of any programs or games that may be running at the time. So, make sure to save your work and close all your applications before leaving your PC.
  • You can delete the automatic shutdown task from the Task Scheduler at any time when you no longer need your computer to turn off regularly on its own.