How to Restart Windows Server using Command-Line

As a system administrator, one of the essential skills you need to master is the ability to efficiently manage and troubleshoot servers. This includes knowing how to restart a Windows Server using command-line tools. This article delves into various methods and tricks to restart Windows Server using the command line, a crucial technique for quick and effective server management.

Commands to Restart Windows Server

To reboot a Windows server using the command line, you can employ the /r switch with the shutdown command. This article provides various examples of how to use command line instructions to restart Windows systems.

• Restart Computer: For restarting a local Windows system, use the following command:

  
  shutdown /r
  
  

• Restart Forecefully: To restart the local system and force all running applications to close, include the /f switch:

  
  shutdown /r /f
  
  

• Adding a Timer: Optionally, you can add a delay to the restart process. For instance, below command will restart the server after 60 seconds.

  
  shutdown /r /t 60
  
  

• Restart Remote Computer: If you need to restart a remote system, include the system’s hostname with the /m switch:

  
  shutdown /r /f /m \\REMOTE-PC
  
  

• Adding Comments: Additionally, you can add a comment to document the reason for the reboot using the /c switch. For instance, if you are restarting the system after installing software, the command would be:

  
  shutdown /r /f /m \\REMOTE-PC /c "Post Installing Software"
  
  

These commands offer a streamlined and efficient way to manage system restarts directly from the command line.

Using PowerShell

For those who prefer PowerShell, the process is similar but uses different commands:

1. Open PowerShell: Search for it in the start menu or type powershell in the Run dialog.
2. Restart-Computer Command: Use the command Restart-Computer. This straightforward command initiates an immediate restart of the server.

   
   Restart-Computer
   
   

3. Adding Parameters: Similar to Command Prompt, you can add parameters like -Delay to set a timer for the restart.

   
   Restart-Computer -Delay 60
   
   

4. Restart Remote Server: If you need to restart a server remotely, you can use the following command in PowerShell:

   
   Restart-Computer -ComputerName [ServerName] -Force
   
   

   Replace [ServerName] with the actual name of the server. The -Force parameter ensures that all running applications are closed immediately.

Conclusion

Mastering the command line for restarting Windows Server is a vital skill for any system administrator. It provides a quick, reliable, and scriptable method to manage servers, especially in complex or remote environments. By incorporating these tips and tricks into your routine, you can significantly streamline your server management tasks.

Remember, while the command line is a powerful tool, always proceed with caution and ensure you have backups and a recovery plan in place for unforeseen circumstances.