⏻ Auto Shutdown & Scheduler Microsoft Store ↗

WINDOWS 11 & WINDOWS 10 GUIDE

Set a shutdown timer
without losing track.

Windows can shut down after a chosen delay with one command. If you want a visible countdown, a warning before the action, and a simple way to cancel or repeat it, a dedicated timer makes the routine easier to trust.

The quick Windows shutdown timer

For a one-time shutdown, Windows includes the shutdown command. Press Windows + R, enter the command below, and replace 3600 with the number of seconds you want to wait. This example schedules a shutdown one hour from now.

shutdown /s /t 3600

The timer begins immediately. For reference: 30 minutes is 1800 seconds, two hours is 7200 seconds, and four hours is 14400 seconds.

Before you start: save work in open applications. A timed shutdown is useful when you are away from the PC, but it should not be used as a substitute for saving important files.

How to cancel a scheduled shutdown

Changed your mind? Open Run again with Windows + R and use:

shutdown /a

This cancels a pending shutdown as long as the countdown has not reached zero. It is a useful command to remember, especially when the timer was set in a terminal and there is no visual reminder on screen.

Use a visual timer instead

The command is fast, but it does not offer a clear place to review the action, adjust the time, or keep the remaining time visible. Auto Shutdown & Scheduler puts those controls in one calm screen.

  1. Open Timer and choose the action: Shut Down, Restart, Sleep, Hibernate, Lock, or Sign Out.
  2. Set the countdown in hours and minutes, then confirm it with Start.
  3. Watch the live countdown, cancel it at any time, or keep it visible with the optional desktop widget.

For longer tasks, the app can show an in-app warning before the action runs. That gives you a deliberate final moment to cancel instead of relying on a command window you may have forgotten about.

What if you need a specific time?

A countdown is ideal for “turn off my PC in two hours.” For “turn off my PC at 11:30 PM,” use the app’s Schedule screen instead. For a repeated pattern such as every weekday night, use Routine. Keeping those cases separate makes it easier to see whether you are setting a one-time timer or an ongoing rule.

A clearer way to run a shutdown timer

Use the free timer and one-time scheduling features from Microsoft Store, or try every Pro feature for 15 days in the standalone trial.

↓ Download 15-Day Pro Trial ⊞ Microsoft Store

Shutdown timer FAQ

Does this work on Windows 11 and Windows 10?

Yes. The Windows shutdown command and Auto Shutdown & Scheduler support both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Can I restart, sleep, hibernate, lock, or sign out instead?

Yes. The app lets you choose the action before starting a timer. This is more convenient than remembering a different command for each action.

Will a shutdown timer close unsaved work?

It can. Save important work before setting any automatic shutdown. Auto Shutdown & Scheduler provides a configurable warning before the action so you have time to cancel it.

Why not use Task Scheduler?

Task Scheduler is useful for advanced recurring tasks, but it takes more setup and does not provide a focused countdown view. A timer app is usually faster for one-time actions and easier to cancel when plans change.