Tip to Shutdown Windows 8 Faster

The process of shutting down Windows 8 PC can be little bit frustrating for Windows users as it is not following the method in previous versions. In Windows 8 if we need to perform any power related operations, the standard practice is to invoke the Charms menu on the right side of the screen. Or you can also use the key combination of Windows key + C to summon the Charms menu or you can open it up by pointing the mouse to either the upper or lower right corner of the screen and it will be displayed as well. From there you can select “Settings” the “Power” and select either Sleep, Restart or Shutdown to perform any power related operations.

This is also seems to be a distant as there is no concept of Start menu in Windows 8. For those who feels indifferent to this way of power operations there is an easier option is available to shutdown your Windows 8 PC and no need to going through any menus.

1. Go to Desktop either from the new UI by clicking the Desktop tile or by pressing Windows Key, which allows toggling between the two interfaces.
2. Right click on the Desktop, go to New and select Shortcut. A window will now appear.
3. Type "shutdown /s /t 30" which will allow 30 seconds for applications to close. If you want to speed up the process you can simply change "30" to a lower value or force the closing process altogether by using "shutdown /s /f".
4. Click Next and type "Shutdown" in the name field for easier identification.
5. Right click on the newly created "Shutdown" shortcut and select Properties. Click Change Icon and validate the warning. From this menu you can change the appearance of the shortcut for easier visual identification; the default shutdown icon is in the lower right corner of the Change Icon menu.
6. Right click on the Desktop "Shutdown" icon and select Pin to Start; now it shows up in the new Windows UI for easier access from both interfaces.

Again if you want to restart Windows 8 faster, follow the same steps and replace "shutdown /s /t 30" with "shutdown /r /t 30" in step No. 3.