The showtime version of Windows 8 was notoriously hard to shut downwardly if yous had a PC or laptop, since information technology was designed to work with tablets that accept a sleep/wake push button. Microsoft realised the mistake of its ways and stock-still the problem in a gratis update. Here's how to speedily and easily shut down a Windows viii PC.

Encounter also: How to become a free update to Windows 10

Shutting down Windows 8: Get the latest updates

If yous update, Microsoft has made it considerably easier to shut downward, restart or switch users.

In Windows 8.ane, you tin can right-click on the 'Commencement push button' on the traditional desktop. This brings up a menu, which is also accessible by pressing Win+X (the Windows key on your keyboard, along with ten), where you lot have the old Close downward or sign out bill of fare.

Windows 8.1 power user menu

If y'all prefer using the Commencement Screen, tap the Windows key and you'll find from the latest Windows 8.1 Update which adds a power button to the pinnacle-right corner of the screen. Click this, and you'll get the similar close down and restart options.

Windows 8.1 start screen power menu

There'southward notwithstanding the the option to shut downward when you open the Charms bar and click Settings, and so Power. Run across also: Windows viii vs Windows 10 comparison

How to shut down Windows 8: Use your PC'southward ability button

At that place's another fashion yous tin shut downwards a Windows viii PC or laptop, and it volition take you lot less than thirty seconds to configure:

1 - When on the Start screen, begin typing 'Control console'. Click it in the list of results which appear.

Windows 8 search

2 - In Control Panel'due south search box, type 'power'. Under Power Options, click 'Change what the ability buttons do'

Windows 8 Control Panel Power Options

3 - By default, 'When I press the power push button:' is set to Sleep. Simply change this to Shut Down. If y'all have a laptop, you tin choose separate behaviour depending on whether it's running on battery power or connected to the mains.

Windows 8 power button options

Now, instead of using your mouse to shut down your computer, you tin quickly press the power push to reach the aforementioned thing. We'd suggest against doing this if you have children likely to press the ability button, as you may lose unsaved work (a valuable lesson learned through first-hand experience).

Of course, if you're happy to leave your PC in sleep mode, y'all don't demand to configure anything at all. Simply get into the addiction of pressing your PC's power button instead of using whatever of the methods in a higher place to actually close down your car. If y'all have a laptop, you can merely close the lid to put Windows into sleep manner, but using the steps in a higher place you lot can modify what that action does, likewise.