Below are the ways to shut down, turn off, reboot, etc. a Linux computer from the GUI or the command line.

Shutting down or rebooting the computer from a GUI interface

Shutting down or rebooting the computer from a GUI interface depends on which GUI you are using. Often the shutdown, log out, and reboot options are available through the GUI’s main menu or bar on one of the sides of the window.

If you cannot shut down or reboot the computer through the GUI, you can shut down or reboot the computer using the commands referenced below. You could also create scripts that would run these commands from the GUI.

Command line commands

Commands at the command line interface can be used for halting, turning off (power off), rebooting, or shutting down Linux. Click a link below to view more details about each command.

  • halt
  • poweroff
  • reboot
  • shutdown
  • How to shut down a computer.
  • How to restart a Mac.
  • How to restart Microsoft Windows.
  • See our reboot and shutdown definition for further information and links.
  • Linux help and support.