When you install or reset Windows 11, you go through the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) — also called the first run setup. This is where you choose your language, region, keyboard, Microsoft account, and privacy settings.
But what if you need to shut down your PC before completing setup? Maybe you want to stop halfway, switch devices, or just take a break. Since the standard Start menu isn’t available yet, many users wonder how to safely power off their computer.
Don’t worry — Windows 11 provides multiple ways to shut down even during the setup phase. This guide walks you through all the quick methods.
Why Would You Need to Shutdown During Setup?
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Interrupted installation — You need to pause setup and continue later.
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Wrong configuration — You chose the wrong region or keyboard and want to restart.
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Hardware concerns — Your laptop battery is low and you need to charge before continuing.
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Emergency stop — Something isn’t working correctly and you want to retry setup later.
Method 1: Use the Power Button (Safest Way)
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Locate the power button on your laptop or desktop.
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Press it once briefly (don’t hold it down).
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Windows will display a shutdown or sleep screen, depending on the device.
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Select Shut down.
👉 If a single press doesn’t work, press and hold the power button for 5–10 seconds to force shutdown.
Method 2: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Even in setup mode, some keyboard shortcuts still work:
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Press Ctrl + Alt + Del.
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This opens a security options screen.
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In the bottom-right corner, click the Power icon.
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Choose Shut down.
Method 3: Close the Laptop Lid (For Laptops Only)
If you’re on a laptop:
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Simply close the lid.
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By default, this will put your laptop into sleep mode.
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When you reopen it, setup will continue where you left off.
(If your laptop is set to shut down when the lid closes, it may power off completely.)
Method 4: Unplug Power or Remove Battery (Last Resort)
If none of the above methods work:
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Desktop PC: Switch off the power supply from the back or unplug it.
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Laptop: Hold down the power button until it shuts off, or remove the battery (if removable).
⚠️ Warning: This is not the recommended method since it cuts power abruptly, but it will shut down your computer if other methods fail.
Things to Keep in Mind
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No data loss yet: Since you’re still in setup, there are no personal files created yet, so shutdown won’t harm your data.
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Setup will restart: Next time you power on, Windows 11 will resume setup from the last completed step.
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Avoid repeated force shutdowns: Doing it too often can corrupt system files. Use safe methods when possible.
Conclusion
Shutting down Windows 11 during the first run setup is simple once you know the tricks. The safest way is to use the power button or Ctrl + Alt + Del shortcut. If that fails, you can always do a long press on the power button as a last resort.
The next time you restart your computer, setup will pick up where you left off — so you don’t lose progress.
FAQs
1. Can I safely shut down Windows 11 during setup?
Yes, it’s safe. Windows will resume setup when you power it back on.
2. Will shutting down during setup corrupt Windows?
Not usually. However, avoid repeated forced shutdowns to prevent file corruption.
3. Does Windows save my progress in setup?
Yes, it resumes from the last completed step.
4. Can I restart instead of shutting down?
Yes. A restart works just like a shutdown and will resume setup.
5. What if my PC won’t turn off with the power button?
Hold the power button for 5–10 seconds to force shutdown, or unplug the device if necessary.