How To Shutdown Windows Server 2012

Methods for Windows Server 2012 Shutdown or Reboot

Since Microsoft removed the Start button, there is no quick way to shut down or reboot the server.  Even the logon screen has no Shut down button.

Good news, here are three easy ways to down your Server 2012.

Windows Server 2012 Shutdown Methods

• Use the Charms to Shutdown Windows Server 2012
• Employ PowerShell to Shutdown Windows Server 2012
• Employing Microsoft's Shutdown Command  Charms to Shutdown W
  

My favourite way of calling for the Windows charms is with WinKey +c. The main alternative to the keyboard shortcut is the mouse. There is a knack of pointing the mouse gently over the bottom right corner. There is no need to press any of the mouse's buttons, just let the pointer activate the charms.

Using the mouse to make the charms emerge is a tricky skill.  If at first you don't succeed, try again but more slowly, circle the cursor nearer the corner of the screen.

Settings 'Cogs'
Once the Server 2012 charms materialize on the right side of the screen, then click on the cogs called 'Settings'. Now you seek the Power button, which is at the bottom of the screen.

Left click on 'Power' and select Shut Down (or Restart).

Try WinKey +i
An even quicker way to access these settings is to press the Windows Key +i. 

Windows Server 2012 Shutdown Trap
If you Sign out (the old logoff) there is no shut down button on the front screen as there is with Windows 8.