How to shutdown Windows 8.1 like in the old times using the dialog box

Windows 10 shutdown dialog box

Windows 8 dramatically changed the way we see and use the operating system, and even though there has been many bumps along the way, Windows 8.1 fixed many of the shortcomings, and Windows 10 is being design to improve and fix everything Windows 8 got wrong. However there are still many old features and habits that users love from Windows 7 that disappeared with Windows 8 and they’re likely not coming back.

Now for those nostalgic running Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, if you find that shutting down the operating system is a bit odd and you missed the old fashion “Shut Down Windows” dialog box, you can still use it without having to modify anything in your system simply use the Alt + F4 keyboard shortcut instead of trying to shutdown Windows from the Start screen or from the Power User menu.

The only caveat is that if you have an open window or application, using Alt + F4 will close those first. So if you have two apps running and File Explorer open, you’ll need to hit Alt + F4 four times for you to see the “Shut Down Windows” dialog box.

Enjoy!

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.