Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

To restart an ASUS laptop, you can use the Start menu for a normal restart, or hold the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown when the screen freezes. Once it is off, press the power button again to boot back up. This guide covers both approaches, plus what to check if the laptop refuses to restart properly.

Restart an ASUS Laptop That Still Responds

When the cursor moves and programs open, a normal restart is the safest choice because Windows closes open files and apps before powering down.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Hp Pavilion Laptop 15 Cc5xx Review: Features and Performance.

  1. Save your work in every open application.
  2. Click the Start button, then the Power icon.
  3. Select Restart.
  4. Wait for the ASUS logo to appear again, then sign in.

If you prefer the keyboard, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, click the power icon in the bottom-right corner, and choose Restart.

Force Restart When the Laptop Is Frozen

If the screen stops responding and the keyboard and trackpad do nothing, hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the display goes dark. Release the button, wait roughly 10 to 15 seconds, then press it once more to turn the laptop back on.

A forced restart can cause the loss of unsaved data, so use it only when a normal restart is impossible. Manufacturers generally advise against repeated forced shutdowns because they can stress the storage drive over time.

Restart Fails or the Laptop Loops

If the laptop restarts but gets stuck on the ASUS logo, or it turns off immediately after powering on, the problem is usually software or a connected device rather than the restart itself. Try these checks in order:

  • Unplug USB drives, external displays, docking stations and memory cards, then restart.
  • Boot into Safe Mode by holding Shift while clicking Restart, then choosing Troubleshoot and Startup Settings.
  • Run a Windows Update or roll back a recent driver if the problem started after an update.
  • Check that the battery and charger are working, since low power can cause repeated shutdowns.

If these steps don’t help, the guide to How to Reset Asus Notebook Laptop: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners explains how to use the built-in reset options, which can restore the system without erasing personal files when you choose that option.

Factors That Affect How Well Restarts Work

Restart problems often trace back to the same few sources. Overheating, a full system drive, and pending updates can all prevent a clean shutdown. Keep vents clear and make sure at least a few gigabytes of free space remain on the system drive.

Power issues are another frequent cause. A failing adapter may not supply enough current, which can make a laptop appear to restart while it is actually cycling. If you notice slow charging alongside restart trouble, the troubleshooting in Laptop USB C Charging: How to Fix Slow or No Charging (Step-by-Step) covers the most common charger and port issues.

Display glitches can also look like a stuck restart when the screen simply stops showing output. If the image is distorted or changes color during startup, check How to Fix Green Screen on Laptop: 6 Causes and Steps That Work before assuming the system has crashed.

Common Mistakes

  • Holding the power button repeatedly instead of waiting for the laptop to fully power off.
  • Restarting during a Windows update, which can interrupt installation. Wait for progress to finish.
  • Ignoring a laptop that restarts on its own every few hours, which can signal overheating or a failing component.
  • Forgetting to save open documents before using a forced restart.

A laptop cooling pad helps keep internal temperatures down, which reduces the chance of heat-related shutdown problems. View on Amazon

A replacement AC adapter that matches your ASUS model’s rated output prevents power-related restart loops caused by weak charging. View on Amazon

FAQ

How do you restart a ASUS laptop if the keyboard doesn’t work?

Hold the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then press it again to start the laptop. Forced shutdowns may lose unsaved work, so use this only when nothing else responds.

Why does my ASUS laptop keep restarting by itself?

Common causes include overheating, a pending Windows update, a faulty driver or a failing power adapter. Check the vents, update drivers and test with a known-good charger.

Will restarting my ASUS laptop delete my files?

A normal or forced restart does not delete files, though unsaved work in open programs can be lost. Only a factory reset removes personal data.

Conclusion

Use the Start menu for a standard restart whenever the laptop responds, and reserve the 10-second power button hold for frozen screens. If restarts keep failing or looping, disconnect peripherals, boot into Safe Mode and check your charger. Consistent problems are worth checking before they turn into data loss.

Ready to choose one?

Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our consumer tech how-to & troubleshooting guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.