How to get on top of Windows restart

With each new version of Windows, Microsoft promises that you'll have to restart your computer less often. However, the promise never seems to materialise. Restarting a Windows PC is not only a dreaded task -- thanks to the amount of time required to load Windows -- but always seems to be required when you least desire it.

Wondering if there could be a magic want for a faster reboot, and also one that can cut down on the number of times you need to restart? Here's why your Windows asks for those 'restarts' and also how you can speed up the process.

Why those restarts?

Typically, the reason you're asked to restart your computer after you install a programme is because the programme you installed requires some file or driver that is loaded automatically when you start Windows. Or it's possible that the programme changes a setting in Windows that necessitates restarting your PC.

Keep in mind that a programme will usually seek your permission before restarting Windows. If offered the opportunity to "restart later," choose that, and see whether the programme you just installed will run without restarting.

Often it will, as the component that requires a restart of the PC may not actually have anything to do with the running of the application -- it could be a scheduling utility that runs in the background, for instance.

Also, if you ever find yourself installing several applications at one time, as and when you first boot the computer, save any restarts till everything is installed.

What if you do not restart?

Generally nothing. If you choose not to restart your PC after being asked to do so, the component or application that was just installed may not either work properly or at all. But there are very few installations that absolutely require a restart of your PC to run properly.

One exception is an installation that makes changes to a hardware component -- BIOS updates are a good example. Typically, however, if a restart is absolutely required, you will not be given an option not to.

Is there a faster way to restart?

No, not in recent versions. In Windows 98, you could (and still can) hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart, and the PC would skip the initial hardware boot-up screens.

But Microsoft has removed that capability from XP and Vista.

Will shutting down PC help?

Yes. In fact, when restarting your computer in an effort to troubleshoot some problem, many technicians advise turning off the computer and leaving it off for 30 seconds or so.

The reason: completely clearing memory of all running processes and applications is thought to take approximately this long.