If your Mac suddenly freezes or slows, restarting your Mac can clear memory and return to normal speed. There are several easy methods to do this, which are helpful if you can’t access certain commands or programs.

Six ways to restart your Mac

Choose the method that best fits your situation, from simple menu options to advanced remote access.

Using the Apple menu

  • Click the Apple logo in your menu bar and selectRestart.
  • When asked to confirm, clickRestart to continue. Your Mac will restart immediately.
  • If you don’t want windows that were open to reopen, deselect “Reopen windows when logging back in.”

Using the shutdown menu

  • PressCtrl + Eject (or hold the power button if your Mac lacks an eject key). A prompt will appear.
  • SelectRestart to reboot immediately.

Using a keyboard shortcut

  • If your Mac is unresponsive, pressCtrl + ⌘ + Eject to restart. This prompts you to save open documents.
  • If that doesn’t work, pressCtrl + ⌘ + Power to restart instantly without prompting. Warning: Use this only if the Mac is completely frozen.

Using the Terminal application

  • OpenSpotlight (⌘ + Space) and typeterminal, then press Return to open it.
  • In Terminal, typeshutdown -r now and press Return. Your computer will restart.
  • Alternatively, typereboot or reboot -q (to force a shutdown). Warning: Frequent use may prevent processes from quitting normally and degrade the OS over time.

Performing a hard restart

  • Quit any processes that need the hard drive.
  • Press and hold the power button until the computer turns off; don’t release until it’s completely off.
  • Press the power button again to restart. If it doesn’t restart, wait a few seconds and try again. Warning: Avoid unless necessary; try normal methods first.

Using remote access

  • Click the Apple icon → System Settings → Sharing, and enableRemote Login (check the box).
  • On another computer on the same network, find your Mac’s IP address by searching “what is my IP” in a web browser.
  • From that computer, openTerminal and typessh username@ip_address, then enter your password.
  • In the terminal session, typereboot to restart the Mac.
Pro tip: If your Mac is completely frozen and menus are inaccessible, rely on the keyboard shortcut method first for a quick recovery.

Restarting your Mac regularly helps maintain performance by clearing cached data and resolving software glitches. It prevents minor issues from escalating into major problems, like app crashes or system instability.

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Choosing the right method ensures minimal disruption, whether you’re working locally or accessing remotely. Over time, these habits can extend your Mac’s lifespan and improve overall user experience without needing advanced repairs.