Set Up Free Auto Shutdown on Schedule or Battery Level

Overview

Short guide to set up free auto shutdown on Windows by schedule or when battery reaches a level. Includes built-in methods (Task Scheduler, shutdown command, power settings) — no third‑party required.

Shut down at a specific time (Task Scheduler)

1. Open Start → Task Scheduler.
2. Right‑click Task Scheduler Library → New Folder (optional) → Create Basic Task.
3. Name it (e.g., “Auto Shutdown”) → Next → choose recurrence (Daily/Weekly/One time) → Next → set time → Next.
4. Action: Start a program → Next.
   • Program/script: C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe
   • Add arguments: /s /f /t 0
5. Next → Finish. (Optional: edit task → General tab → check “Run whether user is logged on or not” and “Run with highest privileges” if needed.)

Shut down after a countdown or delay (shutdown command)

• Open Command Prompt or Run (Win+R).
• Run: shutdown /s /f /t SECONDS
  • Example: shutdown /s /f /t 3600 (shuts down after 1 hour).
• Cancel