Perhaps every user at one time or another has a need to automatically turn off the PC after a certain time. Of course, this operation can also be configured using the standard tools of the operating system, but it is much more convenient to use special utilities for these purposes.
This article will discuss the best programs to turn off the computer. Here you will find both simple timers and multifunctional complexes with many different settings. In general, each user, depending on his needs, will be able to choose the perfect utility for himself.
Poweroff
So, the first in the list is one of the most popular programs for turning the computer on and off. The developers approached the creation of this utility very responsibly and added a huge number of different functions to it. So, for example, with PowerOff you can:
- Create a schedule for shutting down and rebooting the PC.
- Disable on a timer both individual applications and the computer completely.
- Break the Internet connection at the specified time.
- Turn off the PC after the end of the movie or music track.
And this, I must say, is far from a complete list of utility features. However, the rest of the functions are more likely to improve computer performance and are not related to the topic of this article.
Unfortunately, PowerOff also has disadvantages. First of all, the program significantly loads the processor. For powerful computers, this will not be a problem, but on weak PCs it can lead to the appearance of “brakes”. Well and yes, not all users will want to deal with the confusing interface of the utility, so this should also be attributed to its shortcomings.
Airytec Switch Off
And this program for turning off the computer at a given time is already a little simpler. However, it also has a large list of features. In particular, Airytec Switch Off allows you to:
- Turn off, lock and restart the computer on a timer.
- Monitor Windows accounts.
- Turn off the computer remotely.
The advantages of the program include the fact that it is free. Simply put, you do not run the risk of wasting money if you do not like the utility. In addition, Airytec Switch Off has excellent compatibility so that it can be used even on slower computers.
As for the shortcomings, the program also has them. So far, the utility behaves inappropriately when the PC switches to Hibernation mode, but the developers promise to fix this in one of the next updates.
OFFTimer
A simple program to turn off the computer in time. OFFTimer consists of only one file, the archive with which you need to download and then unzip. Moreover, the utility does not require installation and can be launched on any PC by double-clicking.
As you probably already guessed, the program cannot boast of extensive features. Its main and only function is to turn off the computer. To do this, you need to go to the main menu of the utility, set the shutdown time, and then click on the “Enable timer” button. After that, the utility can be minimized.
The disadvantage of OFFTimer is obvious. So, you will not be able to create a schedule and you will have to set the time to turn off the PC manually each time. However, if such a need rarely arises for you, this should not be a serious problem.
Xtime
Another small program to automatically turn off the computer. As in the case of OFFTimer, you just need to download the archive with the utility, and then unzip it. After that, Xtime will be completely ready for use.
The main menu of the program is made in the style of minimalism. The time after which you want to turn off the computer is set using the drop-down list located on the left side of the window. The timer itself is launched by the “Activate” button. In this case, the maximum time for which you can postpone turning off the PC is 360 minutes (6 hours). In principle, this should be enough in most cases.
Unfortunately, in Xtime, you can’t create a schedule for turning off the PC, which is a significant minus for some users. The rest of the utility does its job perfectly.
Time pc
The program to turn off the computer and turn it on automatically. Time PC has a convenient scheduler with which you can schedule for the week ahead. In addition, there is the opportunity not to turn off the PC, but put it in the "Hibernation" mode. At the same time, the utility supports the Russian language, so you should not have any problems using it.
Along with this, Time PC has the ability to automatically launch programs when you turn on the computer. So, for example, with this function you can download files from a torrent even when you are not at home.
The disadvantages of the utility include the lack of automatic updates. You will have to download the latest version of the program manually each time if you want to keep it up to date.
uSleep Timer
Another simple program to turn off the computer. Like most analogues, uSleep Timer does not require installation and is fully ready to work after extraction from the archive. Here is what the utility can do:
- Turn off, restart, and put the computer to sleep after the specified time.
- Force termination of selected processes by timer.
- Decrease the volume of the track being played at the specified time.
As you can see, even though uSleep Timer belongs to the category of relatively primitive utilities, it has quite a lot of functions. In principle, this should be enough for most users.
By the way, uSleep Timer is an excellent program for shutting down a computer on Windows 7 and earlier versions of the Microsoft operating system. This utility has excellent compatibility, so you can run it even on an old computer.
SM Timer
In this program, the user can select only two tasks: completely shut down the computer or end the current session. On the one hand, such a small number of functions is a significant drawback of the utility, but on the other, it greatly simplifies its use. In other words, even an unprepared user will never get confused in the SM Timer interface.
In addition, the advantages of the utility include support for the Russian language and a free form of distribution. As for the shortcomings, this is the lack of a support service and an automatic update system.
Stoppc
Free program to turn off the computer. StopPC has four functions:
- Shutting down the PC.
- Reboot
- Disabling a specific program.
- The disconnection of the Internet.
In addition, the utility has a so-called hidden mode, which allows it to disappear from the monitor and start working autonomously. The advantages of StopPC include the Russian-language interface, a free license, and the lack of the need to install the program. In addition, the utility practically does not consume system resources, so it can be used even on weak computers.
The main disadvantage of StopPC is the small window size, which cannot be changed in any way. On large monitors, using the program is not very convenient.
sleep timer
Despite the apparent simplicity, this utility has a full set of functions necessary for managing the power of the computer. However, there are no extra settings that could confuse inexperienced users.
It is worth noting that turning off the computer through the program in the utility is tied not only to the timer, but also to certain actions or events. For example, you can make your PC shut down while the user is inactive or when you close any application that you have selected in advance. In addition, the program has a Russian-language interface and is distributed free of charge. These are two more huge pluses in her piggy bank of advantages.
Wise auto shutdown
Using this convenient utility, you can configure automatic shutdown, reboot, transition to sleep mode and other actions necessary to control the computer’s power. Wise Auto Shutdown has a beautiful and, more importantly, intuitive interface, which is also fully translated into Russian. In addition, you can always contact support if you have any questions.
Also, the advantages of the program include the presence of an automatic update system, a free distribution model, as well as the absence of any unnecessary functions. The downside is that support representatives communicate only in English.