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Turning off the computer. Timer to turn off the computer - overview of useful programs and utilities

In two weeks of September my younger son Sashka has already slept through school twice - he just can’t change his mind summer holidays go to bed earlier rather than sit at the computer until one in the morning. So I decided to teach his computer to forcefully turn off at a certain time.

Helped me in this anti-democratic matter computer shutdown timer- absolutely free, simple and powerful (as it turned out) program PClimiter.

The PClimiter computer program does not just turn off the computer at a certain time - it allows you to set various restrictions on the use of the computer on any day of the week, set limits for different users - for example, 2-3... hours a day from 8.00 to 22.00.

This computer shutdown timer is not as simple as it seems at first glance - it will not allow you to change the system time or user, delete yourself without entering a password...

...continues to work after deleting the task in the task manager and will even start with the computer after excluding it from startup - I tried all this.

Intrigued? Let's take a closer look at PClimiter and learn how to use it...

PClimiter - smart computer shutdown timer

So, the most important thing is that when setting the computer shutdown timer, you will be asked to enter your parental password.

I kindly ask you to approach this moment responsibly and remember this password, so as not to ask stupid questions later in the comments to the article - no one but you will be able to unlock the computer, if that...

After installation, the program will appear in the tray (near the clock) - left-click on the icon and in the window that appears, click on the green padlock in the right corner...

...enter the parent password and proceed to limiting the operating time of the computer...

Balance - time available to the user on a specific day of the week
Bonus - extra time that can be used on any day of the week
Limit - the maximum allowable time for a specific day of the week (Balance + Bonus).

I set the balance for the entire restriction period, but you can set it to 2-3... hours - as much as you want. This way, your child (or you) will be able to turn off the computer and turn it on as many times as desired, and the program will keep track of the time used. When the limit is reached, the computer will turn off.

I got a little distracted - let's continue. After you have entered all the balances, limits and bonuses by day of the week, you need to select the user for whom you prepared all this and click on his icon...

... "enable time restrictions" ...

All you have to do is click on the red padlock in the upper right - that’s it, congratulations, the usurper computer shutdown timer is working.

How to turn off PClimiter

You can only uninstall it if you know the parent password or “disable time restrictions” where you activated them (under the user icon), but the program will continue to work.

How to turn off PClimiter if there is no tray icon and the entire limit for the day has been reached (this is exactly what happened to me when I removed the program from startup - an ambush, the computer immediately turned off after turning on)?

I’m telling you, you only have a couple of minutes - after the next start of the system, very quickly go to the folder with installed program and click on its label...

...an icon will appear in the tray - click on it, in the program window that appears, click on the lock even faster, then on the user icon and “disable time restrictions”. Don't forget to click on the lock again to apply the changes. Did you make it?

Download PClimiter

The size of the downloaded installation file is 3.1 MB. There are no viruses or additional “useful” software in it. The program understands ALL versions of the Windows operating system (including the tenth).

Program for automatically turning off and turning on your computer

There are situations when you need to turn off your computer exact time, but you are unable to do this due to your absence. Or when you fell asleep watching a movie late at night while lying on the couch. In addition, I would like the computer to turn on itself on a certain day at the appointed time and launch the application necessary to perform an important task - for example, an audio player with loud music early in the morning :) - free program turns off and on the computer on a given day and specific time.

Save time at work. After all, every time you come to the office you turn on the computer, launch the editor and check email. Let everything be ready when you arrive, in case you are delayed! And when leaving work home, let the computer turn itself off - will handle it. There is so little time for life.

Program installation

Install the TimePC program and the computer will stop making noise from the fans at night by turning off at the appointed time. Set the date and time for the computer to automatically turn on, add programs that you launch every morning to the list of applications to launch when you turn on the computer - save yourself from unnecessary movements. The TimePC utility will turn on and off the computer for you, and will itself prepare the working environment on the desktop when you start the PC.

To install the TimePC program, download the utility distribution kit, run it and follow the installer's instructions. The installation process is very simple, you just need to click the mouse a few times and TimePC will start working on your computer.

Update

If you decide to update the program, first close TimePC, uninstall it and then install the new version.

The TimePC program interface is very simple, all settings and functions fit into one small window. The utility takes up very little space on your hard drive and does not interfere with the operation of the operating system or other programs. TimePC sits quietly in the system tray and is always ready to complete your task of turning off and turning on the computer at the specified date and required time. TimePC supports Russian and English languages, runs under Windows XP/Vista/7.

Principle of operation

TimePC uses this function ACPI(advanced configuration and power management interface) like hibernation- in other words, switching the computer to an energy-saving operating mode. To put it in "computer" language, TimePC does not turns off, but puts the computer into hibernation mode and does not includes, but takes him out of this mode. Most modern computers competently know how to put the PC into this mode. If the PC does not support hibernation mode, the program will not wake the computer from “deep sleep”. If in BIOS settings motherboard There are ACPI settings, but when the TimePC program shuts down the computer (more correctly, it goes into hibernation), the fan continues to make noise, then you need to select the value S3/STR in the ACPI Sleep Time option (there is also S1/POS).

Scheduler

In order to turn off and turn on the computer according to a schedule, the program implements a Scheduler. For each day of the week, you can set a time for your computer to automatically enter and exit hibernation mode. TimePC will automatically start the PC, provided that the program itself turns it off.

If you have any questions about the operation of the TimePC program, write to the author.

If, when exiting hibernation mode, the computer displays a user selection window with a password, and you want to disable this request, you must do the following: click Start => Control Panel => Power Options. In the window that opens, click "Request password on wakeup" and select "Change unavailable in this moment settings". After this, the option "Do not ask for a password" will become available for selection.

If the program “does not turn on the computer on time,” try the following: Control Panel => Power Options => Set up power plan => Change advanced power settings => Sleep => Allow wake timers => On.

TimePC 1.7 from 02/09/2015

An option has been added to the program to restart the computer after exiting hibernation. With this option enabled, the PC will restart 1 minute after waking up.

TimePC 1.6 from 10/18/2014

Now, 30 seconds before the computer turns off, a countdown window pops up. Fixed an error launching the program on Windows with an English interface. TimePC version 1.6 also works on 64-bit Windows.

TimePC 1.5 from 02/19/2012

The program has been translated into German.

TimePC 1.4 from 01/13/2012

A scheduler has been added to TimePC, now you can turn your computer on and off according to a schedule.

TimePC 1.3 from 08/24/2011

Added a function for selecting the computer shutdown mode at a specified time and date - going into hibernation or completely shutting down the PC.

TimePC 1.2 from 07/07/2011

The program interface has been changed, the program's operation has been optimized.
Fixed an error that occurred when switching from the 31st to the 1st of the next month - the program did not activate the computer to turn on.

TimePC 1.1 from 07/04/2011

Added function automatic update, Fixed a bug where the program interface was not displayed correctly when screen scaling is enabled.
Fixed an error that occurred on Windows XP when turning off the computer. If the user turned off the PC through the Start menu, the program did not allow the session to end.

TimePC 1.0 from 06/28/2011

First version of the program

Official site:
OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7
Necessary: ACPI
Supported languages: Russian English German
Version: 1.7
License:freeware (for free)

File size 1.9 MB

The idea of setting up a computer so that it automatically turns on at a given time comes to mind for many people. Some people want to use their PC as an alarm clock, others need to start downloading torrents at the most advantageous time according to tariff plan time, others want to schedule installation of updates, virus scans, or other similar tasks. How these desires can be realized will be discussed further.

There are several ways you can configure your computer to turn on automatically. This can be done using the tools available in the computer hardware, methods provided in the operating system, or special programs from third-party manufacturers. Let's look at these methods in more detail.

Method 1: BIOS and UEFI

Probably everyone who is at least a little familiar with the principles of computer operation has heard about the existence of BIOS (Basic Input-Output System). It is responsible for testing and regularly turning on all PC hardware components, and then transfers control of them to the operating system. The BIOS contains many different settings, including the ability to turn on the computer in automatic mode. Let's agree right away that this function It is not present in all BIOS, but only in more or less modern versions.

To schedule your PC to start automatically via BIOS, you need to do the following:

Currently, the BIOS interface is considered outdated. IN modern computers it was replaced by UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). Its main purpose is the same as that of the BIOS, but the possibilities are much wider. It is much easier for the user to work with UEFI thanks to mouse support and Russian language in the interface.

Configuring your computer to turn on automatically using UEFI is as follows:

Setting it to turn on automatically using the BIOS or UEFI is the only way to enable this operation on a completely turned off computer. In all other cases we're talking about not about turning on, but about waking up the PC from hibernation or sleep mode.

It goes without saying that in order for auto-on to work, the computer's power cord must remain plugged into the outlet or UPS.

Method 2: Task Scheduler

You can also configure your computer to turn on automatically using Windows system tools. A task scheduler is used for this. Let's look at how this is done using Windows 7 as an example.

First, you need to allow the system to automatically turn on/off the computer. To do this, you need to open the section in the control panel "System and safety" and in the section "Power supply" follow the link "Setting sleep mode".

Then in the window that opens, follow the link "Change advanced power settings".

After that, find in the list of additional parameters "Dream" and there set the permission for wakeup timers to the state "Turn on".

Now you can configure a schedule for automatically turning on your computer. To do this you need to do the following:

Open your planner. The easiest way to do this is through the menu "Start", where there is a special field for searching for programs and files.

Start typing the word “scheduler” in this field so that a link to open the utility appears in the top line.

To open the scheduler, just left-click on it. It can also be launched via the menu “Start” - “Standard” - “Service”, or through the window “Run” (Win+R) by entering the taskschd.msc command there.
In the scheduler window, go to the section "Task Scheduler Library".
On the right side of the window, select "Create task".
Come up with a name and description for the new task, for example, “Turn on your computer automatically.” In the same window, you can configure the parameters with which the computer will wake up: the user under whom you will log in and the level of his rights.
Go to the tab "Triggers" and click on the button "Create".
Set the frequency and time for the computer to automatically turn on, for example, every day at 7.30 am.
Go to the tab "Actions" and create a new action similar to the previous paragraph. Here you can configure what should happen when the task is completed. Let's make sure that some message is displayed on the screen.

If desired, you can configure another action, for example, playing an audio file, launching a torrent or another program.
Go to the tab "Conditions" and check the checkbox "Wake up the computer to perform a task". Add other marks if necessary.

This point is key when creating our task.
Complete the process by pressing the key "OK". If the general settings specified logging in as a specific user, the scheduler will ask you to specify his name and password.

This completes setting up the computer to automatically turn on using the scheduler. Evidence of the correctness of the actions taken will be the appearance of a new task in the scheduler task list.

The result of its execution will be to wake up the computer every day at 7.30 am and display the message “Good morning!” on the screen.

Method 3: Third Party Programs

You can also create a computer operating schedule using programs created by third-party developers. To some extent, they all duplicate the functions of the system task scheduler. Some have significantly reduced functionality in comparison with it, but compensate for this with ease of setup and a more convenient interface. However software products There are not many that can wake a computer from sleep mode. Let's look at some of them in more detail.

A small free program with nothing superfluous. After installation, it minimizes to tray. By calling it from there, you can set up a schedule for turning on/off your computer.

Thus, turning on/off the computer will be scheduled regardless of the date.

Auto Power-on & Shut-down

Another program with which you can turn on your computer automatically. The program does not have a Russian-language interface by default, but you can find a localizer for it on the Internet. The program is paid, a 30-day trial version is offered for review.

WakeMeUp!

The interface of this program has functionality typical of all alarm clocks and reminders. The program is paid, the trial version is provided for 15 days. Its disadvantages include the long absence of updates. In Windows 7 it was possible to run it only in Windows 2000 compatibility mode with administrative rights.

This concludes our consideration of ways to automatically turn on a computer on a schedule. The information provided is sufficient to orient the reader to the possibilities for solving this problem. And which method to choose is up to him to decide.

Sometimes situations arise when it is necessary for the computer to be able to turn off on its own according to a schedule. For example, you need to distribute your work time, restrict access to children, or turn off the device after a long operation. There are several ways to set a timer shutdown windows.

Setting a timer using Windows

A reliable method using the built-in Shutdown program.

Allows you to set a shutdown timer for Windows 7, 8 (8.1) and 10, as well as restart the computer after a set time without using additional applications:

The first thing you need is to press the key combination Win + R (Win is the key with the Windows icon), after which a small window will open in the lower left corner “Run”.
In the field that appears, enter shutdown -s -t N, where N is the time before shutdown in seconds. For example, 1 hour = 3600 s. The -s option is responsible for shutting down, and -t indicates the time. To reboot the computer, replace the -s parameter with -r. To force applications to close (without the ability to save the process), add -f (after -a).
Click on “OK”. A notification will appear informing you that the job will complete after the specified time.
To cancel the timer, enter shutdown -a. The system will notify you as you get closer to shutdown time.

If you need to regularly use the computer shutdown timer for Windows, it will be more convenient to create a shortcut. To do this you will need:

Right-click on an empty space on the desktop.
Select New > Shortcut.
In the window that appears, specify the path to the desired program “C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe” and add parameters for shutdown, for example, -s -f -t 1800. Click “Next”.
Enter the name of the shortcut and click on “Done”.

Task Manager

The Windows operating system has a special Task Scheduler application for creating and managing common tasks. Algorithm of actions:

First of all, click on the “Start” menu.
To set the Windows 10 shutdown timer, find the “Administrative Tools” section, where you select the desired program. Search by alphabetical order.
For Windows 7, go to Control Panel. Select the “Category” viewing mode. Click on “System and Security” > “Administration” > “Task Scheduler”.
Or press Win + R and enter taskschd.msc in the Run window and click OK.
In the “Task Scheduler”, hover over the “Action” tab, and then select “Create” from the list simple task».
Enter a custom name and description if desired. Click "Next".
Select a trigger, i.e. the frequency of the operation performed, for example, daily or once. Click “Next”.
Set the exact time when your computer will turn off. Click on “Next” again.
Select an action for the “Run a program” task. Continue.
Enter shutdown in the script line and -s in the arguments line.
Review all settings and click Finish.

The task will be created and the computer will turn off at the specified time. After this, you can always go back and edit the parameters as needed in the task scheduler library or disable the task altogether.

Third party programs

Additional applications are needed for convenience and more flexible settings. But not all programs downloaded from the Internet can be safe for your computer.

Very simple program TimePC to turn off the computer on a schedule. It will also turn it on according to a schedule that you set up yourself.

There are situations when the computer is performing some task, and you urgently need to run somewhere. Well, you just can't be late. It is not good to interrupt the process, and not to complete it is also bad. And many people don’t like to fall asleep in complete silence and turn on music or just a movie to do this. If only it made noise. A person is resting, but the computer continues to work and overheat.

Well, to prevent this from happening, let’s establish special program — TimePC. Using this program, you can set a command for the computer to turn off at a certain time.

Although the operating system has something similar (power settings), the standard function does not completely turn off the computer, but only puts the computer into sleep mode. Not bad, but still not the same compared to the TimePC program.

The program has additional useful features. In addition to the fact that it can automatically turn off the computer at a time specified by the user, it can also turn it on. Even run, at the user’s request, some program or several programs.

Let's see how simple it is. The program is displayed on three languages, but after installing it the interface will be in Russian. You won't have to change anything.

In the settings, you can uncheck the “ Close open source software when turning off«

The fact is that when we turn off the computer with this program, we can choose one of two modes. The first is a normal shutdown, as we are all used to, the second is hibernation.
Hibernation(hibernation) translated from English as “ hibernation"or simply "sleep" In this mode, the computer rests, but before turning off, it remembers everything that was opened and launched and saves it in the right place on a non-volatile data storage device.

This is very convenient if you did not have time to complete work in some programs or open folders. When you turn on the computer, everything will remain in its place.

Next point " Check for updates“Here I also unchecked the box. Who knows, maybe the programmers missed something somewhere and the program will start not working correctly. Well, for now I’m happy with this working version, I’m working with it, without updating.

Let's move on to the main thing. In the left column select “Off/On PC”

On the right side of the program, check the box next to “ Turn off computer» We set the shutdown time, but we don’t have to touch the date, it is already substituted for the date configured on the computer. Unless you want to turn off your PC tomorrow or in a few days.

Now you need to select the shutdown mode. As I wrote above, there are two modes. Choose which one is more convenient for you. You can also schedule it to turn on after a certain time. Configured, click the “Apply” button and check if everything is correct. If you made a mistake in the time or date, you can click the “ Cancel" button and reconfigure everything.

We’ve dealt with the one-time setup, now let’s move on to “” Everything is the same here. We set the time to turn off and turn on the computer for a whole week. There is no sleep mode in the scheduler.

Once configured, click the “Run” button and check if everything is correct.

By the way, before the computer turns off, the program will notify you about it 30 seconds in advance. If you are at the computer at this moment, you can turn it off by pressing the button labeled “STOP”
Go to the item “ Launching programs"

Here we can specify the program that we want to run along with the operating system. For example, a player with music. You will get an unusual alarm clock. We can add a browser to the player so that we can check our emails right away in the morning. TimePC allows you to run several programs at once.

Click the “Add” button. An explorer window will open. In the left column, select “Desktop” In most cases, when installing a program, it leaves its shortcut on the desktop. From the desktop, select the shortcut for the program you need. You need to look for programs that come with Windows on drive C in the Program Files or C:\Windows folder. Let's say the standard program Notepad (notepad) which is located at C:\Windows\system32

To remove a program from autorun, you need to select it and click the “Remove" button.