How To: Schedule your PC to Shutdown Automatically using Chrono Shutdown
There are a number of reasons why you might be interested in a tool that shuts down your Windows computer automatically. Most of us want to reduce our electricity bills as much as possible, yet so many automated computer tasks are best left to run overnight - such as disk defragmentation, downloading or uploading large files, or performing an initial cloud backup.
Sometimes, and usually in fact, these tasks don't require the entire night to complete, meaning your computer is left on unnecessarily, using up electricity. Even if you're not worried about the financial element, you're probably at least a little concerned about the effect on the environment.
Chrono Shutdown is the solution to this particular predicament. A simple, portable utility, it allows you to set a countdown, after which your computer will shut down unassisted. So, if you have a download running that requires two more hours, you set the timer for 3 hours after you hit the sack, saving at least 5 hours worth of electricity. We show you how.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Access the related download link for this article and grab the application file for Chrono Shutdown. Once this has finished downloading, locate the file in your downloads folder and extract the contents of the ZIP archive to a safe location, then run the file Chrono Shutdown.exe to start the program.
- 2
Open the folder where the ZIP archive was extracted to, then run the file ChronoShutdown.exe to start the program.
- 3
Chrono Shutdown sports a minimalist interface that is very easy to get to grips with. There are 3 options to choose from in the Action to Perform panel - Shut Down, Reboot or Log Off. These are the exact same options available in the Windows Start menu, but with one difference - the time aspect. Select one of the Actions to Perform by clicking the corresponding radio button.
- 4
In the Time Before Action panel, specify the number of hours and minutes before the selected action is to take place. If you want to complete another task before shutdown, make sure you allow time for it to finish. Allow some extra time, in case the estimate is not accurate (especially if it is an upload or download as there are many factors which can change that result in a longer time for completion).
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Click OK to begin the countdown. A graphic clock appears and counts down in real time. When it reaches zero, your computer will shutdown.
- 6
To stop the timer, click the Stop Timer button. To change the shutdown schedule, click Set Timer. If you want to minimise the clock window, click To Tray. Chrono Shutdown can be reopened again by double-clicking the icon in the system tray.
Tips & Advice
- It may be a simple, lightweight utility, but Chrono Shutdown still provides a few customisation options. Whilst viewing the countdown window, click the Options button to display the available settings.
- The Warning tab allows you to specify a pre-warning prior to shutdown. Check thge Warn me Before Shutdown box and select an alert type (Visual, Audio or both). Specify the number of minutes before the shutdown for the pre-warning to occur using the picklist.
- The Audio tab allows you to customise the alert sound effect, whereas the Fonts tab provides some flexibility on the appearance of the countdown window.
