How to restart computer with PowerShell console open

Question

Within PowerShell 2.0 running in Windows XP, I execute the following command:

Restart-Computer

And get the following message:

Windows cannot end this program. It may need more time to complete an operation.

To return to Windows and check the status of the program, click Cancel.

If you choose to end the program immediately, you will lose any unsaved data. To end the program now, click End Now.

This happens whether I restart from PowerShell or from Windows itself. Any idea how I can restart a computer that will close a PowerShell console without prompt?

Answer 1

Use -Force to cause an immediate restart of the computer

Answer 2

One way is to use shutdown.exe with the -f parameter. Run shutdown /? from a cmd window for the full details.