igforum.bio / what-is-ctrl-alt-del-control-alt-delete - 106728
I
% What Is Ctrl+Alt+Del (Control+Alt+Delete)? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter!
Isaac Schmidt Member
access_time 3 minutes ago
% What Is Ctrl+Alt+Del (Control+Alt+Delete)? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter!
thumb_up Like (20)
comment Reply (1)
share Share
visibility 716 views
thumb_up 20 likes
comment 1 replies
S
Scarlett Brown 1 minutes ago
Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows 131 131 people found this article helpful

What Is ...

A
Search Close GO Software & Apps &gt; Windows 131 131 people found this article helpful <h1> What Is Ctrl&#43;Alt&#43;Del (Control&#43;Alt&#43;Delete)?</h1> <h2> What this key combination does</h2> By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years&#39; of professional technology experience. He&#39;s been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 5, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide Ctrl+Alt+Del, sometimes seen spelled out as Control+Alt+Delete, is a keyboard command that's usually used to interrupt a function.
Audrey Mueller Member
access_time 8 minutes ago
Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows 131 131 people found this article helpful

What Is Ctrl+Alt+Del (Control+Alt+Delete)?

What this key combination does

By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 5, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide Ctrl+Alt+Del, sometimes seen spelled out as Control+Alt+Delete, is a keyboard command that's usually used to interrupt a function.
thumb_up Like (29)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 29 likes
comment 2 replies
J
Julia Zhang 5 minutes ago
However, what it accomplishes is unique based on the context in which it's used. The Ctrl+Alt+Del ke...
E
Elijah Patel 2 minutes ago
Lifewire / Julie Bang This keyboard command is also sometimes written with minuses instead of pluses...
N
However, what it accomplishes is unique based on the context in which it's used. The Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard combination is usually talked about within the context of the Windows operating system even though others do use the shortcut for different things. It&#39;s executed by holding down the Ctrl and Alt keys together and then pressing the Del key.
Natalie Lopez Member
access_time 6 minutes ago
However, what it accomplishes is unique based on the context in which it's used. The Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard combination is usually talked about within the context of the Windows operating system even though others do use the shortcut for different things. It's executed by holding down the Ctrl and Alt keys together and then pressing the Del key.
thumb_up Like (4)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 4 likes
comment 3 replies
S
Scarlett Brown 3 minutes ago
Lifewire / Julie Bang This keyboard command is also sometimes written with minuses instead of pluses...
L
Lucas Martinez 2 minutes ago
For example, using Ctrl+Alt+Del during the Power On Self Test reboots the computer. In Windows 3.x a...
Show 1 more replies
Z
Lifewire / Julie Bang This keyboard command is also sometimes written with minuses instead of pluses, as in Ctrl-Alt-Del or Control-Alt-Delete. It&#39;s also referred to as the &#34;three-finger salute.&#34; <h2> How Ctrl&#43 Alt&#43 Del Can Be Used </h2> If Ctrl+Alt+Del is executed before Windows is to a point where it can intercept the command, BIOS will simply restart the computer. Doing so might also restart the computer while in Windows if Windows is locked up in a certain way.
Zoe Mueller Member
access_time 8 minutes ago
Lifewire / Julie Bang This keyboard command is also sometimes written with minuses instead of pluses, as in Ctrl-Alt-Del or Control-Alt-Delete. It's also referred to as the "three-finger salute."

How Ctrl+ Alt+ Del Can Be Used

If Ctrl+Alt+Del is executed before Windows is to a point where it can intercept the command, BIOS will simply restart the computer. Doing so might also restart the computer while in Windows if Windows is locked up in a certain way.
thumb_up Like (25)
comment Reply (0)
thumb_up 25 likes
H
For example, using Ctrl+Alt+Del during the Power On Self Test reboots the computer. In Windows 3.x and 9x, if Ctrl+Alt+Del is quickly pressed twice in a row, the system will immediately start a reboot without safely shutting down any open programs or processes.
Harper Kim Member
access_time 20 minutes ago
For example, using Ctrl+Alt+Del during the Power On Self Test reboots the computer. In Windows 3.x and 9x, if Ctrl+Alt+Del is quickly pressed twice in a row, the system will immediately start a reboot without safely shutting down any open programs or processes.
thumb_up Like (20)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 20 likes
comment 2 replies
C
Chloe Santos 10 minutes ago
The page cache is flushed and any volumes are safely unmounted, but there isn't an opportunity to cl...
T
Thomas Anderson 13 minutes ago
if you're not sure how to do it the right way. In some versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7), Ctrl+...
O
The page cache is flushed and any volumes are safely unmounted, but there isn't an opportunity to cleanly shut down running programs or save any work. Avoid using Ctrl+Alt+Del as a way to restart your computer so that you don't risk corrupting your open personal files or other important files in Windows. See How Do I Restart My Computer?
Oliver Taylor Member
access_time 30 minutes ago
The page cache is flushed and any volumes are safely unmounted, but there isn't an opportunity to cleanly shut down running programs or save any work. Avoid using Ctrl+Alt+Del as a way to restart your computer so that you don't risk corrupting your open personal files or other important files in Windows. See How Do I Restart My Computer?
thumb_up Like (44)
comment Reply (1)
thumb_up 44 likes
comment 1 replies
A
Amelia Singh 13 minutes ago
if you're not sure how to do it the right way. In some versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7), Ctrl+...
K
if you're not sure how to do it the right way. In some versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7), Ctrl+Alt+Del can be used to log in to a user account; it's called secure attention protection/sequence. My Digital Life has instructions for enabling that feature since it's disabled by default (unless the computer is part of a domain).
Kevin Wang Member
access_time 21 minutes ago
if you're not sure how to do it the right way. In some versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7), Ctrl+Alt+Del can be used to log in to a user account; it's called secure attention protection/sequence. My Digital Life has instructions for enabling that feature since it's disabled by default (unless the computer is part of a domain).
thumb_up Like (33)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 33 likes
comment 3 replies
J
James Smith 9 minutes ago
If you're logged on to Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Vista, Ctrl+Alt+Del starts Windows Security, which l...
E
Ethan Thomas 6 minutes ago

More Information on Ctrl+ Alt+ Del

Some Linux-based operating systems let you use t...
Show 1 more replies
S
If you're logged on to Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Vista, Ctrl+Alt+Del starts Windows Security, which lets you lock the computer, switch to a different user, log off, start Task Manager, or shut down/reboot the computer. In Windows XP and prior, the keyboard shortcut just starts Task Manager.
Scarlett Brown Member
access_time 16 minutes ago
If you're logged on to Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Vista, Ctrl+Alt+Del starts Windows Security, which lets you lock the computer, switch to a different user, log off, start Task Manager, or shut down/reboot the computer. In Windows XP and prior, the keyboard shortcut just starts Task Manager.
thumb_up Like (12)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 12 likes
comment 3 replies
D
Dylan Patel 5 minutes ago

More Information on Ctrl+ Alt+ Del

Some Linux-based operating systems let you use t...
H
Harper Kim 5 minutes ago
Some remote desktop applications let you send the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut to the other computer throug...
Show 1 more replies
H
<h2> More Information on Ctrl&#43 Alt&#43 Del </h2> Some Linux-based operating systems let you use the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut for logging out. Ubuntu and Debian are two examples. You can also use it to reboot an Ubuntu Server without having to log in first.
Hannah Kim Member
access_time 27 minutes ago

More Information on Ctrl+ Alt+ Del

Some Linux-based operating systems let you use the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut for logging out. Ubuntu and Debian are two examples. You can also use it to reboot an Ubuntu Server without having to log in first.
thumb_up Like (35)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 35 likes
comment 2 replies
A
Ava White 1 minutes ago
Some remote desktop applications let you send the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut to the other computer throug...
E
Ella Rodriguez 19 minutes ago
The options seen in Windows Security when the Ctrl+Alt+Del combination is pressed can be modifi...
M
Some remote desktop applications let you send the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut to the other computer through an option in the menu or via an alternative shortcut (like Ctrl+Alt+Insert) because you can't usually enter the keyboard combination and expect it to pass through to the application. Windows will assume you want to use it on your computer instead. The same is true for other applications like that, like VMware Workstation and other virtual desktop software.
Mason Rodriguez Member
access_time 40 minutes ago
Some remote desktop applications let you send the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut to the other computer through an option in the menu or via an alternative shortcut (like Ctrl+Alt+Insert) because you can't usually enter the keyboard combination and expect it to pass through to the application. Windows will assume you want to use it on your computer instead. The same is true for other applications like that, like VMware Workstation and other virtual desktop software.
thumb_up Like (37)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 37 likes
comment 3 replies
A
Aria Nguyen 17 minutes ago
The options seen in Windows Security when the Ctrl+Alt+Del combination is pressed can be modifi...
B
Brandon Kumar 32 minutes ago
It can also be done through Group Policy Editor as seen at Bleeping Computer. In most scenarios, you...
Show 1 more replies
L
The options seen in Windows Security when the Ctrl+Alt+Del combination is pressed&nbsp;can be modified. For example, you can hide the Task Manager or lock option if for some reason you don't want that to be shown. Making these changes is done through the Registry Editor; see how at the&nbsp;Windows Club.
Liam Wilson Member
access_time 33 minutes ago
The options seen in Windows Security when the Ctrl+Alt+Del combination is pressed can be modified. For example, you can hide the Task Manager or lock option if for some reason you don't want that to be shown. Making these changes is done through the Registry Editor; see how at the Windows Club.
thumb_up Like (30)
comment Reply (1)
thumb_up 30 likes
comment 1 replies
S
Scarlett Brown 9 minutes ago
It can also be done through Group Policy Editor as seen at Bleeping Computer. In most scenarios, you...
D
It can also be done through Group Policy Editor as seen at Bleeping Computer. In most scenarios, you can get away with pressing the Alt key first, as in Alt+Ctrl+Del, and it will have the same effect.
Dylan Patel Member
access_time 24 minutes ago
It can also be done through Group Policy Editor as seen at Bleeping Computer. In most scenarios, you can get away with pressing the Alt key first, as in Alt+Ctrl+Del, and it will have the same effect.
thumb_up Like (37)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 37 likes
comment 3 replies
N
Noah Davis 1 minutes ago
However, in some situations, there might be software that uses this other shortcut, in which case so...
A
Andrew Wilson 10 minutes ago
macOS doesn't use the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut but instead utilizes Command+Option+Esc to invo...
Show 1 more replies
J
However, in some situations, there might be software that uses this other shortcut, in which case something else might happen instead of the traditional Ctrl+Alt+Del response. David Bradley designed this keyboard shortcut. See&nbsp;this Mental Floss piece&nbsp;for details on why it was programmed in the first place.
Joseph Kim Member
access_time 52 minutes ago
However, in some situations, there might be software that uses this other shortcut, in which case something else might happen instead of the traditional Ctrl+Alt+Del response. David Bradley designed this keyboard shortcut. See this Mental Floss piece for details on why it was programmed in the first place.
thumb_up Like (46)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 46 likes
comment 3 replies
I
Isabella Johnson 18 minutes ago
macOS doesn't use the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut but instead utilizes Command+Option+Esc to invo...
A
Audrey Mueller 13 minutes ago
Here's more info about Ctrl+Alt+Del on Macs. When Control+Alt+Delete is used in Xfce, it immediately...
Show 1 more replies
H
macOS doesn't use the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut but instead utilizes Command+Option+Esc to invoke the Force Quit Menu. In fact, when Control+Option+Delete is used on a Mac (the Option key is like the Alt key on Windows), the message "This is not DOS." will appear as a sort of Easter egg, or hidden joke embedded in the software.
Harper Kim Member
access_time 70 minutes ago
macOS doesn't use the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut but instead utilizes Command+Option+Esc to invoke the Force Quit Menu. In fact, when Control+Option+Delete is used on a Mac (the Option key is like the Alt key on Windows), the message "This is not DOS." will appear as a sort of Easter egg, or hidden joke embedded in the software.
thumb_up Like (14)
comment Reply (0)
thumb_up 14 likes
E
Here's more info about Ctrl+Alt+Del on Macs. When Control+Alt+Delete is used in Xfce, it immediately locks the screen and starts the screensaver. Control+Alt+Delete is also used to mean "to end" or "do away with." It's sometimes used to explain escaping an issue, removing someone from the equation, or forgetting about them.
Emma Wilson Admin
access_time 30 minutes ago
Here's more info about Ctrl+Alt+Del on Macs. When Control+Alt+Delete is used in Xfce, it immediately locks the screen and starts the screensaver. Control+Alt+Delete is also used to mean "to end" or "do away with." It's sometimes used to explain escaping an issue, removing someone from the equation, or forgetting about them.
thumb_up Like (15)
comment Reply (1)
thumb_up 15 likes
comment 1 replies
S
Sophie Martin 20 minutes ago
"Ctrl+Alt+Del" ("CAD") is also a webcomic by Tim Buckley. FAQ Can you disable Ctrl+Alt+Del?...
D
"Ctrl+Alt+Del" ("CAD") is also a webcomic by Tim Buckley. FAQ Can you disable Ctrl&#43;Alt&#43;Del?
Dylan Patel Member
access_time 16 minutes ago
"Ctrl+Alt+Del" ("CAD") is also a webcomic by Tim Buckley. FAQ Can you disable Ctrl+Alt+Del?
thumb_up Like (23)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 23 likes
comment 3 replies
M
Mia Anderson 2 minutes ago
Yes. By editing the Windows Registry, you can disable the Task Manager within Windows and thus disab...
L
Liam Wilson 14 minutes ago
However, the Task Manager is a useful utility best kept enabled. How do I use Ctrl+Alt+Del o...
Show 1 more replies
M
Yes. By editing the Windows Registry, you can disable the Task Manager within Windows and thus disable the Ctrl&#43;Alt&#43;Del keyboard shortcut.
Mia Anderson Member
access_time 17 minutes ago
Yes. By editing the Windows Registry, you can disable the Task Manager within Windows and thus disable the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut.
thumb_up Like (18)
comment Reply (1)
thumb_up 18 likes
comment 1 replies
H
Henry Schmidt 16 minutes ago
However, the Task Manager is a useful utility best kept enabled. How do I use Ctrl+Alt+Del o...
D
However, the Task Manager is a useful utility best kept enabled. How do I use Ctrl&#43;Alt&#43;Del on a remote Windows session? Use the Ctrl&#43;Shift&#43;Esc keyboard shortcut instead of Ctrl&#43;Alt&#43;Del when using Windows remotely.
Daniel Kumar Member
access_time 18 minutes ago
However, the Task Manager is a useful utility best kept enabled. How do I use Ctrl+Alt+Del on a remote Windows session? Use the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keyboard shortcut instead of Ctrl+Alt+Del when using Windows remotely.
thumb_up Like (15)
comment Reply (0)
thumb_up 15 likes
A
The remote computer will need to have its Task Manager enabled to do this, though. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know!
Ava White Moderator
access_time 38 minutes ago
The remote computer will need to have its Task Manager enabled to do this, though. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know!
thumb_up Like (10)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 10 likes
comment 3 replies
N
Nathan Chen 5 minutes ago
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to...
S
Sophia Chen 38 minutes ago
Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies...
Show 1 more replies
H
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Zoom In or Out With Your Keyboard How to Make an Arrow on a Keyboard How to Properly Reboot (Restart) a Windows Computer AHK File (What It Is and How to Open One) How to Make a Divide Sign on a Keyboard How to Make a Cent Sign on a Keyboard The Best Windows Keyboard Shortcuts in 2022 15 Best Free Remote Access Software Tools (Oct. 2022) How to Control Alt Delete on a Mac AnyDesk 7.1.6 Review (A Free Remote Access Tool) How to Force-Quit a Program (Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP) How to Fix It When the Cursor Disappears in Windows 10 How to Hide and Unhide Columns, Rows, and Cells in Excel How to Shut Down Windows 8: Easy, 9 Different Methods How to Use the Windows Shortcut Alt + Underline How to Fix It When Windows 11 Is Slow Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Henry Schmidt Member
access_time 80 minutes ago
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Zoom In or Out With Your Keyboard How to Make an Arrow on a Keyboard How to Properly Reboot (Restart) a Windows Computer AHK File (What It Is and How to Open One) How to Make a Divide Sign on a Keyboard How to Make a Cent Sign on a Keyboard The Best Windows Keyboard Shortcuts in 2022 15 Best Free Remote Access Software Tools (Oct. 2022) How to Control Alt Delete on a Mac AnyDesk 7.1.6 Review (A Free Remote Access Tool) How to Force-Quit a Program (Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP) How to Fix It When the Cursor Disappears in Windows 10 How to Hide and Unhide Columns, Rows, and Cells in Excel How to Shut Down Windows 8: Easy, 9 Different Methods How to Use the Windows Shortcut Alt + Underline How to Fix It When Windows 11 Is Slow Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
thumb_up Like (29)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 29 likes
comment 2 replies
N
Noah Davis 29 minutes ago
Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies...
H
Hannah Kim 15 minutes ago
What Is Ctrl+Alt+Del (Control+Alt+Delete)? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter!...
E
Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
Emma Wilson Admin
access_time 84 minutes ago
Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up Like (13)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 13 likes
comment 2 replies
H
Henry Schmidt 64 minutes ago
What Is Ctrl+Alt+Del (Control+Alt+Delete)? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter!...
E
Ethan Thomas 48 minutes ago
Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows 131 131 people found this article helpful

What Is ...

Write a Reply

Similar Discussions