Wednesday, February 4, 2026

command line – What is the softest method to reboot on macOS?

If a person is logged in, subject the Open Scripting Structure (OSA) command from throughout the person session:

osascript -e 'inform software "System Occasions" to restart'

This may also be referred to as from an AppleScript or Automator workflow.

If no-one is logged in, use the shutdown command line device:

shutdown -r now

Variations in Strategy

Apple’s softest method to shutting down is through the Finder > Apple > Shut Down menu merchandise. This method sends graphical purposes a request to give up through an AppleEvent; at this stage purposes can block the shut down if knowledge is in danger.

Non-graphical purposes, these that don’t perceive AppleEvents, are despatched a terminate sign.

Restarting is 2 step: a shut down, adopted by instantly powering again on.

See Shutting Down Your Mac Safely that talks concerning the completely different phases of shutting down.

shutdown -h now is essentially the most forceful method and will prevented when a person is logged in. It’s because purposes will probably be give up with much less alternative to avoid wasting unsaved work.

A restart with the shutdown device is initiated with:

shutdown -r now

Scripting Restart and Shut Down

In case you are scripting a restart or shut down, check out Scheduling a Shut Down on macOS, which walks by means of varied approaches:

  • built-in through Power Saver
  • third occasion instruments like Energy Supervisor
  • AppleScript with inform software "System Occasions" to restart
  • shutdown -r now

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