Switch Off for Windows

Used Switch Off for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffAugust 2, 2025

Switch Off allows you to program your computer to shut down, sleep, or otherwise change status modes at certain predetermined times. You can fully customize the app's settings to give you pinpoint control over your computer.

Pros

Non-resource intensive: Switch Off is lightweight software that doesn't intrude into your system.

Straightforward operations: The menus and options in Switch Off are easy to navigate and set up. You select when you want your computer to sleep, log off, or turn off, with a single click.

Automation options: The nice thing about the automation is that you can set it to work according to your work schedule.

Cons

Redundant in many ways: The main problem with this app is it's essentially replicating a feature already present in modern Windows operations systems. You can already use the native task manager to schedule similar types of shutdowns.

Bottom Line

If you're worried about power consumption, Switch Off is a great way to reduce your usage. However, you can achieve the same function by using options already built into the OS.

What’s new in version 3.5.1

Version 3.5.0.950 features licensing change (free for any use), installer improvements (languages, safe uninstall), few bug fixes.

Switch Off for Windows

Used Switch Off for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 23, 2014

Latest update: August 2, 2025

Version: 3.5.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System: Windows 11

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 1,138,851

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.3/5

189 User Votes

My review of this software
Member3407February 13, 2017
Pros
Lightweight and does exactly what it says.
Cons
None. Software is free. Could not ask for more
Summary
Simple, lightweight and free!
dmark2000November 6, 2014
Pros
Easy to install and use. Does exactly what I want it to do. What else should I want from shutdown timer?
Cons
None i can mention.
Summary
Used it for ages. Glad it is still updated by the author.
WATCH OUT, IT'S DANGEROUS
Tarec88August 13, 2014
Pros
People say it works. Of course if you manage to not delete half of your system settings.
Cons
Terribly implemented, incredible potential of wiping your crucial data
Summary
The program on uninstallation LITERALLY deletes ALL the files in the folder you installed it in. My story: I was installing it, choose to change destination folder, but then I realized the default path was fine, so I cancelled it and clicked "Next". I noticed, that the path has changed from Program Files folder to my User folder (the one in documents and settings). A bit of a rush from my side, since I wasn't expecting it to change. After that I wanted to uninstall and install it again? It took 0.5s to install, so after 15s of uninstalling I got suspicious. I looked at the fille names being deleted and those looked familiar. I realized I'm getting TONS of free space on my C drive. After I killed the process asap, 3/4th of my user folder was GONE. It wiped out all of my photos, documents, apps settings etc and trust me when I say I'm a person, who really takes care of those and back them up every system reinstall. I'm a programmer myself and I can't imagine how dumb its author can be. It's absolutely unacceptable. DO NO INSTALL THAT AMATEUR HARMFULL APP, no matter how much you need it.
It Didn't Force My Running Apps To Make My PC Sleep
ajie_kurniyawanFebruary 3, 2014
Pros
Simple and User Friendly
Cons
Forcing running application not working
Summary
When unistalling it starts to delete Program Files dir.
TilenCNovember 19, 2013
Pros
none, no, no, none
Cons
When i started the uninstall it started to delete all of my folders in my Program files alphabetically. At first i didnt think much of it but when i started seeing the names of programs and their files in the uninstall window and the process kept on for longer than a minute i wanted to press cancel, but that wasn't an option so i shut down the comp. It deleted every folder to the letter M, so now i have to install Mathlab and a bunch of other programs that i am not sure which ones they were again. Please comment if you experienced the same issue. Regards, Tilen
Summary
stopped working hung on blue shut down screen
philipsaidJune 27, 2013
Pros
did work great until this error happened
Cons
after a few months computer began to hang on the blue shut down screen i tried re-installing the switch off software but the fault continued i removed the program and tried another called winmend now it works fine maybe your meant to pay after a some period
Summary
interested to see if it happens to others
Great, safe, fast
Joe_the_GeekMay 7, 2013
Pros
Doesn't get in the way of your computer system
Cons
Wish there was a log of shutdown events
Summary
Sometimes the least complicated programs for your PC are the best, and Switch Off is one of those. It's easy to configure and isn't a big, ugly resource hog. It does one thing and it does it very well. I like to use it to automatically turn off the computer after a long virus scan or when I'm backing my my files. You set the timer for less than it takes for your task to complete, uncheck the "force applications to close" box, and Switch Off will shut down your computer once the job is complete. Cool.
Does what it says
philphil61April 23, 2013
Pros
Simple to use and easily adjustable to most needs
Cons
Having the occasion blip running Win7 whereby it has crashed a few times.. once whilst I had set to sleep the pc and fell asleep "at the wheel" so to speak... I woke up 7hrs later to find the pc still up and wide awake.. unlike me. I haven't had time to re-install or check why it crashed the few times so don't judge this as too negative
Summary
If you want a small tool to shutdown/reboot/sleep etc etc at a specific time or after a certain time.. it's far easier than messing with task scheduler
Works well but then can't adjust settings.
Xan-GoMay 4, 2012
Pros
As a daily shut off tool, it works.
Cons
Problem is that once timer is set once, it can never be accessed again. The only way that I can figure out how to change the settings on the timer are to uninstall and then download a new version. This is a hassle every time you want to make a simple adjustment to the program.
Summary
Wish there was an easier way to do something as SIMPLE as access the programs parameters without having to uninstall entire program and download a new version.
Works exactly as I wanted it to.
tom_eadsDecember 20, 2011
Pros
Windows XP-SP3: Does what I wanted it to do. Scheduled it to shutdown every night at midnight. When I start up the next afternoon, it loads perfectly as a service and remembers my settings. Zero problems with install and super easy GUI.
Cons
None for me.
Summary
100% kick butt ... error free and $ free. What's not to like?

Developer’s Description

Schedule your computer to shut down or log off at a specified time.