There are several situations when you might need to turn off your PC remotely. For example, Windows might be downloading an update or file when you need to leave, and you need a remote way to shut it off once it's done. On the other hand, you may have become caught up in another activity, spontaneously decided on an extended break, or just forgot to turn it off.

If you need a solution for these situations, keep reading as we will show you how you can turn off your PC using your smartphone.

How to Install Unified Remote

If you want to turn off your PC using your phone, you need two apps: one that you will install on your phone and one for your PC. First, you'll need to download an app called Unified Remote. Then, install Unified Remote on your computer from the Unified Remote website.

Download: Unified Remote for Android | iOS (Free)

How to Set Up Unified Remote

Once you install the app on your phone and computer, you need to set up the connection. First, open the server app on your computer, and then open the app on your phone. It will scan for a server on your local network, and once it finds and connects to it, it will allow you to control your PC.

If multiple devices are using Unified Remote in the same network, head to Start > Settings > System > About and check Device name to ensure you are not shutting down another PC. Also, you can change your PC’s name to make it easy to identify it.

The app works via a bunch of different remotes. For example, some remotes let you control your PC as if you had a mouse and keyboard; however, using that to turning off your PC with that would be difficult if you aren't in the room.

As such, the remote we want is called Power. Click that, and then click Shutdown or Restart. This specific remote makes it easy to turn off your PC, even if you can't see the computer's screen.

If you don’t want to turn off your PC but still want to keep curious eyes away from your work, you can tap Lock or LOG OFF.

Related: How to Remotely Control Your Android Phone From a PC

Turn Off Your PC With One Touch

As you can see, Unified Remote is easy to install and use. And you can do more with it than just turning off your PC as its features allow you to control your PC’s keyboard, mouse, files, or media.