Windows 10 is full of hidden tricks, and some of them are really cool -- so cool, in fact, that it makes you wonder why Microsoft chooses to keep them hidden away in the shadows of the operating system. Why aren't they placed front and center where everyone can marvel?!

One such hidden trick is the little-known SlideToShutDown command. But what is it? How do you find it? And how do you use it? Keep reading to find out more.

What Is SlideToShutDown?

SlideToShutDown is an alternative way to shut down your Windows 10 device. People with touch-screen computers and tablets might find it the most useful, but anyone can use it. At the very least, your friends will be impressed!

When the EXE file is launched, your lockscreen will magically cover the top half of your screen. As the name of the tool suggests, just swipe the lockscreen down, and your device will power down.

You can find SlideToShutDown in the System32 folder. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 to launch it.

Using SlideToShutDown

When you've located the file, you should do one of three things to make it easy to activate in the future. The first two are obvious: right-click on the file and select either Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start.

But how about making a shortcut with its own hotkey command?

  1. Right-click on SlideToShutDown and select Create Shortcut.
  2. Right-click on the newly created shortcut and select Properties.
  3. Select the Shortcut tab and locate the Shortcut Key box.
  4. Enter your preferred key combination, using a + between each key (make sure you choose something that's not in use elsewhere on the operating system).
  5. Click Apply.

Do you use SlideToShutDown? Do you find it useful? Let us know in the comments below.