softreboot

A soft reboot, also known as a warm reboot or restart, is a process of restarting a computer or electronic device without completely cutting off the power supply. This is typically achieved through a software command or a specific button sequence that signals the operating system to shut down and then initiate the startup process again.

Unlike a hard reboot (or cold reboot), which involves physically disconnecting the power source, a soft reboot allows the system to go through a controlled shutdown. This means that running programs are closed gracefully, and the operating system can save its current state and perform necessary cleanup tasks. This controlled process helps prevent data corruption and ensures a smoother transition back to an operational state.

Soft reboots are often recommended for troubleshooting minor issues, such as unresponsiveness of certain applications or minor glitches in the operating system. They can help refresh system resources and resolve temporary software conflicts without the potential risks associated with a sudden power loss. The process is generally faster than a hard reboot because the hardware components do not need to go through a full power cycle. Most operating systems provide an option to restart directly from their shutdown menu.