How to use Shutdown Options in Mac OS X El Capitan

Description: This article will show how to log out of your Mac, shut down your Mac, put your Mac to sleep, and restart your Mac.

  1. In the Menu bar, click on the Apple icon in the upper left hand corner.
    Mac OS X Home Screen, Menu Bar, Apple Icon
  2. To log out, click the Log Out option at the very bottom of the list. Logging out only gives the option to sign in under a different username. The Mac stays on.
    Apple Icon, Log Out
  3. To Sleep, Shut Down, or Restart, choose between Sleep, Shut Down, or Restart.
    Apple Icon, Sleep, Shut Down, or Restart
    • Putting the Mac to sleep leaves processes open on the Mac and draws a small amount of power.
    • Shutting Down the Mac completely turns it off.
    • Restarting the Mac turns it completely off and then on again.

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