Follow the steps below to restart a Mac (iMac, Macbook, etc.) and not reopen all windows. This type of restart can be used to close all running programs in case of an error.
- Click the Apple menu at the top left side of the screen.
- Click Restart.
- Uncheck the box next to Reopen windows when logging back in.
- Click the Restart button.
- When the Mac restarts, you may log back in and continue working.