# How to Power Down the NovaSeq X Series Instruments for a Planned Power Outage

**Background**

This article describes how to fully power down the NovaSeq X Series instruments in preparation for a planned power outage. Guidance dependent on the Control Software version and accessibility.

*For Control Software v1.2.2 and above:*

1. From the NovaSeq X Control Software Home screen, select the **instrument icon** to open the global navigation menu, and then select **Settings**.
2. From the Settings menu, select **Shutdown**.
3. Wait until the power button on the right side of the instrument begins to pulse, then toggle the power switch on the BACK of the instrument to OFF.\
   ![](/files/6dxkCIFHNxgg3YzkIPBz)
4. After power outage is resolved, toggle the power switch on the back of the instrument to ON, then wait for the power button on the right side to pulse.
5. Once the power button begins to pulse, press the power button to start instrument boot cycle.
6. Allow the instrument to boot, then login to the **Linux OS**.
7. Once logged into the Linux OS, select **Activities** in the top-left corner, then select the **NovaSeq X Series Control Software** icon to launch the Control Software.

*For Control Software v1.2 and below:*

1. From the NovaSeq X Control Software Home screen, select the **instrument icon** to open the global navigation menu, and then select **Settings**.
2. From the Settings menu, select **Shutdown**.
3. Wait at least 10 minutes for the instrument to completely shutdown. The monitor should be dark, with no text or cursors flashing in the top left corner.
4. When the instrument computer has powered down and the monitor is dark, toggle the power switch on the back right side of the instrument to the OFF position.
5. After power has returned, toggle the power switch on the back of the instrument to ON, then wait for the power button on the right side to pulse.
6. Once the power button begins to pulse, press the power button to start instrument boot cycle.
7. Allow the instrument to boot, then login to the **Linux Operating System (OS)**.
8. Within the Linux OS, select **Activities** in the top left corner, then select the **NovaSeq X Series Control Software** icon and allow control software to initialize.
   1. Note: The **Windows** key on the keyboard can be used to open the **Activities** menu and select the **NovaSeq X Series Control Software** icon.

If keeping instrument shut down for 14 days or more, see **Extended Shutdown** guidance in the [Novaseq X Series support documentation](https://support-docs.illumina.com/IN/NovaSeqX/Content/IN/NovaSeqX/ShutDown.htm).

If unable to shutdown through the Control Software, contact [Illumina Technical Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/technical-support).

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #9864), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000009864%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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