How To Fix This App Is Preventing Shutdown In Windows 10. In this article, you will read why the App Preventing Shutdown error occurs and how to fix this app is prevent shutdown in Windows 10. When trying to shut down your Windows 10 computer, encountering the frustrating message, “This App is Preventing Shutdown”, can be quite annoying. This issue typically arises when a program or application runs in the background, not allowing the system to complete the shutdown process. This guide will help you understand why this happens and how to fix it step-by-step.
What Causes “This App is Preventing Shutdown”?
The message “This App is Preventing Shutdown” appears when certain apps or background processes do not close properly or are running critical tasks that need to be finished before shutdown. Some of the common causes for this issue can be:
Open Applications:
If applications are running in the background, particularly those that auto-save or perform lengthy tasks (such as large file transfers or video editing), Windows will prevent shutdown until those tasks are complete.
System Processes:
Some system processes or services may not shut down properly due to software bugs, updates, or other issues.
Windows Updates:
Windows might be in the middle of installing updates, which could block shutdown until the update is finished.
Third-party Programs:
Sometimes, third-party programs like antivirus software or productivity apps may refuse to close, causing Windows to block the shutdown.
How To Fix This App Is Preventing Shutdown In Windows 10:
Method 1 – Check for Open Applications:
The first thing you should do is ensure that all applications are closed. Follow the steps:
1.Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2.You can also open by left-clicking on the Taskbar and selecting the Task Manager.
2.Look through the list of running applications.
3.If any apps are still open and running, right-click on them.
4.Select End Task.
5.Try shutting down your PC again to see if the problem is resolved.
6.If you can identify the specific app that’s preventing the shutdown, closing it might resolve the issue.
Method 2 – Check for Background Processes:
Sometimes, background processes are the culprits. These could be software services or programs running without an obvious interface, but they still prevent your computer from shutting down. Follow the below steps to check the background processes.
1.Open Task Manager again with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2.Navigate to the Processes tab.
3.Scroll down and look for any processes that are still running.
4.Specially check under the Background Processes section.
5.If you find a process that’s unusual or is consuming a lot of CPU or memory resources, right-click on it and choose End Task.
6.Once you’ve ended these tasks, try shutting down your computer again.
Method 3 – Use the “Shut Down” Option in Task Manager:
Sometimes, using the Task Manager’s built-in shutdown options can bypass the This app is preventing shutdown issue. To do so
1.Open Task Manager as discussed above.
2.Go to the File menu option on the top of the box,
3.Select Shut Down or Sign Out.
4.Then choose Shut Down from the drop-down menu.
5.This method will force the system to shut down.
Method 4 – Update Windows:
Outdated system files or pending Windows updates can often cause shutdown issues. It’s essential to keep your system updated to avoid bugs and other performance-related issues. To check for updates:
1.Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2.Go to Update & Security.
3.Click on Windows Update.
4.Then Check for Updates.
5.Install any available updates.
6.Restart your PC.
7.Once your system is up-to-date, try shutting down your computer again to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 5 – Disable Fast Startup:
Fast Startup can cause Windows to hang during shutdown if it has cached information from a previous session that it can’t process properly. To disable Fast Startup:
1.Open Control Panel.
2.Click on Power Options.
3.Select ‘Choose what the power buttons do’ from the left side.
4.Click on ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’.
5.Scroll down to Shutdown settings.
6.Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
6.Save changes and restart your computer.
7.After disabling Fast Startup, attempt to shut down your computer again.
Method 6 – Run the Windows Troubleshooter:
Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can help identify and resolve issues with your system. To run the troubleshooter:
1.Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2.Go to Update & Security.
3.Select Troubleshoot on the left-hand side.
4.Scroll down and click on Additional troubleshooters.
5.Run the Power troubleshooter.
6.Follow the on-screen instructions, and let Windows fix any issues it finds.
7.Once the troubleshooter completes, try shutting down your computer again.
Method 7 – Perform a Clean Boot:
Performing a clean boot can help determine if any third-party software or service is preventing the shutdown. By disabling non-essential services and startup programs, you can isolate the issue. To perform a clean boot:
1.Press Windows + R.
2.Type msconfig, and press Enter.
3.Go to the Services tab in the System Configuration window.
4.Check Hide all Microsoft services.
5.Then click Disable all.
6.Next, go to the Startup tab.
7.Click on Open Task Manager.
8.Disable all startup programs by right-clicking each one.
9.Select Disable.
10.Close Task Manager.
11.Return to the System Configuration window.
12.Click OK and restart your PC.
13.After restarting, try shutting down your PC again.
14.If it works, you can gradually enable services and startup programs to find the specific one causing the issue.
Method 8 – Check for Malware:
Malware can sometimes cause malfunctions in the system’s processes. It’s essential to run a full system scan to rule out any malicious programs. To scan for malware:
1.Open Windows Security.
2.You can search for it in the Start Menu.
3.Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
4.Click on Quick Scan or Full Scan for a more thorough search.
5.If you have another antivirus program installed, you can run a scan with it as well.
6.If malware is detected, follow the instructions to remove it and attempt to shut down your computer again.
Method 9 – Force Shutdown (If Nothing Else Works):
If all else fails and you’re still unable to shut down your PC, you can force a shutdown by holding the power button for about 5-10 seconds. This method should only be used as a last resort, as it can cause data loss or corruption if you have unsaved work.
The “This App is Preventing Shutdown” error on Windows 10 can be a frustrating issue, but there are several ways to address it. By checking for open applications, background processes, performing a clean boot, or ensuring that Windows is up-to-date, you can usually fix the problem. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Remember, while force-shutting down your system may be necessary in some cases, it’s always better to identify and resolve the underlying problem to ensure your system runs smoothly in the future.