Ultimate Fixes -This App Is Preventing Windows From Shutting Down

Isn’t it frustrating when you are done for the day and want to log off your PC, but the error “This App Is Preventing Windows From Shutting Down” pops up? Your mind is diverted toward the error, and you waste your time. Usually, the issue concerns a background process left unattended before shutting down the PC. If you have a running application that must be closed manually, you should close it on priority and then move to logging off. 

However, it has been noticed that the error closing 1 app and shutting down keeps appearing even when you have manually closed all the applications. Now, what would you do in that case? Well, some start ignoring the error and shutting down, irrespective of it. This is wrong as it might hamper your PC in different ways. 

If you also face a similar problem, you should not worry about it, as there are several ways to eliminate the error. Read on to learn more about ways that will help you fix the error. 

What Causes This App Is Preventing Windows From Shutting Down Error on Windows?

The core reason behind this issue is that an application or progress is left unattended before shutting down the PC. However, system errors may be the reason when the error appears out of nowhere. Some of the common factors that impact the shutdown process are listed below – 

• Corrupt Windows/System Files
• Pending Updates/ Downloads in the Background
• PC Optimization Error

Since the error is pretty specific, you may not find major issues that cause the error. It should be clear that the background processes must be cleared if you plan to fix the issue. 

Also, keep in mind that sometimes the startup configuration issues also play a role in the appearance of this error. Hence, the best thing to do is carefully try all the methods given in the next section. 

Ways to Fix “This App Is Preventing Windows From Shutting Down” Error

The first thing you should try is restarting your PC. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to reset the system power if the app prevents shutdown, which also appears in the restart. This way, when your PC turns ON, all your prior processes are killed, and you have a simple boot. Again, try to shut down the PC, and the error should not appear. 

However, if it does occur, do not worry; we have some serious fixes you should try. 

Fix 1 – Check System Files With SFC Command

The first thing you should check is the system files on your PC. If your PC has corrupt system files, it may act up and resist multiple system processes, including the shutdown. 

Step 1 – Go to the start menu and look up the Command Prompt.
Step 2 – Open the Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 3 – In the Command Prompt windows, use the command SFC/scannow.
Step 4 – Let the process run to check your PC for corrupt system files.
Step 5 – After the process finishes, the results will be shown. Try restarting your PC, and it should work fine. 

Fix 2 – Use the Task Manager to Stop Background Processes

If multiple applications on your PC run in the background, you should use the Task Manager to check and manually stop the processes running in the background. 

Step 1 – Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager on your PC.

Step 2 – In the task manager, check the running processes and close them by selecting them and using the End Task button.

Step 3 – After you have finished closing the application, try shutting down the PC; it should not give you the error again. 

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Fix 3 – Disable Fast Startup on Your PC

Though it is a feature that keeps your PC active for usage, it does not allow you to shut down the system. That is because it moves your PC to hibernation so that it boots up quicker, resisting shutdown. 

Step 1 – Press Win+R to open the run search
Step 2 – in the run search, use the command powercfg.cpl and hit enter

.
Step 3 – In the Opened settings, choose the Choose what the power button does option from the left panel.Step 4 – In the opened Window, click on Change the settings that are currently unavailable. This will enable access to Fast boot settings.
Step 5 – Disable the Turn on fast startup by unchecking the feature.
Step 6 – Save the changes and exit the settings. 

Pro-Fix – Use the Advanced System Optimizer for Scanning PC Issues

If you cannot identify the issues on your PC and the error the app is preventing Windows from shutting down keeps appearing, we recommend you use the Advanced System Optimizer to identify and fix hidden issues on your PC.

The tool scans all the aspects of your PC, including your hard drives, registries, and system files, so there are no unchecked regions. 

The best part is that it is super easy to use. All you have to do is –

Step 1 – Download and install the tool using the link below.

Step 2 – Run the app and use the Start Smart PC Care button to start the scan.

Step 3 – Let the Scan run, showing all the shortcomings on your PC.
Step 4 – After the scan, Click the Optimize button and let the process run until it is over. This will automatically resolve all the issues on your PC. 

Other than these fixes, you should also check that there are no pending updates for your PC. If there are, make sure you download and install them so that it finishes background downloads and allows your PC to restart.

Try all of them, and you should be good. Hope this post helps you resolve the error. If you face any issues following the steps, drop us a line in the comments, and we will help you. That is all for this one, good luck!

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