Windows 10/11 Won’t Shut Down: How to Fix It via 7 Solutions

Why Windows 10/11 Won’t Shut Down

Windows 10 or Windows 11 may fail to shut down for some reasons. Understanding what is causing the problem can help you find the most appropriate solution.

• Pending Windows updates
• Fast startup conflicts
• Corrupted system files
• Background processes or apps
• Recent security update bugs
• Driver and hardware conflicts

Symptoms of Windows 10/11 Not Shutting Down

When pressing the Shut Down button from the Start Menu, you may encounter the following situations:

• Nothing happens.
• PC restarts back to the lock screen.
• The shutdown screen stays active indefinitely.
• Screen turns off, but fans keep running.
• PC shuts down but immediately starts again.

Back Up Files Before Troubleshooting

Before trying troubleshooting methods, it is recommended to back up important files in case unexpected problems occur. MiniTool ShadowMaker is a practical choice.

It can back up files, folders, partitions, disks, and the Windows system, allowing you to restore your data when needed.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Download, install, and launch this backup software.

Step 2: Go to Backup.

Step 3: Click SOURCE to choose the files you want to back up and go to DESTINATION to select a target drive.

Step 4: Begin the backup by clicking Back Up Now.

How to Fix Windows 10/11 Won’t Shut Down?

Solution 1: Wait for Windows Update to Complete

If Windows is installing an update, the shutdown process may take longer than usual. This is because the system needs to write configuration files and apply patches before cutting power.

Wait until the update finishes, then try shutting down your PC again.

If Windows 11/10 stays on the shutdown screen for an unusually long time, or no update is installed, try the following methods.

Solution 2: Check for Pending Windows Updates

Before trying advanced fixes, check whether Windows has any pending updates that may prevent the shutdown process.

Follow these steps in Windows 11:

Step 1: Click “Settings” in your start menu.

Step 2: Choose “Windows Update” from the left panel and click “Check for updates” button. Then your computer will check for, download, and install any updates found.

Solution 3: Disable Fast Startup

Fast startup is a built-in feature in Windows. It is a combination of Microsoft’s sleep mode and logout function. But sometimes it can interfere with the shutdown process, hence your Windows 10/11 won’t shut down completely. Here’s how to disable fast startup:

Step 1: Open “control panel” and search for “power options” and choose “Power Options”.

Step 2: From the left pane, choose “Choose what the power buttons do”.

Step 3: Choose “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.

Step 4: Make sure the box before “Turn on fast startup” is unchecked, then click “Save changes” and close the window.

Solution 4: Repair Windows System Files

Sometimes, your Windows 11 won’t shut down because the Windows system files are corrupted.

To fix the issue, run DISM and SFC. DISM helps repair the Windows component store, while SFC checks and repairs protected system files.

Step 1: On your keyboard, press the “Windows” key and “R” key at the same time, then input “cmd” and click “OK” to run as the administrator.

Step 2: Type “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and press “Enter”.

Step 3: Type the command “sfc /scannow” and then press “Enter”. Please make sure there is a space between “sfc” and “/scannow”.

Wait patiently until the verification process 100% complete. Then reboot the computer to see whether Windows 11 won’t shut down loop still exists. 

How to Fix Corrupted System Files for Windows 11?

In this post, we will introduce how to fix corrupted system files for Windows 11. The reasons that trigger this issue will also be mentioned.

Read More

Solution 5: Control Applications Which Start Automatically

Some applications and processes cannot be easily closed when you want to shut down your computer, this may be the cause of your shutdown problem. These applications are likely to run automatically in Windows Startup without your permission.

So here we can control them and disable every application that is not needed at startup. This will also increase your startup speed and shutdown speed. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Press “Ctrl”, “Shift” and “Esc” at the same time to launch the Task Manager and click “More details” to show more details.

Step 2: In the interface, please choose “Start-up” to open the Start-up tab.

Step 3: Choose the application you need to control or disable and right-click it, then choose “Disable” to disable it.

Solution 6: Use Command Prompt to Shut Down Windows 11/10

If Windows 11/10 is still not shutting down after the previous methods, force the PC to power off using Command Prompt. This will close running applications, so save unsaved work beforehand.

Step 1: In the Start menu, please input “cmd” and choose “Run as administrator”.

Step 2: Type the following command: “shutdown /s /f /t 0” and then press “Enter”.

If Command Prompt also fails and Windows is completely unresponsive, hold the physical power button to shut down your PC.

Solution 7: Force Shut Down

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press and hold the power button until the computer is turned off.

Step 2: Remove all power (battery/power cord/unplug the power cord) for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Start your computer and try to shut it down normally.

Conclusion

It’s time to fix Windows 11/10 won’t shut down with these solutions. All of these solutions are easy and helpful, now you can choose a proper way to fix it. If you have any questions and suggestions, please contact us via [email protected] or leave a comment.

Windows 11/10 Won’t Shut Down FAQ