This wikiHow teaches you how to diagnose and solve common problems that occur when shutting down a Windows computer, either by applying general solutions or by troubleshooting specific components of your computer's software.
Step
Part 1 of 6: General Solutions
Step 1. Make sure you don't have a third-party antivirus program installed
All antivirus programs other than Windows Defender are technically third-party programs. Running any third-party antivirus programs on your computer will likely hinder the shutdown process. So, uninstall all third party antivirus programs.
Step 2. Stop all open programs
Running programs can interfere with the shutdown process of your computer. So, stop all running programs and applications.
You can stop programs that won't quit by using the Task Manager
Step 3. Unplug all attached devices
USB drives, mice, controllers, SD cards, and any other devices that may be attached to the PC can hinder the process of shutting down the computer. Remove and remove these devices before continuing the process of shutting down the computer.
Not removing an attached device before removing it could cause problems with the drivers or information in the device in the future
Step 4. Upgrade your computer
Your computer's operating system version, outdated drivers, or a combination of the two can cause problems when you try to shut down your computer. To upgrade your computer's operating system and drivers:
- open Start.
- Click Settings.
- Click Updates & security.
- Click Check for updates.
- Wait for your computer to perform the upgrade process.
Step 5. Disable your wireless connection before turning off the computer
Disconnecting your computer from all wireless networks (including Bluetooth) can solve problems turning off the computer; if so, chances are you are having network problems. Setting your computer on Airplane Mode is the easiest way to disconnect your computer:
- Click the box Notifications in the lower-right corner of the taskbar (taskbar).
- Click the box Airplane Mode.
- If you are using a wired (ethernet) network, unplug the ethernet cable from your computer.
Part 2 of 6: Troubleshooting Windows Update
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
You must use an account with administrator rights to resolve Windows upgrade issues
Step 2. Scroll down and click on Windows System
This is a folder in the "W" section of the Start menu.
Step 3. Click Control Panel
It is located in the middle of the Windows System folder.
Step 4. Click Troubleshooting
This icon is a blue computer monitor in a computer window.
If you don't see this option, click the option next to "View by:" in the upper-right corner of the window and select Large icons or Small icons.
Step 5. Click Fix problems with Windows Update
This link is under the top "System and Security" section.
Step 6. Click Next
It's in the lower right corner of the window.
Step 7. Click Try troubleshooting as an administrator
This option will appear at the top of the window. If you don't use an administrator account, you won't be able to complete this process.
Step 8. Follow the on-screen prompts
If there is a problem with your Windows upgrade, follow the provided prompts to resolve it.
- In most cases, you will have to click Apply fix when prompted and waiting for the fix to be applied.
- You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect, meaning you have to press the computer's power button to turn it off.
Part 3 of 6: Troubleshooting Power Settings
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click Settings
It's in the lower-left corner of the Start window.
Step 3. Click Update & security
The icon is a circular arrow.
Step 4. Click Troubleshoot
This tab is on the left side of the window.
Step 5. Scroll down and click Power
It's at the bottom of the page.
Step 6. Click Run the troubleshooter
This button will appear below and to the right of the options Power. Clicking this button will start the troubleshooting process.
Step 7. Wait for the error list to appear
Common power issues include errors regarding battery power and screen brightness.
If there are no errors and the process is complete, it means that your power settings were not the cause of your failure to shut down the computer
Step 8. Click Apply this fix
You should do this step for every problem Windows finds.
If you see a problem but don't want to fix it, click Skip this fix.
Step 9. Try shutting down the computer
If the computer shuts down successfully, the problem is solved. If not, continue to the next section.
Part 4 of 6: Changing Power Button Properties
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click Settings
It's in the lower-left corner of the Start window.
Step 3. Click System
This icon resembles a laptop.
Step 4. Click Power & sleep
It's on the left side of the System page.
Step 5. Click on Additional power settings
This option is in the upper-right side of the page.
Step 6. Click Choose what the power buttons do
You'll find this link in the upper-left corner of the window.
Step 7. Change the "On battery" and "Plugged in" boxes to "Shut down"
Click the drop-down box next to "When I press the power button" and under "On battery", click Shut down, and repeat for the "Plugged in" column. This will ensure that pressing the computer's power button will turn off the computer.
Step 8. Try turning off the computer by pressing the power button
If the computer shuts down successfully, the problem is solved. If not, continue to the next section.
Part 5 of 6: Scan Using Windows Defender
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Scroll down and click Windows Defender Security Center
It's in the "W" section of the Start menu.
Step 3. Click
It's in the upper-left corner of the window.
Step 4. Click Virus & threat protection
It's in the top left of the Windows Defender window.
Step 5. Click Advanced scan
This link is under the button Quick scan in the middle of the page.
Step 6. Make sure you tick "Full scan"
Otherwise, click the circle to the left of "Full scan" at the top of the page.
Step 7. Click Scan now
It's in the middle of the page. This will start the process of scanning your computer for any interfering programs.
Step 8. Wait for the scanning process to complete
If something dangerous appears during the scanning process, Windows Defender will give a warning. You must allow Windows Defender to remove the malicious component.
If this scan finds nothing, repeat the scanning process by checking "Windows Defender Offline scan" instead of "Full scan"
Step 9. Try shutting down the computer
If the computer shuts down successfully after the scanning process is complete, the problem is solved. If not, continue to the next section.
Part 6 of 6: Disabling Startup Programs
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Scroll down and click on Windows System
This is a folder in the "W" section of the Start menu.
Step 3. Click Task Manager
This option is located at the bottom of the Windows System folder.
Step 4. Click Startup
This tab is at the top of the Task Manager window.
Step 5. Select a program, then click Disable
This will prevent the program from running automatically when you turn on the computer. Too many programs trying to run at the same time can cause your computer to crash. So, This Step might solve the related issue.
Step 6. Disable all non-Windows startup programs
Any third-party programs such as antivirus, chat rooms, or other applications should be disabled when you are finished using them.
Do not disable Windows processes such as the graphics card or Windows Defender
Step 7. Try turning off the computer
If the computer shuts down successfully, the problem is solved. If not, you should take your computer to a computer service provider.
