9 Ways to Fix When Windows 10 Won’t Shut Down

If Windows 10 is not shutting down properly, it can be frustrating. Here are several methods you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check for Pending Updates: Ensure that your system is up-to-date by installing any pending Windows updates. Sometimes, unresolved system issues are addressed in updates.
2. Update Device Drivers: Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause shutdown problems. Update your graphics, network, and other essential drivers from the Device Manager.
3. Power Troubleshooter: Run the built-in Power troubleshooter to automatically detect and fix issues related to shutting down.
   • Open Settings.
   • Go to “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot” > “Additional troubleshooters.”
   • Run the “Power” troubleshooter.
4. Fast Startup: Disable Fast Startup, as it can sometimes cause shutdown issues.
   • Open Control Panel.
   • Go to “Power Options.”
   • Click on “Choose what the power buttons do.”
   • Uncheck “Turn on fast startup.”
5. Check for Running Applications: Ensure that no applications or processes are preventing shutdown. Close all programs before attempting to shut down.
6. Check for Malware: Run a full system scan using your preferred antivirus software to check for malware or viruses that might be causing shutdown issues.
7. Power Configuration Settings: Adjust power configuration settings.
   • Open Power Options from the Control Panel.
   • Choose your power plan and click on “Change plan settings.”
   • Click on “Change advanced power settings.”
   • Expand the “Sleep” and “Power buttons and lid” categories and make sure settings are appropriate for your needs.
8. Clear Pagefile on Shutdown: This step involves editing the registry, so proceed with caution.
   • Open Registry Editor (press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter).
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management.
   • Set the value of ClearPageFileAtShutdown to 1.
9. Command Line Shutdown: Use the command line to initiate a shutdown.
   • Open Command Prompt (press Win + X and choose “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “PowerShell (Admin)”).
   • Type shutdown /s /f /t 0 and press Enter.

After trying these steps, attempt to shut down your computer again to see if the issue is resolved. If the problem persists, you may need to consider more advanced troubleshooting, and it might be helpful to seek assistance from a technical expert or Microsoft support.