When we start a new day, whether for work or leisure, and we turn on the Windows PC , we hope that everything goes well. It is theory Windows should boot without problems, as it should with installed programs. This is what happens most of the time, something that we can thank manufacturers and developers.
However, sometimes it may be the case that, instead of encountering a problem at startup, we see it at shutdown. With this we refer to the possibility that we are about to close the corresponding operating system so that the computer shuts down, and this is not possible. That is, when trying to shut down the PC , in most cases in Windows 10, this is an action that does not respond.
We say that in most cases in Windows , simply because it is the most widespread operating system and used in desktop environments. Well, if we are faced with that situation, this can represent a problem. It is true that we can always force the shutdown by holding down the computer’s power button for a few seconds.
So we will see that it turns off instantly, but this is not recommended. The reason for this is that Windows does not close as it should, which could damage some parts of the system. So let’s see what we can do if the usual shutdown from the Start menu of the system does not respond.
What to do if the Windows PC won’t turn off
Well, at this point, the possible causes why Windows does not turn off when we press the corresponding button, can be several. On the one hand, it is possible that all this is given by some temporary blockage of some component. Be it a Windows function, some internal process, a running program , etc. That in the best of cases, since we can also find ourselves with more serious problems.
In that case, this is something we might come across in future sessions with the team, which is somewhat awkward. That is why below we will see some reasons that cause this, as well as their possible solutions .
Windows forced shutdown
We have already told you before that we can force the equipment to turn off directly with its off button. However, this is not highly recommended, so we can use other alternatives. For example we have the possibility of using the key combination Ctrl + Alt + Del . With this we indicate to the system that we want to turn off the equipment, so if everything goes well, it will show us a new screen.
From there we will have the possibility to block the PC, close the session, change user, etc. At the same time in the lower right part of the screen , we will see a button that allows us to turn off the equipment.
Check Windows Update
On the other hand, it is also possible that the operating system itself is carrying out some important action and blocks the shutdown. One of these can be a Windows update, since if we turn it off during the process, the software could be damaged. Thus, to verify this, it is best to open Windows Update , something that we achieve by accessing the Settings application.
To do this, we just have to use the Win + I key combination, and go to the Update and security section . Next, in the left part of the window, we find Windows Update. Here we can already check if Windows is updating at that time, so we can only wait for it to finish.
Use CMD to shut down Windows
Another of the possible outputs that can be very useful if necessary is using the CMD or the command prompt window. With it we will have the possibility to turn off Windows, but instead of using the usual button, we will use a specific command for it. So the first thing we have to do is open one of these windows, something we do by typing the CMD command in the search box of the Start menu.
It is preferable that we run this with administrator permissions with the right mouse button on the run icon. Thus, once the corresponding window that we are talking about appears, we write the following command: shutdown / p / f.
Keep in mind that the moment we write the command and press Enter, whatever we have running, it will be lost, since the PC will restart immediately.
Configure Windows shutdown buttons
Similarly, we must bear in mind that the operating system itself allows us to customize the behavior of each of the shutdown buttons. Therefore, some other user may have changed some of this, or it has been misconfigured for whatever reason. That is why before the problem that we expose you, it is best that we check it to be sure. Then we just have to open the Control Panel and access Power Options. A new window will open in which we have to click on the option to Choose the behavior of the start / stop buttons.
Here we will have the possibility to adjust the actions that will be carried out for each shutdown button on the PC . And it can be the case even that they are configured to do nothing. If this is the case, we would have solved the problem that we cannot turn off Windows
Uninstall recent apps
There are some programs that, without our realizing it, change some internal parameters of Windows itself, so it stops working as before. That is why if we installed a somewhat suspicious application a short time ago, we will remove it immediately. This is something that we can easily do again from the Control Panel, by going to Uninstall a program. Then we just have to locate the one that we installed recently, and double-click on it to remove it from the PC.
Scan your computer for malware
Another possible reason for this bad behavior of Windows when trying to turn it off is due to some type of malicious code that has crept in. That is why it can also be useful to scan the computer with the antivirus that we have installed. In the event that we do not use any additional ones, in Windows 10 we can always use Windows Defender .
This is something that we can find in the Update and Security Configuration section. Here, in Windows Security, we no longer find the antivirus solution that is proposed in the operating system itself.
