Fix 'This App is Preventing Shutdown' error on Windows 10

The cause of the error

When you shut down Windows, it automatically closes all running applications and services. However, if an application has unsaved data, it may prevent Windows from shutting down the system. Closing the problematic application and shutting down the system will usually work. For example, if you open an Office document and forget to save changes, it may block the shutdown of Windows. This gives you the opportunity to save your work and prevent data loss.

While this feature is great at protecting you from potential data loss, it can also be frustrating by preventing shutdowns from taking place. For example, if you are in a hurry and press the shutdown button immediately, but the system may not automatically shut down because the application has stopped the process.

If you don't need this feature and want Windows to force applications to close when you shutdown and restart, you can do so with a simple edit.

In this quick and simple guide, let TipsMake.com show you the steps to fix an application error that prevents a shutdown or restart in Windows, forcing a shutdown without an application hinder.

How to fix the "This App is Preventing Shutdown" error

To stop seeing applications that prevent a shutdown notification, you must perform a simple registry edit. Before making any changes, back up the registry.

Here are the steps you should follow to fix application errors that stop the shutdown process in Windows 10.

Step 1. Open the Start menu by pressing the key Win.

Step 2. Enter Registry Editor and click Enterto open Registry Editor.

Step 3. Copy the registry path given below:

HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop

Step 4. Paste it in the address bar and press Enteron the keyboard.

Paste the registry path into the address bar

Step 5. Right-click on the Desktop folder .

Step 6. Select String Value from the New menu .

Step 7. Enter AutoEndTasks as the name of the new value.

Step 8. Double click the AutoEndTasks value you just created.

Step 9. Enter 1 in the blank field. Click on OK.

Step 10. Close the Registry  Editor.

Step 11. Restart Windows.

After you restart the system, Windows will force to close all applications and services when shutting down or restarting. Because Windows will force close the application, the problem has been resolved and you will no longer see the "This app is preventing from shutdown" message on the lock screen.