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Fix Windows 11 Not Shutting Down [Mega Guide]
11 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Shutting down the computer after usage is a regular task performed almost daily. Not just that helps in saving electricity but also gives the computer’s components much-needed rest to ensure their longevity and optimal performance.
Such a critical functionality of properly shutting down the PC is hardly appreciated by any user; well until the computer does not shut down at command. In case your system is also exhibiting such a peculiar issue, you have landed at the right place.
If the problem is software-based, finding a solution is relatively quick and easy. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that can be used to resolve Windows 11 not shutting down.
Why is my Windows 11 computer not shutting down?
There could be more than one reason for your Windows 11 computer not shutting down properly. It could be third-party software installed on the system preventing the shutdown or perhaps a recently installed update might be causing the issue.
In case you are on a mobile device theFast Startupfunctionality of your machine could also be the culprit behind it. As mentioned earlier, there can be a lot of possibilities.
Although fixing the issue is relatively easy, every solution requires you to have a different approach. Hence, there is a possibility you might need to perform multiple solutions in order to completely fix the problem.
Moreover, if you have just shifted from macOS devices to Windows devices, note that they are configured toDo Nothingeven if the physicalPower buttonis pressed. If that is the case, it is a very quick and easy fix that requires just a couple of seconds.
How do I fix Windows 11 not shutting down?
1. Change your Power settings
Keep in mind that this setting only impacts the physicalPowerbutton on your device and has no impact whatsoever on thePower menupresent in theStart Menuof your device.
2. Roll back recent Windows updates
3. Disable the Fast Startup functionality
As the name suggests, theFast Startupfeature enables your computer to boot up faster. However, at times, it interferes and prevents the computer from properly shutting down.
If you have a desktop computer and noticing the fans and lights of some components remaining on even after the shutdown, disabling theFast Startupfeature should definitely work for you.
4. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
5. Run SFC (System File Checker) command
SFC scanner will be able to detect and repair any corrupted and/or damaged system files. In case you have created system restore points, there is a possibility you might encounter the same issue again.
System installation files can be restored with the DISM command. To know more about it, do check out ourultimate guide on DISM commands.
6. Run chkdsk command
7. Run System Restore
System restore usually is very effective since every time the system undergoes a major scheduled upgrade or a new software install, a system restore point is created to help the user rolling back to in case anything goes wrong.
8. Reset your PC
As the name suggests, resetting the PC completely reinstalls system files and apps. This will most likely fix the issue even if all else fails.
Is it OK to never turn off my PC?
Never turning off the computer means giving no rest to the RAM, storage devices, system caches, and other critical components of the machine that exposes them to extreme stress.
In the event of extended usage, the physical components of the computer might throttle their performance to control the heat expelled by them, which directly impacts the performance and in turn, will unnecessarily make the computer seem laggy.
Moreover, such kind of usage might also affect the longevity of components and they might give out sooner than expected.
Thus, it is not at all recommended to never shut down your PC in order to maintain the system health, both physically and logically.
How to force shutdown my Windows 11 computer?
For starters, on a laptop, hold the physical Power switch for 5 or more seconds and it will instantly turn off the PC. Whilst this holds true on traditional desktop computers, you can also kill power by pulling the plug on it.
However, shutting down this way is not recommended at all since it doesn’t allow the machine to prep itself for the shutdown and might corrupt or damage a system file and you might also lose any unsaved data.
The computer not shutting down definitely is a bit worrisome. Though with the solutions listed here you will surely be able to restore the functionality.
If you are interested to learn more, head to our other article onshutting down your PC using a keyboard shortcut.
In case you still have some questions or even suggestions for us, do not hesitate to let us know in the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
More about the topics:Windows 11
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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