Message "someone else is still using this PC" when I try and shut down

That message means that you apparently have another Windows UserID open on your computer.

Open the Start menu

Look on the lower left side, at the top of the stack of icons starting from the bottom of the screen. The top icons of for logged in user ids. Hover the mouse over the top icon (your current userID)

In the screen cap you can see that in addition to the current Userid Icon (white circle with red maple leaf) I have 3 more user IDs. And I am currently signed in to the "Admin2" ID.

Look to see if you are signed in to another ID.

If you are, click on that icon to switch to that ID. Sign out of it, saving any open documents you need to. Then you can sign back in to your main userid and exit without seeing that message.

I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family and Other Users to see if there are any other Accounts listed, back up any files from them and delete them there if so.

Type netplwiz in Start Search, check also there to see if there are any other accounts to highlight and Remove.

No expert in Forums where we see the most cases (by the thousands) recommends Avast, AVG. Norton or McAfee, but we do solve problems by having them uninstalled.

I would uninstall any 3rd party antivirus and try running only built-in Defender which gives adequate protection, least issues, and is from Microsoft who knows how to protect their OS best.

If you want the best on-demand scanners install and run Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner free scanners.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle...

Your files should always be backed up because the hard drive can die at any time. Some suggestions to help ease into this habit:

You can drag 5gb for free into OneDrive app to store in the cloud where they are safe from fire and theft.

Google Drive has a new Backup that allows you to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud in real time so it always has the latest version. https://www.google.com/intl/en-GB_ALL/drive/dow...

Or you can manually drag or copy them to another hard drive, USB external or flash drive.

Here's how to drag, copy or move large groups of files: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2086566/the-man...

A better automated file backup to external disk is free Macrium which is the choice of the experts:

http://knowledgebase.macrium.com/display/KNOW/B...

Besides your files you should back up a System Image to use in place of reinstall in 20 minutes. The best free alternative is Macrium: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7363/macrium-ref...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Well, that is kind of a trick question. Because you might notice an app running and suspect it is the cause. Or you might not know any of them. I will tell you that if you have other PC's on your network, this could be the problem such as example, someone on another PC is watching a shared video or has a shared app open on their PC. You could also have some malware. I do not know if you install free apps with malware or tool bars etc.

When you log off, does it ever also tell you a program is trying to shut down, or just someone else is using the PC.

You could also have something web related running that could cause this or browser addon. Most likely some form of malware. Also as mentioned, print queue has an unfinished print job. This unfinished print job could also only show on another PC on your Home Network, but not on yours. This is why you could be getting this message someone else is using this PC.

If you use4 Microsoft Account to sign in, this could be a possible reason.

A connected cell phone to charge or transfer files could give this message. Another device connected to PC might cause this.

Delete all temp internet files on all browsers. remove any toll bars or free software you installed. Look in programs and features installed programs list and look for things installed you did not install or are not aware of.

Do a complete disk clean up and also reboot your modem. Check all other PC's and devices that are or have been connected to network, such as their print queues to be empty. Run a full defender scan.

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. No other accounts are listed in either settings of netplwiz - there is only the 'defaultuser' in task manager, as I've said.

Hi Rohn,

No other users are signed in; it is just my normal account.