How can I fix "Task host window" preventing shutdown of my computer?

Question

How can I fix "Task host window" preventing shutdown of my computer?

NTLaff 20

Every time I try to shutdown my computer I get an error message saying that the task host window is preventing my shutdown...

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Little Caesar 10 Reputation points

2025-03-21T17:38:22.04+00:00

And for the record, I see a lot of people saying to disable fast startup which I will do the moment I get home. Not 1000% sure this was the offending thing, but it looks familiar. I have it written down at home. I have spent literally forty hours of my life on this since it all blew up in my face last sunday, setting my work back about a week.

\Microsoft\Windows\DeviceDirectoryClient\RegisterUserDevice
Wendy Humphreys 0 Reputation points

2025-03-28T15:28:49.9333333+00:00

This is the reason I get for not being able to shut down. I've followed all the instructions to disable it, only to be told I don't have permission.. I can't understand why not. It's doing my bloody head in.
Lawrence Bolger 0 Reputation points

2025-04-27T19:21:50.47+00:00

While i was having this same issue i later did a " repair " to MS office.

This fixed it for me. I think it may have been open then power failure.

since this issue has been in the last two weeks i did repair now all good!

2 answers

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Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Little Caesar 10 Reputation points

2025-03-21T17:38:22.04+00:00

And for the record, I see a lot of people saying to disable fast startup which I will do the moment I get home. Not 1000% sure this was the offending thing, but it looks familiar. I have it written down at home. I have spent literally forty hours of my life on this since it all blew up in my face last sunday, setting my work back about a week.

\Microsoft\Windows\DeviceDirectoryClient\RegisterUserDevice
Wendy Humphreys 0 Reputation points

2025-03-28T15:28:49.9333333+00:00

This is the reason I get for not being able to shut down. I've followed all the instructions to disable it, only to be told I don't have permission.. I can't understand why not. It's doing my bloody head in.
Lawrence Bolger 0 Reputation points

2025-04-27T19:21:50.47+00:00

While i was having this same issue i later did a " repair " to MS office.

This fixed it for me. I think it may have been open then power failure.

since this issue has been in the last two weeks i did repair now all good!

Answer 1

Anonymous

Hello,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Q&A.

Based on the description, I understand your question is related to Task host window.

The "Task Host Window" issue during shutdown is a common problem in Windows. It usually occurs when background tasks or processes are still running and preventing the system from shutting down.

Go to Settings, click on Update & Security. Select Troubleshoot from the left menu. Click on Additional troubleshooters. Run the Power troubleshooter.

Open Control Panel, go to Power Options. Click on Choose what the power buttons do. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended). Click Save changes.

Have a nice day.

Best Regards,

Molly

============================================

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it

Victor Nolet 5 Reputation points

2025-03-15T21:13:04.78+00:00

At the Settings window, I find a "Windows Update" link and "Privacy & Security" link. No "Update & Security" link. Neither of these links brings up a menu that has a "Troubleshooting" link. The Task Host Window preventing shut down problem only appeared after the last update a few days ago. I am running Windows 11 Home version 24H2 last installed on 1.20.2025 and updated on 03.13.2025 and 03.14.2-25. Is it fair to assume that this Task Host Windows problem is associated with the last update?
Richard Panto 0 Reputation points

2025-04-25T12:44:59.6233333+00:00

The Power troubleshooter failed. I tried a few times and and sought help from the chat box, but there was a long queue.

So I went to control panel and did the fast start up option and guess what? That seemed to do the trick.

This problem seemed to happen sometime after the last update, also my corsair program was updated as well. so I'm not really sure what caused it.

But hey ho, it's sorted now thanks...

Answer 2

Kapil Arya 8,451 MVP Volunteer Moderator

Hello,

See if this fix helps you:

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-this-app-is-preventing-shutdown-in-windows-11

Let us know if this helps!

Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog by a trusted Microsoft MVP.

Victor Nolet 5 Reputation points

2025-03-16T20:04:39.45+00:00

Thank you! Method 1 (change account settings) worked. Your directions were clear and accurate and appropriate for my operating system and most recent update.

The first restart after I made the change took a long time and at first, I thought the process was hanging up. So I did a hard shut down with the power button. After that, though, subsequent restarts and shut downs worked quickly and with no problems.

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How can I fix "Task host window" preventing shutdown of my computer?

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