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Task Host Window Preventing Shutdown: 7 Methods to Fix It
Check out what worked for other users
4 min. read
Updated onMarch 26, 2024
updated onMarch 26, 2024
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Some of our readers reported that theTask Hostwindow is preventing ashutdownalong with aShut down anywayoption. While clicking on it helped some, others again got the error on their subsequent attempts atperforming a shutdown.
TheTask Hostwindow is not a virus, as often understood by many. This error is usually caused by astuck OS update, or when a program is installing in the background. Certain running services andcorrupt system filesmay also preventing a shut down.
Before we go to the slightly complex solutions, click theShut down anywaybutton on the error prompt and check whether it appears again. For some, it was a one-off thing.
1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
In most cases, it was an issue with Windows Update that led to theTask Hostwindow preventing shutdown. And the built-in troubleshooter did wonders by fixing things in no time.
2. Restart the Microsoft Store Install Service
TheTask Hostwindow preventing shutdown mistaken for a virus can also be due to issues with the Microsoft Store Install Service, and restarting it should get things up and running.
3. Disable startup apps and non-critical services
Once done, restart the computer, and verify whether theTask Hostwindow is still preventing shutdown. In case it is, head to the next solution.
4. Run the DISM and SFC scan
In a few cases, users got theTask Hostwindow preventing shutdown due to corrupt system files, andrunning theDISMtooland theSFCscan got things working. These two shouldn’t take more than half an hour to run under ideal conditions.
Another option for easily erasing corrupt files would be adedicated repair tool. They have massive databases with healthy system files with which they can replace all malfunctioning files found on your PC.
5. Uninstall Windows updates
Many users who reported that the Task Host window is preventing shutdown fixed things by uninstalling a few problematic updates. For most, it was the last two, but it might be different for others.
6. Turn off Fast Startup
7. Install the optional updates
That’s it! If nothing has worked so far, installing the optional updates should fix things in case theTask Hostwindow is preventing shutdown.
While fixing things, find out the best settings for improved Windows performance.
For any queries or to share a solution that’s not listed here, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:issues,Shutdown issues,windows 10
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
