Mystery app preventing Windows 10 shutdown after update.

Write down the name it says is running

before you log off or restart, go to task manager and see if it is running or located in processes, details, startup or services tab and force it off or disable it if possible. But good to know what it is to determine how to address it.

I recently received a new work computer and had the same issue. Eventually I found the app causing the issue, and you should be able to as well by doing this.

1. Initiate a shutdown
2. Cancel out of it when the screen telling you the app is preventing a shutdown shows
3. Open Event Viewer
4. Expend the Windows Logs section
5. Select the Application section
6. Look for an event that states "The following application attempted to veto the shutdown:" it should be one of the very first ones if you order by date/time descending. The name of the executable will be listed after the colon, if you don't recognize it, google it and you should find the program it's tied to pretty easily.

For me, it was BESClientUI.exe which is the executable for a system update tool my company uses that was running as a process. Closing that out before shutting down eliminates the issue but isn't ideal. Still trying to figure out how to prevent it happening without totally shutting down the check for running apps.

you know what, on XP and 7, on occasion, I had that happen, it eventually stopped. I just spent that split 1/2 second to press the button force them/it closed and didn't give it another thought.

That analogy for the car to this, is a little off kilter. But I understand the point you are making.

Thank you for sharing your memories of similar (but nevertheless only occasional) experiences with XP and 7 and for regaling us with the tale of your almost Buddhist-like acceptance in the face of minor adversity.  Happily for you, the occasional experiences eventually stopped. Perhaps you have failed to understand that my experience with this issue is consistent and on-going. It is NOT "occasional" and it has NOT "eventually stopped".

I am mystified by your comment that my analogy is "a little off kilter". In both cases an operation which had formerly required one operation now requires two operations.

I'd be interested to know how many others have experienced this issue with Microsoft's system update of approximately one month ago.  If there are no others, perhaps the fault lies in my computer. If there are others, the fault lies with the update.

Hi Alan,

We noticed that your post has been idle for quite some time and we would like to make a follow up regarding your concern. Just to verify, are you still having issues with an unknown app that  causes issues with shutting down? Were you able to identify that specific app?

We look forward to your response.

Yes, I am still having issues with the unknown app.  No, I have not been able to identify that specific app. To repeat myself, on the shutdown screen it is only identified as "this app", and no amount of hovering, right clicking, or left clicking reveals the name of that app. As I've said before, I have gone to the task manager which lists the task manager as the only app that is running.

We appreciate you getting back to us with the added information.

The app that prevents your device from shutting down is most likely part of the updated system or could also be part of the security certificates that was installed after you performed Windows Update. We can determine which specific app is that by ending the task of the same icon in the Task Manager. However, let's try to run the System File Checker tool first to fix and correct any improper settings in your computer system. Please note of the result.

We would like to ask for the screenshot of the shut down page where it says that there's an app which prevents you from shutting down, and also the screenshot of your Task Manager under the Process tab. This is for us to have a better picture of the issue and determine the appropriate advice.

Additionally, we also suggest that you run Power troubleshooter for possible help. To do that, simply type troubleshoot in the search field or Cortana, click on it in the search result, click on Power, then click on the Run the troubleshooter button.

Any update from you is highly appreciated.

Thank you, Lawrence Lib, for your reply.

I would first of all like to repeat (for the 3rd time) that the task manager does NOT reveal the name of this mysterious anonymous app. The only app listed as running is the Task Manager itself. Attaching screen shot of this.

Thanks also for your suggestion on using the System File Checker tool. Here is the result:

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.16299.248]

(c) 2017 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\WINDOWS\system32>DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool

Version: 10.0.16299.15

Image Version: 10.0.16299.248

[==========================100.0%==========================] The restore operation completed successfully.

The operation completed successfully.

C:\WINDOWS\system32>

Thanks also for suggesting the Power Troubleshooter. The results are here:

As for a screenshot of the Shutdown screen, you may not be aware of this but the normal manner of obtaining a screenshot ("Printscreen") does not work on a Shutdown screen. If there is another method, please let me know. In the meantime, here is a transcription of that screen:

"Closing 1 app and shutting down.

To go back and save your work,click cancel and finish what you need to do.

This app* is preventing shutdown

Shutdown anyway (clickable rectangle) Cancel (clickable rectangle)"

Neither the System File Checker tool nor the Power troubleshooter had any effect. I still have the same annoying problem.

*(As I've mentioned mentioned before, no right or left clicking or hovering reveals the named of "this app").