Mystery app preventing Windows 10 shutdown after update.

It is not technically an app that is running (even though the message tells you that it's an app). I have discovered that it is actually a process that is running. I could never pinpoint the process, and, of course, there was no problem when I got a new computer.

However, the day I downloaded SMSListo, there was the message telling me an "app" was preventing shutdown. I looked, and there was an SMSListo process running. Uninstalling (but not reinstalling) SMSListo solved the problem.

Another poster here said he found that a process for his printer was running. A process, mind you, not an app.

To me it is obvious that one of Microsoft's infamous updates has permitted a lot of different processes to be interpreted as "apps" that are running.  Whether or not Microsoft will fix its update remains to be seen. I rather doubt that Microsoft will take the time to fix it.............

Your point, in a nutshell, is "Suck it up and live with it".

To me, your assertion that my issue is a "non-issue" of no concern is just another way of saying that you haven't a clue as to what caused it nor a clue as to how to fix it.

Awaiting more helpful responses from others.

Thanks for your contribution to the discussion.

I agree with Alan absolutely  This has been irritating me for months and one does wonder whether there may be an adverse effect when having to force close an anonymous application. I despair at the illiteracy of MS personnel who ask "what app?" when clearly told that it is not possible to identify because it arises in the close down routine. MS have clearly lost a lot of goodwill through insisting that they own and control the software we paid for. Every forced "improvement" results in countless wasted hours researching why something else now does not work, often to discover that there are literally millions suffering the same pain.

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").

I am having the SAME problem as AlanD1948 and I am frustrated that when I receive updates  they never install automatically since they are set to do overnight and the system does not seem to be able to shut itself down without me being available to tell it to restart anyway when the mystery running app does not close. AlanD1948 sent you a great deal of information in his last post in February and there seems to be no additional response from Microsoft. Did I miss something. This is very frustrating as it happens both on my laptop and my work computer.

Hi Alan, 

I had the exact same annoying problem.

I narrowed it down to a program called "Power Media Player MR"

I found it by looking in the App History of the Task Manager.

It was always the 3rd app from the top.

I uninstalled it and that annoying problem is now gone.

Thanks to you and your question in helping me solve my Mystery App preventing me from restarting and shutting down my pc properly.

Best regards

Thank you BravoCharlie 789. I did not find "Power Media Player MR" on my computer, and a search came up with similarly named apps that were available in the Microsoft store. How did you find it and how did you uninstall it? Thanks.

It is all good. Just force it closed on log off or restart. Nothing to worry about or stress over.