Mystery app preventing Windows 10 shutdown after update.

I have been having the same problem and by following this information I found out it was my Cyberlink Media Expresso 7.5. This is a program I very rarely use so I removed it and the problem is gone. See image below.

Hi Alan

I wish I had an answer for you but after reading through the forum (because I have EXACTLY the same time wasting issue) I just wanted to commend you for keeping your cool (mostly :) while other time wasters gave you the equivalent of 'have you turned it off and on'.

Well done

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for your reply. That's the thing. It just says "This app", but does not name the app (no clicking or hovering gives a clue). When I go to the task manager, the only app listed that is running is the task manager.

What I am saying is that since XP, occasionally you could get an app running when restarting or logging off and would be prompted to wait for it to close or force it closed to continue to log off or restart. It is no big deal really as long as you can force it to shut down.