Mystery app preventing Windows 10 shutdown after update.

Since a Windows 10 update a few weeks ago, when I go to shut down, it says it is closing and there is an app running  ------- but there is no app running   So I wait for it to close that nonexistent app, and after a few minutes, I am back to the computer being ready to work, not shutting down. When will a new update fix this?  Yesterday's update did not fix this. It is not a serious problem, but it is annoying to have to click "Shut down anyway" to really shut down.  What is this app that hides itself and won't quit?

[Moved from Windows / Windows 10 / Windows update, recovery, & backup]

Alan, I also have had the exact same problem. It also started after one of the Windows Updates. In my case the app that was causing the problem on shutdown is a background process for my Brother printer. Whenever is start windows, about 15 seconds later the Brother Help Window appears in the lower right of my screen. If I close that little window before shutting down Windows I don't get the message. If I do not close the Brother help window before shutting down I do get the message.

Ed --- Thanks for your reply. In my case, I'm not hooked up to a Brother printer (or any printer, for that matter), but my problem was solved when I reinstalled windows 10  in response to another (and unrelated) problem, which turned out to be caused by a defective mouse --- it's amazing the problems that can be caused by defective mice or even keyboards. In any case, it looks like windows updates can have unforeseen consequences which haven't been thought through by the "developers"

Hi

I am having EXACTLY the same problem and with the same results with the troubleshooter etc. and so would love to see a cure posted here.

Bob

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").

Hi

I am having EXACTLY the same problem and  with the same results with troubleshooter, system checker etc. and so would be very interested to find a cure.

Bob

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

Go to

Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Administrative Tools

Computer Management or Event Viewer

And in Event Viewer, you can get every detailed bit of info about the OS and what is going on.

You may find the program or running process details that will lead you to the culprit.

But you will find many errors on every OS, that have no negative effect on the system or operations.