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.

Hello Crossword667,

As discussed in this thread, an unknown background program is preventing your Windows 10 system from shutting down. That being said, I'll need more information to properly address your concern. Please verify the following:

• Can you tell me all of the troubleshooting steps you've tried so far? Kindly list down the steps you've done so far so we can avoid repeats.
• Is your Windows 10 device up to date?
• Can you tell me the current OS Build of your Windows 10 device? You can find this information by clicking the Start button, type About your PC, press Enter, and then scroll down to Windows specifications.

If you haven't tried it yet, I advise performing a clean boot to determine which background program is causing the issue. This operation starts your Windows device by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you shut down your computer. I included the article on how to perform a clean boot in my previous response last April 15.

Let us know how it goes.

Hello Alan,

We would like to know the current status of the issue. Are you still experiencing the same issue when you shut down your Windows 10 device? If the issue still continues, can you tell me the current OS Build of your Windows 10 system? You can find this information by clicking the Start button, type About your PC, press Enter, and then scroll down to Windows specifications. Have you tried performing a clean boot like seahawks65 suggested? A clean boot is performed to start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you use your computer. For the steps on how to perform a clean boot, you can refer to this support article. You can also watch our YouTube video for a detailed guide.

We'll be waiting for your response.

Hi Morris,

Have you tried the solutions shared on this thread? If so, let us know of the results so that we can further isolate the issue.

Your reply is most important for us to assist you accordingly.