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.

when you restart or log of and it tells you an app is still running, select the box to restart anyways. It has been like that forever on OS's. just force closing it and restating or logging off.

Thanks for your reply. No, it has not been like that forever. This behavior started only with the Windows 10 update about 3-4 weeks ago.

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.

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.

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.

Well, what I am saying is this is NOT "occasional" ---- it has been consistent since a Windows 10 update about a month ago.  Also, although it implies that Windows is  in the process of closing that unidentified app, it never closes it, and a few minutes later, the shutdown screen disappears and the computer is again ready for action.  I always have to click on "Shut down anyway". I agree this is no big deal but it is an annoyance. Guess I just have to put up with Microsoft's incompetent "developers". I mean, how would you feel if you had a brand-new car, had a mechanic do adjustments on it and now every time (not just occasionally) when you want to shut it off, you have to not only turn the key but you've got an added step of tapping the dashboard?

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.

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.

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").