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How to Fix Task Host Window is Preventing Shutdown

Are you getting a “Task Host Window is preventing shutdown” error on Windows?

Here’s the other error message, “To go back and save your work, click Cancel and finish what you need to”.

When this occurs, you’ll be stuck on a blue screen and your PC will fail to shut down.

In addition, there is no way to close the app that’s causing the error because it’s not specified.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix the Task Host Window is preventing shutdown error on Windows 10 or 11.

How to Fix Task Host Window is Preventing Shutdown

Fix 1: Scan for malware and remove them

  1. Go to malwarebytes.com and select “Free download”.
  2. Install Malwarebytes and run the app.
  3. Select “Scan” and wait for the scan to complete.
  4. Quarantine or remove the scanned malware.
  5. Try shutting down your PC again.

Editor’s note: This fix worked for me because I accidentally installed a file that contained malware and it prevented my PC from shutting down.

Fix 2: Turn off fast startup

  1. Search for “Control Panel” using Windows Search and open it.
  2. System and Security > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
  3. Select “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
  4. Disable “Turn on fast startup”.
  5. Select “Save changes”.
  6. Try shutting down your PC again.

Fix 3: Run the Windows update troubleshooter

  1. Search for “Troubleshoot settings” using Windows Search and open it.
  2. Select “Other troubleshooters”.
  3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
  4. Select “I can’t download, install, or uninstall an update”.
  5. Select “Yes” to run the Windows Update automated diagnostic.

Fix 4: Update Windows to the latest version

  1. Search for “Check for updates” using Windows Search and open it.
  2. Select “Check for updates”.
  3. Select “Download & Install” if there’s an update available.
  4. Try shutting down your PC again.

Fix 5: Select “Shut down anyway”

  1. Select the Windows icon and select the power icon.
  2. Select “Shut down” and select “Shut down anyway”.

Further reading

How to Fix Sorry, Capcut Isn’t Available Right Now

How to Fix OBS Game Capture Black Screen

How to Fix “Your device isn’t part of the Netflix Household for this account”

About the author

Lim How Wei

Lim How Wei is the founder of followchain.org, with 8+ years of experience in Social Media Marketing and 4+ years of experience as an active investor in stocks and cryptocurrencies. He has researched, tested, and written thousands of articles ranging from social media platforms to messaging apps.

Lim has been quoted and referenced by major publications and media companies like WikiHow, Fast Company, HuffPost, Vice, New York Post, The Conversation, and many others. One of his articles about the gig economy was quoted by Joe Rogan who hosts The Joe Rogan Experience (arguably the most popular podcast in the world), in the This Past Weekend podcast by Theo Von.

In his free time, Lim plays multiple games like Genshin Impact, League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Hearthstone, RuneScape, and many others. He creates guides, walkthroughs, solutions, and more on games that he plays to help other players with their progression.