How to fix Windows taking a long time to shut down

If your Windows computer shuts down slowly, try these steps: 1. Disable Fast Startup in Power settings. 2. Close background apps via Task Manager. 3. Reduce shutdown timeout in Registry Editor. 4. Run System File Checker to fix corrupted files. 5. Update or roll back device drivers.

If your Windows computer is taking too long to shut down, it could be due to background processes or system settings. Here are several methods to fix this issue:

The operating environment of this tutorial: Dell XPS 13, Windows 11

1. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is designed to reduce boot time, but it can sometimes interfere with the shutdown process, causing delays. Disabling it may resolve prolonged shutdown times.

• Press Windows I to open Settings.
• Navigate to System > Power & sleep > Additional power settings.
• Select Choose what the power buttons do from the left panel.
• Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
• Select Save changes.

2. End Background Applications Before Shutdown

Applications running in the background may prevent Windows from shutting down quickly. Manually closing them before shutdown reduces the waiting time.

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
• Under the Processes tab, review all running applications.
• Select any non-essential program and click End task.
• Repeat for all unnecessary processes before initiating shutdown.

3. Adjust Registry Settings for Shutdown Timeout

Windows waits a default amount of time for applications to close during shutdown. Reducing this timeout period through the registry editor can speed up the process.

• Press Windows R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Navigate to:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
• Locate the WaitToKillServiceTimeout value in the right pane.
• Double-click it and change the value from the default (usually 5000) to 2000 milliseconds.
• Click OK and restart your computer for changes to take effect.

4. Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can cause performance issues, including slow shutdowns. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs missing or damaged system files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator by searching for cmd, then selecting Run as administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Wait for the scan to complete (this may take 15–20 minutes).
• Restart your computer after the repair finishes.

5. Update or Roll Back Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers, especially for storage and chipset devices, can delay shutdown. Updating or rolling back problematic drivers helps restore normal operation.

• Press Windows X and select Device Manager.
• Expand categories like Disk drives, System devices, and Display adapters.
• Right-click each device and choose Update driver or, if recently updated, Roll back driver.
• Follow the prompts and restart once updates are applied.

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