If Windows 7 does not shut down normally and hangs until you are forced to shut it down using the power button, then you’ll need to figure out which program is not closing properly. This can happen after an update, after a virus infection, or for no apparent reason at all.
Once you have scanned and rule out a malware infection, you can start the process of elimination to determine what program or service is causing your computer to hang at the shut down screen.
Steps To Fix Windows 7 Does Not Shut Down
Disable Start-up Programs in Windows 7
Part of determining what program is preventing your computer from shutting down properly is preventing programs from starting up in the first place. You can quickly make the determination that it is one of those start-up programs by turning them off using the Microsoft Configuration Utility. Go to the Start button and type msconfig in the search box. You will see several tabs. Click the Services tab and check the box that says Hide Microsoft Services. Next, disable the remaining services and then click OK.
Next, click the Start-up tab and disable any programs you recognize do not need to run. You will need to click OK, then reboot your machine for the changes to take effect. You can then try shutting down normally. If the PC shuts down, enable several of the services and programs at a time until you find the one that is causing the problem. Once you find the culprit, see if there is a Windows Update or a product update that will fix the issue. If it’s something you do not need or use, consider uninstalling the program.
Windows 7 Does Not Shut Down Resolution
If you continue to have problems and Windows 7 does not shut down, be sure to join our free computer repair forums for more help.
Hi
Done what you suggested and have renabled everything and laptop shuts down perfect now so there must have been a hangup some where. Been over a year try to get it to shutdown so thanks for this article
regards
John
Hi,
I started to follow your directions as I have this problem, but I only got as far as typing in msconfig and the computer shut down right then and there and when I re-booted it did so normally. It was like magic.
when i did the instruction and restart. the dialog box said system configuration cannot restart the computer. why is that? help me to have solution to that problem.tnx.. need it asap
Many, many thanks. I had found several variations on this, but your’s was the clearest.
I followed what you said and my little Win7 netbook is very happy bunny again. Startup had loads of Adobe and non essentials set to run. Disabling them fixed it perfectly, quickly and easily.
Me too…when i did the instruction and restart. the dialog box said system configuration cannot restart the computer. why is that? help me to have solution to that problem.tnx.. need it asap
Hi
I Have read your answer but with my screen it only shows Logging Off in the centre of the screen and along the bottom line
Windows 7 Home Premium nothing else can be seen on the desktop
so hence i cannot even see the start button
any assistance would be appreciated
Regards Frank
Me too! I followed the instructions and then the dialog box says that system configuration cannot restart the computer. What do I do now? Aggg, please help asap.