How to Get Windows 11 to Shut Down When You Can't Shut It Down (and How to Fix It)
Published on Aug. 22, 2023, 12:14 p.m.
Powering down a device is a common first step when troubleshooting nearly any tech issue . But what do you do if you can’t shut down the computer?
Why is my computer not shutting off?
A computer that stays on when you try to shut down is often related to software. Either the operating system is experiencing a bug or a program is interfering.
Another reason a computer not shutting down is a broken power button. Most people don’t need to worry about this, but there are other ways to get Windows 11 to shut down even without using the physical power button.
Computer Stays on When Try to shut Down?
There’s a setting in Windows that controls what happens.
This setting exists to avoid accidental shutdowns.
To check, open Control Panel and go to hardware and sound > Power Options > select what the power button does. Then, change the action to shut down and then select Save changes.
Windows 11 will now shut down normally.
What to Do If Windows isn’t shutting down when it wants to.
Can be fixed by using a different shutdown technique.
Hold down the physical power button for a while.
Most computers will respond to a press-and-hold of the power button.
Alternatively, if you typically use the power button to shut down .
Open the start menu. Press the power icon to find shut down.