Task Host Window is a feature in Windows 10 that helps users manage and monitor tasks running in the background. It is not a virus or malware. When you try to shut down your PC, you may face an error message saying "Task Host is stopping... background tasks". This error message means that some processes are running in the background, which prevents you from shutting down the computer. The Task Host window preventing shutdown can be caused by several reasons, including corrupt system files, pending updates, problematic services, or conflicting programs.
To fix the "Task Host window prevents shutdown" issue, you can try the following methods:
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Close the running application and perform a shutdown: Open Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Enter, select the notepad or your work application, and click End Task. Now, try to shut down your computer.
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Turn off Fast Startup: Click Start Menu and type Control Panel, open the control panel, click on Power Options, click on Choose what the power button does, click on Change settings that are currently unavailable, uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended), and click the Save changes button.
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Uninstall recent Windows updates: Go to Settings, click on Update & Security, click on View update history, click on Uninstall updates, select the recent updates, and click on Uninstall.
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Disable services and startup apps: Press Windows + R, type msconfig, click on the Services tab, check the Hide all Microsoft services box, click on Disable all, click on the Startup tab, click on Open Task Manager, disable all the startup apps, close Task Manager, and click on OK.
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Run the Windows Update troubleshooter: Go to Settings, click on Update & Security, click on Troubleshoot, click on Other troubleshooters, click on Run next to the Windows Update entry, and follow the on-screen instructions to identify and eliminate the problem.
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Check for malware: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to check for malware.
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Update device drivers: Go to Device Manager, right-click on the device, click on Update driver, and follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
In summary, Task Host Window is a feature in Windows 10 that helps users manage and monitor tasks running in the background. When you try to shut down your PC, you may face an error message saying "Task Host is stopping... background tasks." This error message means that some processes are running in the background, which prevents you from shutting down the computer. To fix this issue, you can try several methods, including closing the running application, turning off Fast Startup, uninstalling recent Windows updates, disabling services and startup apps, running the Windows Update troubleshooter, checking for malware, and updating device drivers.