Why does the computer take so long to turn off? Cancel clearing virtual memory when turning off the computer
The shutdown time depends on the performance of the equipment. Therefore, it is normal for a weak machine to be in no hurry to complete its work. It's another matter if powerful computer under a modern OS, this process takes more than 30 seconds. Why Windows 7 can shut down for a long time and what to do about it, we’ll look at it in our article.
Why does my Windows 7 computer take a long time to shut down?
It is impossible to say for sure where exactly the root of the problem lies. Therefore, you need to check several options:
- Many programs are running at the same time.
- There is some kind of conflicting program.
- The reason is in the operating system itself.
- Malware.
- Driver problems.
How to speed up the process
Program response time
By basic settings The OS waits for a response from the program for 12 seconds, after which it is considered frozen. Using the registry, this value can be reduced to the recommended 4-5 seconds.
Cancel clearing virtual memory when turning off the computer
Shortcut to end stuck programs
This measure will relieve the user of the need to open the task manager and individually close each frozen process.
Video instruction: how to create a shortcut to terminate frozen processes
USB Hub Power Management (For Laptops)
The function is aimed at extending the battery life of the laptop. However, not all USB devices work correctly with it. By disabling the function, the user will sacrifice battery life, but the shutdown time of the laptop will become more acceptable. To do this you need to do the following:
Removing viruses
Malware is always in the active phase and therefore makes shutdown of the computer very slow.
In this case, you need to run the scanner standard antivirus(Kaspersky, Dr.Web, Avast, Avira). It is also useful to use various utilities.
Disk cleanup for faster device operation
There must be at least 5 GB left on drive C free space. If this indicator is critical, then you should immediately unload the memory. Let only installed programs remain on the disk and system files. Everything else - video, audio, images, personal files- need to be transferred to other drives.
If after such manipulations the figure does not reach the minimum 5 GB, you need to use programs that delete junk and old files. For example, CCleaner or System Ninja. They are available online for free download.
Rollback changes
The computer may take longer to shut down after installing a new driver or program. In this case, the problematic software needs to be removed or reinstalled.
System rollback also helps. You may even have to reinstall the operating system.
What to do if the message “Failed to configure Windows update. The changes are being discarded. Don't turn off your computer"
The reason could be forced shutdown computer while updates were being installed. Or an error occurred during the download process of the updates themselves.
In this case, you need to do the following:
- Go to: C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download. Downloaded updates are stored here and installed from here.
- Delete all files in this folder.
- Download the updates again.
It is possible that of all the methods described above, one of them will help. But it's better to spend full diagnostics. After all, after solving one problem, another may manifest itself. In any case, using these methods, the user will make the computer shutdown time acceptable.
It is unlikely that anyone will dispute the fact that in modern life a computer is indispensable. Therefore, as soon as we encounter some problem in its operation, we begin to rummage through numerous forums and sites, looking for useful articles about the causes of a particular malfunction and how to eliminate it. And this is true, because not every failure in the system requires the intervention of a specialist. Some problems can be solved on your own. For example, one of these problems is a long shutdown of the computer.
In general, the computer shutdown time is affected by its specifications. How more powerful processor and RAM, the faster the shutdown occurs. On average, at modern computers, equipped latest versions Windows, this time is no more than 30 seconds. If your computer is not equipped with the most powerful components, then a long shutdown is normal.
So, let's look at the specific reasons long shutdown computer:
A large number of applications have been launched. The shutdown time directly depends on the number of running programs and applications. The fact is that during the shutdown process the system automatically and one by one closes each open application or program, while retaining all data. The computer does not turn off until all processes running during operation are closed.
Problematic program. Some programs may interfere with the operating system by freezing or locking up. The cause may also be programs that change the visual parameters of the operating system. The computer cannot turn off until the “conflict” between the system and the program is resolved.
Problems with the operating system. If you have Windows 7 or Windows 8 installed, the reason may be the presence of damaged system files and processes, as well as a large amount of so-called garbage, in the form of unnecessary files and programs.
Presence of viruses. Malicious programs and viruses that are in the active phase can block the completion of some processes, as a result of which operating system spends a lot of time solving this problem. In some cases, even the presence of an antivirus does not help.
Drivers. The computer takes much longer to shut down when there are problems with the devices due to incorrect installation drivers or installation of inappropriate drivers.
Dusty system unit.
We've decided on the reasons, now let's look at them main question: what to do?
Let's start with the simplest. Before turning off your computer, you must manually close all running programs. If the problem is not resolved, then it is worth analyzing the changes you have recently made to the system. This could be an installed/uninstalled program or driver. Check the list of programs, processes. If something (a program or driver) is suspicious, then remove this object and install another one. Try rolling back system updates. By using special utilities To clean the operating system, remove all unnecessary programs, system files, unused games, and clean the Downloads and Documents folder.
If you have Windows 7 or Windows 8 installed on your computer, the problem may be due to viruses. To eliminate it, it is worth carrying out full check for viruses and malware using the installed antivirus scanner and other free scanner utilities.
By the way, do not forget to clean the system unit from dust from time to time. No matter how trivial it may sound, sometimes the reason for the computer “slowing down”, including the shutdown process, is precisely this.
Good luck!
Source
IN in good condition The Windows 7 system shuts down in about half a minute, this is not a particularly long procedure. If the process takes long time, to the point where the computer has to be stopped by unplugging the power cord, this is not very good for the device and can lead to serious problems.
PC shutdown does not work correctly
Some users turn off the computer not through the Start menu, but simply by pressing the power button. Firstly, after such an action, the system crashes and because of this, errors in the software may occur. Secondly, if you shut down work in this way on a laptop, then perhaps it will not turn off completely, but will go into sleep mode or hibernation.
Turning off via the power button should only be used in the most extreme cases, when no other option can be used.
Viruses as a reason for long shutdown times
Viruses can cause many problems, including full output system failure. When turning off the device malware It takes a long time to free up memory, resulting in a component conflict.
If you do not use an antivirus, often download documents from unverified sources, view dubious files, or have to use other people's drives, then the problem is probably malware.
You need to download an anti-spyware defender and scan the system. You can use a free antivirus if you don't want to spend money. This could be Avira or Doctor Web, and many developers also provide a free trial period for using protection - Kaspersky, NOD 32, Norton and others.
Software problems prevent the process from completing
When installing updates for Windows, drivers or programs, new components may not install correctly, resulting in errors. In this case, it is better to undo the last changes.
How to perform a system rollback
To do this, go to “Control Panel” -> “System and Security” -> “Support Center” -> “Recovery”. Next, select a restore point (you can track it by the date when the problems started). System rollback takes some time.
Also, the problem may be the opposite: if necessary updates. They can fix some bugs that cause the system to not work correctly. See if yours is disabled automatic update systems. Go to “Control Panel” -> “System and Security” -> “Settings”. If an unlicensed version of the OS is installed, then it is better not to enable the update.
Video: How to roll back changes to speed up computer shutdown
System and program conflict
Some programs require certain actions from the user before shutting down. For example, if you were working in Word and did not close it before turning off the computer, the program will ask you what to do with the open document.
For the system, Word remains working, but not responding. And the computer simply cannot turn off until the user decides on further actions.
Hardware conflict as a reason for slow shutdown
Long shutdowns are typical for old or weak computers. Random access memory It takes a long time to complete processes, especially if many programs are running at the same time: they can slow down even a powerful computer. Before turning off the device, close all applications, this will significantly reduce the time required to turn off.
Also, programs that turn on when the system is loading can slow down shutdown. The user may not even know that they are active. Press Win+R, enter “MsConfig” in the field, go to the “Startup” tab and disable utilities that you do not constantly need. These can be instant messengers, torrents, etc.
How to disable autorun programs on Windows 7: video
Why lack of memory and garbage in the registry prevent you from turning off your PC
At turning off Windows 7, the system reserves some memory for intermediate files. If the selected volume is not enough, the OS has to reuse the free space, which also slows down the work.
The minimum that can be installed on your computer is necessary programs, but the memory will still be busy. The fact is that when you remove programs, some residual and unnecessary files remain in the system. If you don’t periodically clean your computer, then over time there will be too many of them and your PC will start to slow down, freeze, and take a long time to shut down. This problem can be solved quite simply: there are many utilities for cleaning the registry and system from garbage (CCleaner, Clean Master, RegCleaner, PC Optimizer and others).
CCleaner program very simple - in the menu click on “Registry”, then on “Search for problems” and after “Fix”
What to do if the program hangs for a very long time and does not complete
When you turn off your computer, some programs may freeze and prevent the OS from shutting down. This problem can be resolved by adjusting several settings in the registry. Press Win+R and in the “Run” line write “regedit”.
The Registry Editor will open. On the left side we look for the folder HKEY_CURRENT_USER, in it Control Panel and open Desktop. On the right you need to find three parameters: HungAppTimeout, WaitToKillServiceTimeout and AutoEndTasks. The first is responsible for the time after which the program is considered frozen, the second is for the time delay in unloading a looped application, the third allows or prohibits disabling frozen programs.
If they are not there, you will have to create the parameters manually. Click right click mouse on Desktop, select “Create” and “String parameter”. Each new parameter (or existing ones) must be assigned the following values:
- HungAppTimeout - 5000;
- WaitToKillServiceTimeout - 2000;
- AutoEndTasks - 1.
When creating new parameters, be sure to check correct writing, otherwise the system simply does not recognize them. Then close the registry editor and restart the computer.
Shortcut for frozen applications
To quickly close frozen applications, you can create a shortcut on the desktop. Right-click on any free space and select “Create” -> “Shortcut”.
In the line where you need to specify the location of the program, enter “%windir%\system32\taskkill.exe /f /fi “status eq not responding” (you can simply copy/paste).
A way to make an icon to quickly exit the program: video
USB power management on laptops
Control USB powered-ports are only available on laptops. To save battery power, devices that are not working are temporarily turned off. Sometimes crashes occur, and this slows down the computer's shutdown. Therefore, it is advisable to disable the function if it is possible to sacrifice some energy.
Open “Start” and write “Device Manager” in the search bar, open it and look for “USB controllers”. Right-click on “USB Root Hub”. Open “Properties” and go to “Power Management”. Uncheck the box that allows you to turn off devices to save battery, and save the changes.
Prohibiting the shutdown of devices will give the result: a little more energy will be consumed, but the computer will stop freezing
If there are several USB hubs in the list, then you should perform the above-described manipulations with all of them.
The computer does not turn off when installing updates
When you turn off your computer, you can sometimes see the message: “Undoing changes in progress, do not turn off your computer.” This means that some updates were not downloaded completely or were installed incorrectly.
If the computer does not turn off for a long time, then you need to force it to turn off and log into the system through safe mode, press the F8 or F2 key (depending on the model) during boot.
After logging in, click on “Control Panel” -> “System and Security” -> “Update Center” -> “Settings”. Disable automatic updates.
Next, go to C:/windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download and delete the latest downloaded updates. Turn off the computer and log into normal mode. If an unlicensed version of the OS is installed, then it is best not to enable automatic updating; for a licensed version, you can activate it after a while.
As you can see, slow computer shutdown may be due to various reasons. To avoid similar problems Periodic cleaning of it from file debris, checking for viruses and careful handling will help.
Long computer shutdown times fall into the category of problems that don't seem important until they start to interfere. In normal condition, the system turns off in at least half a minute - longer time means problems.
Why does my Windows 7 computer take a long time to shut down?
The easiest way to look for the cause of an unexpected problem is to remember your latest actions. Installing a new software, replacement of computer parts, emergency or incorrect shutdown could cause an internal conflict in the system, the resolution of which will take Extra time. Once you understand what has been changed, it is easier to determine how to fix the problem.
You can force shutdown the computer by hardware by holding down the power button for four seconds. The system perceives this situation as an emergency.
Malware
Viruses can cause many system problems, including long system shutdowns. A running malware is very reluctant to unload from memory, blocking the shutdown process. Regular applications, damaged by viruses, begin to work incorrectly, conflicting with other programs or components of Windows.
New software
System update, installation of new drivers, installation latest versions software products doesn't always go smoothly. Developer errors, copying failure installation packages, incorrect settings during installation can cause conflicts between applications, freezing programs and the entire system.
Software conflict
A running application can prevent the system from being forced to close by requiring conscious user action. For example, this could be an active window with a question about saving the changes made.
A frozen program is also perceived by the system as running but not responding, so the computer may not turn off until the user decides whether to terminate it abnormally or continue waiting.
Insufficient disk space
When you turn off Windows 7, it actively uses free disk space for storing intermediate files. Lack of free space forces the system to repeatedly use the remaining reserve, which significantly slows down its operation.
Swap file
Virtual memory is updated when the computer is turned off. Lack of space, corruption of the page file, or incorrect settings can make this process take much longer.
Accumulated errors
The operating system itself can cause the computer to shut down for a long time. Errors accumulate over a certain period of time. Installing and uninstalling programs, creating multiple restore points, developer errors, and corrupted system files can gradually lead to noticeable slowdowns.
How to fix the situation
First you should try to fix the problem in simple ways, which do not require serious intervention in the operation of the computer.
Close everything unnecessary
Shutting down your computer may be slowing down one of your running applications. Close everything manually, and then try shutting down again. If everything is fine, perhaps one of the programs is unstable. You can find it by simple search, removing from memory running applications one by one.
The reason may also be hidden not in some separate program, and in large quantities working them simultaneously. In this case, you should promptly unload applications that are no longer needed from memory.
Some programs are very reluctant to unload from memory, leaving individual processes running in background. To stop them, you should use the “Task Manager”, which is called by the combination Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
We study the computer boot and disable unnecessary processes
Remove viruses
Run a full scan of your computer with an antivirus program using current updates. Unfortunately, I myself installed antivirus may be infected, so it is better to use the program installed on external media, obviously “clean”.
If the scan detected and removed viruses, but the computer continues to shut down for a long time, the cause may be damage to the disinfected files. Therefore, it is better to reinstall applications in which the antivirus detected malicious code.
cancel changes
The problem could have arisen due to changes made, so it is worth trying to return the system to its previous state. Uninstall recently installed programs and updates, roll back drivers, use a system restore point.
Update programs
Software developers constantly find vulnerabilities in their products and send updates with fixes to users. It is possible that the problem will be resolved simple update drivers, system and main programs used. Installing alternative software from other developers may also help.
Clean your computer
Special utilities designed to delete temporary files, remnants of uninstalled programs, extra drivers will clean the system and increase its stability. CCleaner and DriveCleanup, distributed free of charge, enjoy well-deserved authority.
Windows for optimal performance asks to have about five gigabytes free on the disk. If you have less available space on your computer, it may be helpful to delete unnecessary files.
Cleaning must also be done in literal meaning this word. Accumulated dust leads to overheating, errors and unstable work Windows, so you need to clean your computer regularly.
Speed up shutdown of frozen programs using the registry
The period during which the computer does not disable a frozen program, but waits for its response, is set by the system parameters. By reducing this indicator and setting automatic shutdown, you can significantly speed up shutdown.
In order to call the registry editor, use the Win key combination (the button with Windows icon) and R. In the “Open” line of the “Run” pop-up window, enter the regedit command, and then select the “OK” on-screen button.
Call “Registry Editor”
In the left area of the large Registry Editor window, follow the tree of tabs to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop directory.
We move along the directory tree to the folder we need
In the right area of the window there are set parameters operating system. We need: HungAppTimeout (the number of milliseconds after which the program is considered hung), WaitToKillServiceTimeout (time delay for unloading a looped application) and AutoEndTasks (permission to shut down hung applications automatically).
If the required parameters are not available in the right window, you should create them. To do this, on the name of the Desktop folder on the left side, right-click and select the “Create” menu item, and then “String parameter”.
Missing parameters can be created
Now you need to assign each new parameter desired name and set the value:
- HungAppTimeout - 5000;
- WaitToKillServiceTimeout - 2000;
- AutoEndTasks - 1.
It is important to write the name of the new parameters accurately, otherwise Windows will not “recognize” them.
All that remains is to reboot for the changes to take effect. Now Windows itself will shut down frozen programs, shutdown should speed up.
Shortcut for interrupting frozen applications
A convenient device can be a shortcut containing a command that closes all suspended programs, placed directly on the main screen of the “Desktop”.
After clicking the “Finish” on-screen button, a shortcut with the name we specified will appear in the system desktop area, closing all frozen programs in one package.
USB Hub Power Management (For Laptops)
Saving electricity and battery power forces the system to turn off temporarily unused devices. Unfortunately, this function does not always work correctly. Temporarily turning off the power to a USB hub can cause connected devices to malfunction and subsequently lead to a slow shutdown of the computer. If you can sacrifice some battery savings by increasing system stability, you can prevent Windows from turning off power to the hub.
After pressing the "OK" screen button, the system will be prohibited from stopping power supply to this hub. You need to do the same for the rest of the USB root hubs in the list.
Refusal to clean virtual memory
Some savings in time when shutting down your computer will come from not cleaning the system you are using. virtual memory, especially if the paging file is unstable. This is done using the local editor group policy.
- Press Win+R, in the “Run” window that pops up, type the command gpedit.msc, and then select the “OK” on-screen button.
Call "Group Policy Editor"
- In the “Local Group Policy Editor” window that opens, open the “Computer Configuration” tab on the left side and select “Windows Configuration”.
We are looking for the “Windows Configuration” tab
- We are interested in the “Security Settings” line on the right side of the window.
Security options on the right side of the window
- Now go to the “Local Policies” tab.
- Apparently it's a fantasy Windows developers 7 failed because the folder we need is again called “Security Settings”.
"Security Options" again
- Remained last step. In the right part of the window, find the line “Shutdown: clearing the virtual memory paging file” and right-click on it. In the window that appears, select “Properties”.
We prohibit clearing the swap file
- In the window of the same name, set the switch to “Disabled” and click “OK”. If everything is done correctly, the page file will not be cleared before turning off the computer, which will save some more time.
What to do if the screen says “Undoing changes, do not turn off the computer”
This unpleasant situation is usually associated with a malfunction of Windows itself, caused by either incorrect termination work, or using a pirated copy of the system, blocked by the developer when downloading updates.
For stable operation operating system, it is important to turn off the computer correctly, give Windows feature complete all necessary procedures.
Booting into safe mode
Downloading and installing updates does not allow the computer to operate normally, so to solve the problem you need to boot into safe mode, where this service is disabled.
We reboot the computer by hardware: press Reset or hold down the power button of the laptop for a few seconds. As soon as the BIOS starts loading, you should click function key F8.
There is not much time to press F8
If the button is pressed in time, the menu " Additional options downloads". Select " Safe mode" and wait for the usual Windows window.
You have to select "Safe Mode"
Now we need to disable the update download system.
Disable downloading updates
Click the “Start” button and in the window that appears on the right, find the line “Control Panel”.
Now in the right column we need the line “Control Panel”
In the large “All Control Panel Items” window that appears, look for the “Windows Update” tab.
Looking for "Windows Update"
In the new window, go to “Settings parameters”. Select from the drop-down list " Important updates» line “Do not check for updates”.
We prohibit requesting and receiving updates
Uninstalling the latest updates
Now you should remove the latest updates, which most likely caused the problem. To do this, you need to use Explorer or another file manager go to the directory C:/windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download. Here you need to delete the most recent files. If for some reason this is difficult, you can delete the entire contents of the directory. The only bad thing is that you will then have to download the entire array again.
Reboot
If the cause has been determined correctly, the computer should boot successfully. To prevent this problem from happening again if you use an unlicensed Windows versions 7 system update is best left disabled. For a legal copy, you can return this parameter after some time.
“Rolling back” the system
A universal way to return Windows 7 to working condition is to use a restore point backup copy systems. To do this, we will also need a hard reboot and the “Additional boot options” menu, called up by pressing the F8 key. But this time we select “Safe Mode with Command Line Support”.
Available after loading the operating system command line Type the msconfig command and press Enter. In the “System Configuration” window that opens, go to the “Service” tab, and in it go to the “System Restore” line located at the bottom.
Find the line “System Restore”
In the “System Restore” window that appears, click the “Next” button
From the list of recovery points that appears, select the one we need, that is, created during the stable Windows operation 7.
Finding the date we need
Video: what to do if your computer freezes at shutdown
Reasons why a computer with installed Windows 7 may hang when turned off, may relate to hardware, system, software failures, to the intentional actions of viruses and anti-piracy programs. Each option provides its own way to solve the problem, but the common thing remains the need to care for the computer and maintain order in it at all levels. If these conditions are met, the computer will turn off quickly and will not cause you problems.
Causeslong computer shutdown. Very often people are faced with the fact that computer takes a long time to shut down. When turned off, it freezes and stubbornly refuses to complete its work. There are many ways to speed up your computer shutdown:
1. Remove unnecessary programs from startup . When you use your computer for a long time, various unnecessary programs are added to startup. To remove them, you need to execute the “start - run” command. The “msconfig” command is entered into the window that opens. In the startup tab, you need to uncheck the unnecessary programs. How to do this is described in our article How to disable autorun of programs.
2. Having a virus is a very serious problem. . The computer takes a long time to turn off if system files and folders are infected dangerous virus. By using antivirus program you need to check the disk for viruses. Checking your computer for viruses.
3. System Restore . Very often, recently installed programs can harm your computer. System Restore allows you to return to a date when the program did not exist. This is done using restore points, which the system creates itself in emergency cases. How to do this is described in our article. Windows Recovery.
4. Very often the reason for this , What computer turns off for a long time, considered incorrectly installed driver or program. In this case, a simple press can help reset buttons. If there are no changes, then recently installed program must be removed, and the driver must be rolled back. Most often, problems are caused by video drivers. How to install the driver? or How to check your video card.
5. You can try reducing the time during which the program hangs. Usually the default value is 20. The “regedit” command will help reduce the hang time by at least 5 seconds. The registry key can be found in the following path: Hkey_local_machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Control. At the operating rooms Windows systems XP, as well as Windows 7, this path is no different.
6. Terminal Services can also become the reason that Computer turns off for a long time. In order to disable them, you need to enter services.msc in the command line.
7. If Shuts down for a long time XP, Windows 7 , Vista and computer combined into local network, then when you turn on the IP address you need to assign a statistical one.
9. If the operating system , installed on the computer, has been working for a long time, The computer takes a long time to turn off, turns on and constantly freezes, thereby in an effective way There will be a system reinstallation. How to do this is described in our articles Installing Windows 7 or Installing Windows XP.