Task Host Window Prevents Windows Shutdown

Edit WaitToKillServiceTimeout via Registry Editor WaitToKillServiceTimeout determines how long the system waits for services to stop after notifying the service that the system is shutting down. This entry is used only when the user issues a shut-down command by clicking the Shut Down

Hold the Windows Key and Press R. Type regedit and Click OK. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SYSTEM -> CurrentControlSet -> Control

In the Right Pane double click WaitToKillServiceTimeout and change value to 2000, Click OK. By default, the value is 12000.

Now navigate to the following path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Control Panel -> Desktop.

With Desktop highlighted in the left pane, right click in the blank space in right pane and choose New > String Value. Name the String Value WaitToKillServiceTimeout.

Now Right click on WaitToKillServiceTimeout and click Modify. Under Value data, type 2000 and click OK. Exit out of Registry Editor and reboot. Then test to see if the issue is resolved.

This URL may expire or deleted so, I have pasted here the answer.


This problem is related with the new Fast Startup (also name as Hybrid Shutdown) feature introduced in Windows 10. If you are facing Shutdown or Reboot problems in Windows 10, you can get rid of it by disabling this new Fast Startup/Hybrid Shutdown feature and doing a complete shutdown.

  1. Press Windows Key + R then type powercfg.cpl to open Power Options window.
  2. Click on the “Choose what the power buttons do” link
  3. Find “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” option given in Shutdown settings section. Uncheck the checkbox to disable the option. Click “Save Changes” button.
  4. Restart your system.

Read more: https://windows10freeapps.com/task-host-window-prevents-shut-down-windows-10/


The same message appeared every time I shut down Windows 10. But now the problem has been solved. I ran Windows Defender Offline. Thereafter the message did not appear at all and the System shuts down smoothly and quickly.

Settings --> Update and Security --> Windows Defender --> Open Windows Defender Security Center --> Virus and Threat protection --> Advanced Scan --> Windows Defender Offline Scan --> Scan now.

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