Windows XP Shutdown too slow, fix it to shutdown instantly
The problem of slow or delayed shutdown is very commonly faced by most of the windows XP users. If you are using windows XP for a long time, you are more likely to have such problem.
Why Slow shutdown?
In Windows XP certain registry keys are responsible for determining how long windows will wait before shutting down all the opened programs and services after the shutdown command has been given by the user.
Lets see how we can fix the slow shutdown in windows XP.
You need to optimise some registry keys values in order to speed up the shutdown process.
1. Open Start >> Run and type regedit and press enter
2. Now navigate to ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\’
In this entry, you will see a registry key named WaitToKillAppTimeout .
Double click on it and set its value to 1000 , this value is the time in milliseconds for which the windows waits before all the processes and services are closed.
This way you have set it to 1 second.
Not only this, there are some other registry settings set by default due to which Windows XP will prompt the user for input if there are one or more applications still not closed or not responding. This increases the shutdown time due to no response from the user.
So, you should also change that registry key settings value.
3. Navigate to ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop’
Double click on the registry key ‘AutoEndTasks.’ and set its value to 1
4. That is all, Trouble Fixed.
Now restart your system, you will see a considerable reduction in the shutdown time this time.
Tip: If modifying registry seems cumbersome to you can simply create a instant shutdown shortcut on your desktop.
1. Right click on your desktop and select New >> Shortcut
2. copy the following command: %windir%\System32\shutdown.exe -s -f -t 00
3. Name your shortcut as instant shutdown
4. You can use this created shortcut for fast shutdown.
This will forcibly end all running tasks and shutdown instantly.
Warning: Make sure to save any unsaved work before you shutdown using these tips. It may cause loss of unsaved work.
Tags:Fixed, HKEY, Prompt, regedit, registry, registry key, shutdown command, shutdown time, slow shutdown, speed, Windows, windows xp
April 13th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Well, I’ve read this useless crap (and many others) all over the internet. (Useless before doing below):
People have a REAL problem with shutdown in WinXP.
If the “Windows is shutting down” screen appears stuck (over 10 seconds is too long):
After many, many, many hours of tracking the culprit…quite simply:
1. RUN: services.msc
2. Disable “System Restore Service” (even if you have it disabled anywhere else!!!
Note: The blinded troubleshooting is that we think because we have already disabled “System Restore” through other conventional means, “IT CAN’T BE THAT!!!”
So wrong…just give it a try and watch your P4 take less than 4 seconds to shut down!
Mine does it in 2 seconds!!!
Now, let’s see who takes this and turns it into software & sells to lazy *&^%&*#$!
Now that it’s revealed, doesn’t it now make sense?
Yes, the screen stays at “Windows is now shutting down” or whatever it EXACTLY saze? See, it’s trying to do a final copy to restoration files! Just looking at the screen on shutdown “outside the box” actually is telling you that. Crystal clear, now, eh?
April 18th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Thanks for the nice solutions. it really help out some regarding this issue