Windows XP Shutdown too slow, fix it to shutdown instantly

Posted on March 11th, 2008 by Jason

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.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 at 5:37 pm and is filed under Windows XP. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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9 Responses to “Windows XP Shutdown too slow, fix it to shutdown instantly”

  1. Aquamon on 13 Apr 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?

  2. Himanshu on 18 Apr 2008 at 1:19 pm #

    Thanks for the nice solutions. it really help out some regarding this issue

  3. wie on 13 Aug 2008 at 9:39 pm #

    Hi Aquamon,

    It didn’t work. Mine is P4, too

  4. Marlene on 15 Sep 2008 at 11:23 am #

    Sorry but this did not work either. I have tried everything anyone has written on the subject and still takes forever to shut down.

  5. Larry Miller on 12 Oct 2008 at 8:47 pm #

    BAD IDEA
    Microsoft set the registry value WaitToKillAppTimeout to 20000 for a reason, to allow applications ample time to close themselves before shutdown. By shortening this to 1 second and setting AutoEndTasks we have made it almost certain that this will not happen. Applications will be forcibly terminated, with no opportunity for an orderly shutdown. This could lead to data loss or corruption. Is it worth your data for the convenience of a fast shutdown?

    Larry Miller
    Microsoft MCSA

  6. Martin on 02 Dec 2008 at 10:34 am #

    Hello.

    I am having a problem with my eee pc it is taking forever to shut down.
    I have tried the suggestions on your site including disabling System Restore.
    Still no joy.

    Any other tips.
    Regards
    Martin Kirwan
    Ireland

  7. ian nuyen on 09 Mar 2009 at 10:42 pm #

    Usb slots don’t recognize any devices I plugged in. For example: usb stick, camera, printer and mouse etc… It always displays unknown devices.

  8. ian nuyen on 09 Mar 2009 at 10:43 pm #

    Please help. Thank you very much for your help.

  9. Sakthi on 11 Dec 2009 at 1:20 am #

    I am using WindowsXp with service pack3, it is taking long time(20-30 min)to shutdown. Pl help me to resolve this problem

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