Each user at least once felt the consequences of problems in the operation of computer software. And it doesn’t matter if a PC is used for work, for games, or as a multimedia center, the skills of quickly solving problems will make life easier for everyone. The article will examine a fairly popular question: why Windows 7 shuts down for a long time.
Before starting to describe the causes and troubleshooting options, it must be said that the duration of the PC shutdown depends on its characteristics. The more powerful the hardware, the faster the procedure will be performed. The computer basically shuts down in 12-30 seconds. In addition to hardware components, the Windows settings and settings affect the duration of the shutdown. It is logical that if the PC hardware is not the most current, the shutdown time will be longer. However, if the computer configuration is up-to -date, but shutdown is still performed for a time exceeding 30 seconds, the search for problems and optimization becomes necessary.
Main reasons
Often the main reason that Windows 7 shuts down for a long time is the large number of running programs and processes. This is because the operating system is trying not only to close them, but also to save all their data and reports. Accordingly, a larger number of applications means a longer shutdown time.
Software conflict
The second popular reason is software conflict. One application can create an obstacle for the entire operating system during shutdown. And until such a conflict is resolved, the computer will not turn off, and at the same time, the shutdown time will increase. The same problem should be sought if Windows 7 hangs when shutting down. Often, such conflicts occur if the program freezes or does not allow to terminate its process forcibly. Very often, such programs become products that change the scenery and appearance of Windows.
To get started, before shutting down the computer, try manually closing all running programs, maybe after these steps the computer will shut down noticeably faster.
To solve this kind of problem, you need to analyze your manipulations that were performed on the computer. It is possible that not so long ago a new driver, program was installed in the system, a new device was installed in the expansion slot. Simply uninstalling the latest installed programs and components is often sufficient. If that doesn’t help, try rolling back to the previous restore point.
Take out the garbage regularly
If the computer shuts down for a long time, Windows 7 may be to blame for this itself. For example, after some time, a large amount of “garbage” accumulates in the system. Usually this happens due to the installation and removal of programs, the installation of updates, a large number of recovery points. Also, the OS may crash on shutdown if its system files are damaged.
To solve the problem, regularly use special utilities that clean the OS, removing the remnants of programs that were previously deleted, unused drivers that fix registry errors. One of the best is CCleaner.
Malware
If the computer shuts down for a long time, Windows 7 may react in this way to a virus infection. They almost always work in active mode: they block system processes, do not allow themselves to be "killed", and if a malicious program can be completed, it immediately starts again. Very often, such viruses inject their code into system programs, and the presence of an antivirus never guarantees absolute protection.
Perform a full PC scan for malware with an anti-virus distribution that boots from a USB flash drive or disk. The anti-virus used in the system can be infected, and therefore will only create the appearance of protection. Always download only the latest versions of such applications with the latest virus databases. The most popular and effective program of its kind is Cureit.
Try to independently check the processes in the task manager, it is possible, having completed the suspicious program, the computer will turn off quickly, and the problem component will be found.
Drivers
The last non-obvious reason why Windows 7 shuts down for a long time is problematic drivers. They can be installed with errors, corrupted during the operation of Windows, modified by viruses, even if malware was removed immediately.
Try to download and run the DriveCleanup program, it is free and can be run on any OS of the Windows family. During operation, the application removes all unused drivers from the system, and after completing its work, you must restart the computer.
Obvious reasons
There is not enough free space on drive C. Accordingly, the computer turns off for a long time. Windows 7 simply does not have enough free space to record and save all the parameters, so the system has to delete the old temporary files first. Try to increase the amount of free space, especially since Microsoft experts recommend leaving about five gigabytes unused.
You can remove programs or games that have not been used for a long time, leave only the last system restore point, delete the update cache, clear the “Downloads” directory from unnecessary files.
In addition to all of the above, the dustiness of the system unit affects the overall stability of the operating system. If the radiators have not been blown for a long time, and the contacts on the RAM have not been serviced for a long time at the level of wiping, the computer may begin to overheat, which leads to various kinds of failures.
This preventive measure can solve many problems, because the programs work thanks to the hardware capabilities. Often, solving the problem only by cleaning the operating system of garbage, the user forgets that garbage can accumulate in the system unit itself. This advice is especially relevant if the laptop turns off for a long time . Windows 7, therefore, may not be the case.