How to Turn On or Off AutoEndTasks on Windows 10

When you shut down or restart your Windows 10 PC, sometimes programs hang and prevent your computer from closing quickly. Windows has a built-in feature called AutoEndTasks that automatically forces these stuck programs to close. By default, this setting is off, but you can turn it on or off depending on your needs. Here’s how.

What Is AutoEndTasks?

AutoEndTasks tells Windows to automatically end any non-responding tasks when you sign out, shut down, or restart. If you’re tired of seeing the “This app is preventing shutdown” message, turning this on can save you time.

How to Enable or Disable AutoEndTasks

This setting isn’t available in the standard Windows settings menu. You have to use the Registry Editor. Here’s what you do:

Warning

Editing the Windows Registry can cause problems if you make a mistake. Follow these steps exactly, and consider backing up your registry before you start.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. Click Yes if you get a User Account Control prompt.

Step 2: Find the Right Registry Key

1. In the Registry Editor, navigate to:
   HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

Step 3: Change the AutoEndTasks Value

1. On the right side, look for a value named AutoEndTasks.
   • If it’s not there, right-click an empty area, select New > String Value, and name it AutoEndTasks.
2. Double-click AutoEndTasks and set its value:
   • To turn ON AutoEndTasks:
     Type 1 and click OK.
   • To turn OFF AutoEndTasks:
     Type 0 and click OK.

Step 4: Close and Restart

Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC for the change to take effect.

Should You Use AutoEndTasks?

• Turn it ON if you want your PC to shut down or restart without waiting for programs to close.
• Leave it OFF if you want to make sure you don’t lose unsaved work in open programs.

Final Thoughts

Tweaking AutoEndTasks is a simple way to control how your PC handles stuck programs during shutdown. Use it if you value speed and don’t want to be interrupted by warning dialogs.

Questions or comments? Drop them below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!