How To Fix “Task Host Is Stopping Background Tasks” In Windows – Tech News Today

The ‘task host is stopping background tasks’ error appears when you try to shut down your computer. It prevents your system from shutting down even if you try to ‘force shut down.’ Forcing shutdowns is generally not a good idea but if it takes a long time, you may long press the power button as a last resort.

Waiting for a while usually fixes it, but If it doesn’t, you can follow through with us in this article to know what causes it and how to fix it.

Why is Task Host Stopping Background Tasks?

This issue pops up because there’s probably a Windows update or another service installing in the background which is holding off the shutdown process. It usually stays up for some time and automatically shuts off after the process ends. However, if it’s not, you can try the methods below and fix the issue. 

How to Fix Task Host Preventing Shutdown?

These types of errors usually stay up for 30- 60 seconds and resolve by themselves. However, if it is holding the shutdown process for a fairly long time, the installation process might be encountering issues. Here are some possible fixes you can try from:

Check Windows Update

Since Windows is trying to install updates and preventing your PC from shutting down, you might want to wait until it’s done. You can check the progress of the Update in windows update settings.

The steps below will guide you on how to check the progress. 

1. Press the Windows key + I to open settings.
2. Click on Updates & Security.
3. Select Windows update on the left pane.
4. Click on Check for updates.
   This will show you the current state of the update process.

You can also check the update history by clicking on the ‘View update history.’ Pausing the update is also a good solution to pause the windows update temporarily. Just click on ‘Pause updates for 7 days.’ It will even pause any ongoing update process.

Restart InstallService Service

The Installservice is a windows service that deals with installing windows system programs. You can try restarting this service. Here’s how you do it:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and click on the task manager.
2. Go to the Services tab.
3. Look for ‘Installservice.’ Sort by name and navigate to “I” for easier findings.
4. Right-click on the service and click Restart.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot excludes all services except for verified Microsoft services. Third-party services may conflict with the basic Microsoft services, which causes issues. You can learn how to do a clean boot here:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig in the box, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab.
3. Tick the box labeled ‘Hide all Microsoft services.’
4. Click Disable all and press Ok.
5. …….

   Source: https://www.technewstoday.com/task-host-is-stopping-background-tasks/