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How to Enable or Disable AutoEndTasks in Windows 11

Richard

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The article outlines how AutoEndTasks can be facilitated in Windows 11 during shutdown, restart, or sign-out. AutoEndTasks prevents automatic shutdown or restart if apps are open with tasks running. However, enabling or disabling this feature can be achieved through the Windows Registry. This offers users an option to manually close apps before shutdown or allow…

This article describes how to turn or off AutoEndTasks during Shutdown, Restart, or Signing out of Windows 11

If you have an app open with tasks running and try to shut down, restart or sign out of your desktop, Windows will not automatically follow through with your command.

Instead, Windows will wait for 5 seconds (HungAppTimeout) before prompting with the End Task dialog asking you to cancel and close the app and process or shutdown anyway.

If you do not respond to the (AutoEndTasks) prompt in the desired time, Windows will automatically return to your desktop without shutting down or restarting your computer.

Below is how to enable or disable the AutoEndTasks feature in Windows 11.

Enable or disable the AutoEndTasks dialog prompt for all users

As described above, if you have a running app or process and attempt to shut down or restart your computer, Windows will not automatically shut down.

Windows will wait a minute for you to respond to the prompt asking to save and close the app before doing so.

If you don’t want to prompt or are not getting the prompt, here’s how to turn it on or off.

Open the Windows Registry, and navigate to the folder key path below.

HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

If you don’t see the Desktop folder key, right-click on the Control Panel key, then create the subkey (Desktop) folders.

Windows auto end task via registry editor
Windows auto-end task via registry editor

Right-click the Desktop folder key’s right pane and select New -> String Value. Next, type a new item named AutoEndTasks.

Double-click the new item name (AutoEndTasks) and then update the Value data, making sure you keep your existing value:

  • Delete item (default)
  • To turn this feature on. Type 1.
  • To turn this feature off. Type 0.
Windows auto end task via registry editor value data
Windows auto-end task via registry editor value data

Save your changes and restart your computer.

If you don’t want this change to apply to all users on the system, then use the registry key path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Then follow the same steps above.

Below is an example of the AutoEndTasks prompt in Windows 11.

Windows shut down anyway prompt
Windows shut down anyway, prompt.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • Enabling or disabling AutoEndTasks can streamline the shutdown, restart, or signing out process in Windows 11.
  • The registry edit process allows users to customize the AutoEndTasks feature according to their preferences.
  • Prompting users to save and close running apps before shutting down or restarting the system can help prevent data loss.
  • Users can follow the provided steps to adjust the AutoEndTasks setting based on their requirements.
  • Please utilize the comment section below the article for additional information or contributions.
Richard Avatar
Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He’s deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

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