How to fix shutdown bug on Windows 7

Update breaks Windows 7 ability to shutdown devices properly, but here's a workaround.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
@Pureinfotech
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Windows 7 shutdown fix
Windows 7 shutdown fix

Windows 7 recently received another final update, but shortly after the rollout, users starting to report problems shutting down. According to a ZDNet report (via Neowin), when users try to shutdown their computers, they receive a  “You don’t have permission to shut down this computer” error message. 

Microsoft hasn’t yet acknowledge the problem, but it appears that there are multiple workaround using the Group Policy Editor (via Reddit and Windows Central) and using the Registry (via The Windows Club)

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to mitigate the shutdown and restart problems after installing the last update for Windows 7.

How to fix shutdown bug on Windows 7 using Group Policy

To fix Windows 7 shutdown bug, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Group Policy and click the top result to open the Group Policy Editor.

  3. Browse the following path:

    Computer Configuration\Windows settings\Security settings\Local policies\Security options

  4. Double-click the User Account Control: Run all Administrators in Admin Approval Mode policy.

    Windows 10 Group Policy
    Windows 10 Group Policy

  5. Select the Enabled option.

  6. Click the OK button.

  7. Open Start.

  8. Search for Command Prompt and click the top result.

  9. Type the following command and press Enter:

    gpupdate /force

    Command Prompt gpupdate force command
    Command Prompt gpupdate force command

  10. Type the following command to restart the device and press Enter:

    shutdown -t 00 -r

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to shutdown or restart your Windows 7 device without issues.

How to fix shutdown bug on Windows 7 using Registry

To fix the shutdown and restart bug using the Registry, use these steps:

Warning: Changing the Registry can damage your Windows installation if it’s not done correctly. It’s assumed that you know what you’re doing and that you have previously created a full backup of your computer. Proceed with caution and use this as the last course of action.

  1. Open Run command (Windows key + R).

  2. Type regedit and click the OK button to open the app.

  3. Browse the following path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

  4. Double-click the EnableLUA DWORD and change its value from 0 to 1.

    Windows 7 EnableLUA
    Windows 7 EnableLUA

  5. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, Windows 7 should be able to shutdown properly.

We’re focusing this guide on devices running Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise, but if you’re running Windows 7 Home, you can shutdown the device using the Ctrl + Alt + Del or Windows key + L keyboard shortcut and using the power menu from the right side.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].