If your laptop computer won't shut itself down even after you select the "Shut Down" option from your "Start" menu, this means that too many programs are still open on your computer. Before Windows can shut down, it needs to manually close all open software, and having too many programs open can severely delay this process or cause Windows to lock up. Closing these programs will help your machine shut down as normal.
Step
Right-click on your task bar.
Step
Click "Show Windows Stacked." This will maximize all of the program windows for all open programs on your desktop. The windows will be stacked one on top of the other on-screen.
Step
Click the "X" box in the corner of the first window to close that particular program. This will reveal the next program window in the stack. Continue to close these programs until you see your desktop wallpaper again. This, coupled with the fact that your task bar should now be cleared of all program icons, indicates that you have successfully closed all program windows. Your laptop will now shut down normally.
