HP ProBook 450 G4 does not power down.

[thelighthouse]

I turn the laptop off in Windows and the screen goes blank normally. But the power button, and wireless and speaker buttons are still lit. In order to power down completely I have to press and hold the power button. 

This just started happening. I don't recall adding any software or peripherals or anything that would cause it. 

Any ideas?

[IT_WinSec · Accepted solution]

Hello @thelighthouse

Unlikely Windows XP/Vista/7, the newer Windows 8 and Windows 10 have a different default way of starting up and shutting down. When you shut down a PC with Win 8 and 10, it does not actually shut down like for example Windows 7.  In Win 8 and 10 this feature is known as Fast startup (aka: hiberboot, hybrid boot, or hybrid shutdown). It  is turned on by default in Windows and is a setting that helps your PC start up faster after shutdown. Even faster than hibernate. Windows does this by saving an image of the Windows kernel and loaded drivers to the hiberfile (C:\hiberfil.sys) upon shutdown so when you start your PC again, Windows simply loads the hiberfile (C:\hiberfil.sys) into memory to resume your PC instead of restarting it.

Try to disable (turn off) this feature and do a complete shutdown - here is how:

>> https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4189-turn-off-fast-startup-windows-10-a.html

The Prost and Const of Fast startup (hybrid shutdown) >> https://www.howtogeek.com/243901/the-pros-and-cons-of-windows-10s-fast-startup-mode/

Under certain curcumstances, having the feature off is mandatory

[IT_WinSec]

You may also try updating your drivers with latest versions - here is how >> https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/bph07165

[thelighthouse]

Thanks for the suggestions. I believe I have the most recent drivers. Maybe it was a Windows update or something, but I noticed that if I wait a few minutes, it will eventually power down. Is this crazy or what? The laptop used to power down shortly after the screen went blank. I guess I just need to be patient. 

[IT_WinSec]

Hello,

Windows taking forever to shut down can be caused by tons of issues such as hardware failure (HDD problem), network issues/settings, corrupted OS, page file settings, etc..

• Try "repairing" Windows using the DISM option  >> Info Here <<

While connected to the Internet, run Command Prompt (CMD) with Admin rights and type  
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Hit [ENTER} to confirm and wait - it might take 10-15 minutes to complete or more.

• Uninstall any 3rd party security programs you might be using (firwalls, internet security suites, antivirus like Norton, McAfee, etc)

• Check the options and settings you need to modify from this article
  >> https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-taking-forever-shut-try/
  >> https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/717-shut-down-speed-up.html

check the options related to Windows 8 (not 7) which is closer to Windows 10.

Take your time. Prepare to spend more time into this. Read all the steps and perform them.

Let me know how it goes. Provide as many details as possible.