Prevent, Stop & Cancel Windows Shutdown or Restart with ShutdownGuard or Don’t Sleep
Many software applications can restart or shutdown Windows programmatically, especially after installing or uninstalling. In addition, some Windows components such as Windows Update can automatically shutdown or restart the PC on schedule or on demand. In Windows 10, Windows Update will automatically restart the computer when it assumed computer is not in use (outside of active hours) or on a scheduled time, but users cannot postpone or delay it indefinitely.
The automatic shutdown behavior can be annoying especially you still have open files that you’re working on, or you’re in the midst of chatting with somebody, or worst, you’re engaging in game playing, downloading a big file or burning a DVD disc. If you want to prevent and stop Windows from restarting or shutting down automatically due to programmatic behavior, there are several utilities that can be used to stop automatic shutdown, restart or sign out, but still allow manual way to do any of them. Some even can prevent computer from going into Standby and Hibernate.
Some of the utilities works to prevent and abort accidental shutdown, restart, log off and other actions that terminate the current session.
ShutdownGuard
ShutdownGuard prevents Windows from shutdown, restart or log off automatically, but still allow you to manually override the blocking and let Windows continue to shutdown, restart or log off if you desired. Depending on the version of Windows, you’re warned of shutdown, restart or sign out attempt differently. In Windows XP, a tray balloon popup will display at notification area (system tray) to indicate that an attempt was intercepted, and click on the balloon will allow the action to continue. In Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 or newer, Windows will display a screen that show it’s closing programs that are blocking Windows from shutting down, and allow users to cancel the shutdown, restart or log out, or continue anyway.
Note that ShutdownGuard will not be able to prevent all shutdowns, since some programs explicitly tells Windows to force the shutdown.
Don’t Sleep is a small portable program to prevent system shutdown, standby, hibernate, turn off, and restart. It also prevents Windows from logging off the computer, deactivation of the monitor or activation of the screen saver.
In addition, Don’t Sleep has a timer that allows you to control time frame which you want to allow or disallow the program to stop Windows from performing the restricted actions.
LK is a technology writer for Tech Journey with background of system and network administrator. He has be documenting his experiences in digital and technology world for over 15 years.Connect with LK through Tech Journey on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
