Windows 10 computer freezes when shutting down.

My desk top computer, with Win10, freezes when I try to shut it off by using the start menu shut off option or the quick shut off shortcut icon. This freezing will last until I use the power switch to turn the pc off. This problem started about 2 weeks ago. Is there a way that I can set things up so that it will shut off like it used to before? Thanks.
P.S.
Just noticed that the same thing happens when I tried to restart the pc. I had to manually shut it off.

 

Sounds like you have a lot of programs running in the background. This will cause a computer to freeze when hitting shut down or restart until all running programs are turned off first.
Check in Task Manager to see how many programs are running in the background.

 

Thanks for your reply. I should have mentioned that I have a very basic knowledge of computers. The computer has run all night in the 'freeze' situation in the past....until I shut it off in the morning with the power switch. What do I do in Task Manager? There are multiple columns etc. which ones will help? Sorry to be so difficult.

 

Which specs do we follow? Your profile shows HP 2000 Notebook W10 (Home/Pro/) 64bit, and your signature at the bottom of your Post says W 7 SP1?
Start > Run > type msconfig > OK > Startup in W7.
Right click on empty space on Taskbar and select Task Manager in W10.

 

Sorry for not changing my specs...it's been some time since I've had to ask for advice. The pc I'm having problems with is a desktop..Gateway DX4850 with Win 10 x64...I'm going to try Evan's suggestion. It might take some time....

 

I'm afraid I'm out of my depth trying to do what is suggested. If there isn't any simpler solution, I guess I'll just have to turn the pc off manually. Please don't take any offence...I do appreciate what people have done for me in the past. Sorry.

 

I hope this is OK.

 

I'm assuming that I have to uncheck those items to remove them. I did that and rebooted and the computer froze during the shutdown

 

Are you running 'bare bones' during this repair? (all peripherals disconnected).

 

Even though you have removed them from autorun that does not mean they were stopped when you tried the shut down, they very likely were still running at that time, which would cause the freeze. Were you able to get the computer to actually shut down and then reboot? If so, have you tried another reboot?
Can I ask what security programs do you have running all the time?

 

I need more clarification about the 'bare bones" suggestions, please. The security programs are: windows defender, windows firewall, UAC..all set to recommended levels. I removed the suggested items from the 'logon' tab using the 'red x delete' suggestion...and will try to see if the computer shuts down...will let you know later. Sys config screen shot attached.
P.S.
Things haven't changed .I still have to shut down the computer using the power button.

 

When I opened services window, I find maybe 100 services...how do I determine which are 3rd party services? Except for Microsoft services, it seems to me that I would have to disable all of them? BTW, Super AntiSpyware was not on my services list. Sorry for being difficult.

 

(all peripherals disconnected). Any USB drives e.g. external HDD storage. internal HDD's not running C: drive. Printers. Web cams.

A barebones PC is a computer that has minimal components. A typical barebones system includes a case, motherboard, CPU, hard drive, RAM, and power supply.
The idea is to have as little as possible likely to cause interference during trouble shooting/repairs. Naturally the keyboard and mouse are essential.
So anything not essential should be disconnected while carrying out trouble shoot/repairs.

Can be very confusing but I think Evan will probably advise msconfig is the easier one for you to understand.

 

In your attachment of msconfig, though it was not running and had the check mark removed, SUPERAntispyware is listed in your services:
SAS Core Service is SUPERAntispyware.