something trying to stop my pc shutting down

can someone please help???i am running win 8.1.
quite often when i shut down…even if my only online venture was to check my mail. i get a ultra quick small alert that an app is running preventing closedown, another box says close anyway…another says cancel.
b/4 i can move mousy, the pc starts co shut off as desired.
i am concerned.
i never do games, go to weird sites.( they’re all weird..right )…and i run nothing other than my security stuff.
how can i find out whats running??
even if i am not online….my concern is that i could be getting bugged/hacked.
can someone help me sleep at nite????…( no , not like that you pervert )
thank you
Answer #1
It happens when there are applications still running when you try to shut down. It’s normal, nothing to worry about.
When the alert pops up, it shows which app is still running. It only shows for a quick second because that’s how long it takes to for the system to close it.
Since you say you only use it for email, I’m guessing the program is on the startup list. Open task manager, then go to startup tab and disable the programs you don’t need to use when you start the computer.
Answer #2
Check and see which program are running in the background and remove those that you dont need using Total Uninstall or Revo Uninstaller. Disable if the program is needed.
Look in task manager and you will see what is running. Also on the screen that say shut down anyways or cancel. You will see what is preventing you from shutting down.
Answer #3
It would help if we knew which app was causing it. Check the “Applications” tab in “Event Viewer” (WINDOWS KEY+X to open Quick Links menu, click Event Viewer).. It will have a time-stamped log entry of the event.
Looks like this..

Answer #4
. . . i extend my gratitude to you guys for taking the time to reply and for your advice.
many thanks
Answer #5
If you haven’t edited your startup programs there are probably a load that you don’t need ….. I disable everything that I don’t need/use even if I don’t know what it is.
I’m using windows 8.1 and these are the only startup programs I have ………
Avast antivirus
Classic Start menu
Ditto
Hot Keyboard
Roboform
Answer #6
good idea ..thank you