Recently I've shown you how you can schedule shutdown on Windows 10 utilizing a single command or even the task scheduler. The shutdown timer is very helpful from time to time, like when you want to ensure your kids are not using the computer excessively or to automatically shutdown Windows at night time.

Not just that, sometimes even some programs are configured to auto shutdown Windows. Once you set the shutdown timer, you are set.

When the system is going to shutdown, Windows will show an easy message like "You are going to sign out." This message lets you save the job before Windows shuts down the system. Just like it's, the message doesn't offer any way to cancel shutdown, for self-evident reasons. If you're doing something important you very well may 't be ready for that shutdown.

If you ever face this case, here's how to abort shutdown on Windows. It's much easier than you think to stop shutdown.

Cancel Shutdown on Windows

Like said, though Windows doesn't offer any visible option, it is very easy to cancel shutdown.

1. First, search for PowerShell or Command Prompt in the start menu and then click it open.

2. In the PowerShell window, execute shutdown -a command.

Quick tip: You can also execute the above command in the Run dialog box (Win + R) too.

3. As soon as you execute the command, Windows can have a notification letting you know the scheduled shutdown has been canceled.

When there is no scheduled shutdown, the command prompt window can have a message something similar to "Unable to abort the machine shutdown because no shutdown was in progress." Which simply implies that there is no scheduled shutdown.

Create Cancel Shutdown Shortcut

If you are dealing canceling shutdown from time to time then you might find it simple to click on a shortcut rather than manually entering the command each and every time. Fortunately, it is rather easy to create cancel shutdown shortcut.

1. Right-click on the desktop and select "New > Shortcut."

2. Within the "Type location from the item," enter shutdown.exe -a and click on "Next" to continue.

3. Enter the name of the shortcut and click on "Finish." With my case, I chose the name "Abort shutdown."

4. After hitting the "Finish" button, the shortcut will be made up of a normal icon.

Change Abort Shutdown Shortcut Icon (optional)

If you do not like the generic shortcut icon you are able to change it out with the one you like.

5. First, right-click around the shortcut and choose "Properties" option.

6. Click "change icon" button within the shortcut properties window.

7. Scroll sideways within the Change Icon window, select the icon of your choice and click "Ok." If you see any warning message, simply click around the "Ok" button and then go to select the icon.

Quick tip: If you don't such as the default system icons, download the icon of your choice from the internet, convert it to .ico format, and select it using the Browse button.

8. Click "Apply" and "Ok" buttons to save changes.

9. The selected icon will be applied immediately.

If you wish to, you can assign a keyboard shortcut towards the shortcut by selecting "Shortcut key" field in the Properties window and pressing the key combination.

In summary, to cancel scheduled shutdown, execute shutdown.exe -a command in the Command Prompt or perhaps in the Run dialog box. If you work with this command extensively then produce a custom shortcut.