When it comes to operating systems, the world’s most popular OS for desktop computers is still Windows 10, with more than a billion active PCs running it. Regardless of Microsoft’s focus on the brand new Windows 11, the company will continue to support Windows 10 with utility updates through at least 2026. Windows 10 offers exceptional proficiencies like deep security, an improved screenshot tool, touch input, face login, and mixed-reality tools with features like better window arrangement and unified notifications. Windows 10 is still recommended more than Windows 11 for it’s more supportive Start menu, Taskbar, touch gestures, etc. But as a way of life, this OS comes with some bugs and errors. A bothersome error many users witness while using the OS is the “DDE Server Window: explorer.exe Application shutdown error.”
This error usually happens when users try to shut down their computers, it averts and delays the process, so users cannot shut down the computers in a standard procedure. So, if you are also facing the – DDE Server Windows error and cannot shut down your computer, then this guide should help you fix the issue. Let’s get to know the matter and some ways to resolve out the concern efficiently.
What is a DDE Server?
DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) Server is a built-in Windows utility that allows programs on your computer to communicate with each other so that one or more programs can access the same data concurrently. It’s a service that initiates a few administrations to share system memory between the programs. DDE is a message-based protocol, so it does not use any code libraries or functions. However, when trying to shut down your computer, the utility should neutrally allow you to do that. But as it’s not the case here, let’s learn about 5 legitimate ways to fix the DDE Server Windows error to shut down your PC properly.
Unable to Shutdown Due to a DDE Server Windows – 5 Solutions
Method 1: Check for Windows Update
If you are experiencing the DDE Server Windows issues, you should first check Windows Update. Make sure to download and install the latest updates, and it might be helpful to eliminate the DEE Server Window error. If you’re not aware of any Windows Updates, you can follow the steps below to check the settings manually:
- Click on Start Menu on your computer
- Go to Settings
- click on Update & Security
- After that, click on Windows Update and then click the Check for updates button.
Now, Windows will check for the latest updates (make sure to stay connected to your internet), and if any updates are available, Windows will download them accordingly in the background. After the downloads are done, Windows will tell you to reboot the computer to install and finalize the updates. And this method should fix the DDE Server Window error.
Method 2: Shut Down the Computer in a Different Way
The DDE Server Window error usually occurs when users try to shut down the computer by pressing the Power Button from the Start Menu. You can try a separate way to shut down your computer to eliminate the issue. Try these 2 ways to shut down your system:
- Press the Windows key + X, or you can just right-click on Start Button
- Then select the Shut down or sign out option, and after that, click on Shut down
Or you can try to use the shutdown command to force the computer to shut down. Follow these steps:
- First, press Windows + R on your keyboard, and the Run dialog box will pop up.
- On the Run dialog box input field, type shutdown/s and click on OK or press Enter
If these don’t work, try to press the Power Button on your computer case to shut down. Or you can try pressing Alt+F4 on your keyboard. It will also pop up a shutdown menu. Try shutting down your computer from there. If you still cannot shut down, check out the next methods blow in this guide.
Method 3: Execute a System Scan
One of the underrated ways to fix Windows errors and bugs is performing a system scan on your computer. It can smoothly fix internal issues, in this case, the DDE Server Window error. To perform a system scan, follow the following method:
- First, click on the Start Button
- Search cmd, and the Command Prompt app will show up
- Right click on it and click on Run as administrator
- In Command Prompt, go ahead with typing the following command: SFC /SCANNOW
Now you just have to wait for some minutes to complete the verification process. In this process, Windows will scan for corrupt system files and automatically fix them.
Method 4: Disable or Uninstall your third-party Antivirus
Antivirus is a crucial software used to prevent, scan, detect and delete viruses from every computer. But sometimes, your third-party antivirus installed on your system can obstruct your OS and cause errors like being unable to shut down due to DDE Server Window. So you should try disabling the antivirus temporarily and check whether you can shut down your PC without the DDE server error in Windows.
If the error is still occurring, you have to uninstall the antivirus to check whether the issue is fixed. Sometimes you need a dedicated uninstaller to remove the antivirus from your computer completely. Many antivirus companies come with an offer of uninstallers for their software, so make sure to download and use it for your antivirus. The uninstaller will be useful, as it will remove all of the antivirus files and registry entries, ensuring that the antivirus doesn’t get in the way of your system at any rate.
Method 5: Disable Autohide Taskbar
Sometimes the DDE Server Window message occurs because of enabling autohiding the taskbar. So, disabling the auto-hide option for the Taskbar can help in this situation. Follow the given method to disable the option:
- Click on Start Menu and open Settings
- Select the Personalization section
- Then click on the Taskbar option
- There, you will find an option called Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode, ensure it’s turned off.
After this method, the DDE Server Window error should be fixed, and you should be able to shut down your PC normally. Many users found this simple fix helpful, and it worked for them.
Additional solutions
Your problem with the DDE Server Window error should be fixed after these methods. if somehow you’re still facing the problem, we would recommend a few other solutions, that might help. Try these:
- Disconnect your second monitor
- Uninstall Adobe Acrobat DC
- Create a new user account on Windows
- Restart File Explorer
- Download & Install the latest drivers
Conclusion
This guide provides 5 of the best methods to fix the DDE Server Window issue, so you can properly shut down your computer without any worry. We recommend you start from the first solution and then move your way down and your issue with shutting down your computer should be fixed for sure. Good luck!
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
