The main cause of this issue is the ApntEx.exe process from the Alps Pointing-device Driver, which may hang or fail to close properly. Additional causes can include software conflicts or corrupt driver files. In this article, we’ll clarify the purpose of this app and why it may interfere with the shutdown process.
What is the Elara App?
PC makers integrate various small parts from different suppliers. Some of these parts, like those in the touchpad of laptops, are commonly used across brands like HP, Samsung, Dell, etc. The Elara App manages touchpad functions and comes pre-installed on laptops. It is located in the Program Files directory alongside the touchpad driver. In the Task Manager, it appears as ApntEx.exe. It is usually part of the touchpad driver package provided by the laptop maker.
Why Does the Elara App Prevent Windows from Shutting Down?
The Elara App may prevent Windows from shutting down because it is running in the background and considered vital by the OS. When shutting down, Windows tries to close all apps and background processes. If a process doesn’t respond or fails to acknowledge the shutdown command in time—possibly due to a task in progress, a hang, or an update—it can delay Windows’ shutdown. For the Elara App, which manages the touchpad, Windows may identify it as crucial to save settings or operations before closing. This safety measure prevents data loss or corruption. The OS then warns users that Elara App is preventing shutdown, indicating that not all processes have been safely terminated.
Can it be Disabled?
Users have reported that ending the task via Task Manager or uninstalling the touchpad driver has no negative effects. However, one user noted losing the ability to disable the touchpad with the “Fn” keys. Based on this, we recommend ending the task from the Task Manager without expecting any harm to your computer. You might consider uninstalling the touchpad driver to remove bloatware and check if the touchpad still works. Results may vary with different manufacturers. We recommend downloading the latest driver from your laptop maker’s website before uninstalling. If any functionality is lost, you can reinstall the driver by initiating a hardware scan, which will reinstall the driver.
Temporary Fix: End the Touchpad Process
Here, we show the simplest way to end the Elara App task via Task Manager. Note that this action could affect your touchpad’s functionality, so have a mouse available as a backup. While ending the Elara App task via Task Manager is a quick fix, there are more permanent solutions and preventive measures users can consider. In this section, we’ll look at other ways to stop the Elara App from causing shutdown problems again.
Fix 1. Update the Driver
Since this issue originates from the touchpad driver, reinstalling or updating the driver can resolve the problem. This will allow you to shut down your computer normally. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, we can reinstall the driver:
Fix 2. Clean Boot your Windows
Sometimes, other software can conflict with the Elara App. To make sure this isn’t the issue, you can perform a clean boot of Windows and see if it shuts down properly afterwards. If the issue is resolved, it means a program on your computer is conflicting with Elara. To find out which program is causing the problem, restart your computer, open the msconfig utility again, and enable the disabled services one by one until the issue reappears.
Fix 3. Edit Registry (Advanced Users)
For advanced users, you can modify the Windows Registry to kill the process automatically during shutdown. This method requires caution as incorrect changes can affect system stability.
