“Ad_msg_wnd” is a process that appears to be related to the “Get Office” ad in Windows 11 or Windows 10. When users attempt to shut down or restart their Windows system, they may see a message saying that “ad_msg_wnd” is preventing the system from shutting down. This can cause delays in the shutdown process and be a frustrating experience for users.
“Ad_msg_wnd” is not a visible process in Task Manager, which can make it difficult to identify which application is responsible for it. However, users have reported that it is likely related to the “Get Office” app in Windows 10.
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What is “Get Office”?
“Get Office” is an app that comes pre-installed on many Windows 11 & 10 devices. It is designed to promote Microsoft Office to users and encourage them to purchase the software. The app provides information on the features and benefits of Microsoft Office, as well as links to purchase options.
While “Get Office” is not an essential part of the operating system, it is included by default on many Windows devices. The app may display notifications and ads that some users may find annoying, and these running processes can cause Windows to fail to shut down.
What causes “ad_msg_wnd”?
The exact cause of “ad_msg_wnd” is unclear, but it appears to be related to the “Get Office” app in Windows 11 or 10. Users have reported seeing the process even after uninstalling “Get Office” or disabling its notifications.
One possible cause of the “ad_msg_wnd” process is a conflict with other applications or services running on the system. Some users have reported that disabling certain apps or services can resolve the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may require some troubleshooting to identify the conflicting app or service.
Related issue: Can’t Shut Down Windows 11/10 (Goes back to login screen)
How to disable “Get Office” and “ad_msg_wnd”?
There are several methods to disable “Get Office” and “ad_msg_wnd” in Windows 11 & 10. Here are some of the most effective methods:
- Disable “Get Office” notifications: Open the Start menu and go to ‘Settings > System > Notifications‘. Scroll down to the “Notifications from apps and other senders” (Windows 11) or “Show notifications from these apps” (Windows 10) section and turn off the toggle button for “Get Office“. This will stop “Get Office” from showing notifications to the user.
- Uninstall “Get Office”: Open the Start menu and search for “Apps & features“. Find “Get Office” in the list of apps and click on “Uninstall”. This will remove “Get Office” from the system entirely. Alternatively, you can find “Get Office” from Start menu, right-click it and select “Uninstall” to uninstall it.
- Use Task Manager: Open Task Manager and go to the “Details” tab. Look for the “ad_msg_wnd” process and right-click on it. Select “End task” to close the process. This will stop “ad_msg_wnd” from interfering with the shutdown or restart process. You may also want to see: Force close program in Windows 11 without Task Manager.
- Use Registry Editor: Open Registry Editor by typing “regedit” in the Start menu search bar. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. Look for the value “AutoEndTasks” and set it to “1“. This will force Windows to automatically end all running tasks when you shut down or restart your system, which can help prevent issues like “ad_msg_wnd” from occurring.
If you are trying the 4th method, it’s important to exercise caution when editing the registry in Windows, as changes to the registry can have serious consequences for the stability and functionality of the operating system.
Incorrectly modifying the registry can result in system errors, crashes, and even data loss. Before making any changes to the registry, it’s important to back up the registry and create a system restore point to ensure that you can revert back to a stable configuration if something goes wrong. If you are unsure about how to edit the registry, or if you are uncomfortable with the potential risks, it’s best to seek help from a qualified technician or IT professional.
Is ad_msg_wnd an adware or virus?
While it is not clear if the “ad_msg_wnd” process is an adware, malware, or virus, or if it is a malware in disguise, it is always a good idea to take precautions to protect your computer. If you are unsure about the nature of the “ad_msg_wnd” process, or if you suspect that it may be malicious in nature, it’s best to run a full scan using your antivirus program or Windows Defender to ensure that your computer is not infected with any viruses or malware.
Final thoughts
“ad_msg_wnd” is a process that can interfere with the shutdown or restart process on Windows 10 systems. While the exact cause of the process is unclear, it appears to be related to the “Get Office” app in Windows 10.
Fortunately, there are several methods to disable “Get Office” and “ad_msg_wnd” in Windows 10. Users can disable “Get Office” notifications, uninstall “Get Office” entirely, end the “ad_msg_wnd” process using Task Manager, or force Windows to automatically end all running tasks using Registry Editor.
