End Process - Task Manager

Sometimes Windows can prevent Lightning Payroll from closing down, which also stops the program from restarting. This usually happens when the program has become unresponsive or was interrupted mid-close.

The quickest fix is to restart your computer. This clears all running processes and lets Lightning Payroll open cleanly on the next launch.

Manually Ending the Process (Advanced)

If restarting is not convenient, an experienced Windows user can end the process manually via Task Manager:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager (or right-click the taskbar and choose Task Manager).
2. Click the Processes tab.
3. Locate payroll.exe in the list.
4. Select it and click End Task.
5. Close Task Manager, then reopen Lightning Payroll normally.

If Lightning Payroll still will not open after ending the process, see Why Can't I Open Lightning Payroll? for further steps including reinstalling the program.