Instead of shutting it off consider using Hibernate. IT's on the shut down menu or if it's not is easy to put there. Hibernate does indeed shut the pc off but in such a way that it starts up again MUCH faster. Also any apps/programs/etc which are open will be retained in the state they're in when you Hibernate the device. So that your notepad file will simply still be there when you restart after a Hibernate. It's my favorite way to shut down the pc as its way faster to restart. If you Hibernate there will be NO reason ever for the shutdown process to 'hang' on a stuck app.
One thing to bear in mind is that if the computer want's to restart for a reason such as to update something you must shut it down 'properly' and then restart - don't use Hibernate in that situation. Otherwise I highly reccomend it.
One thing to bear in mind is that if the computer want's to restart for a reason such as to update something you must shut it down 'properly' and then restart - don't use Hibernate in that situation. Otherwise I highly reccomend it.