A user interface and scheme is provided for facilitating shutting down an operating system. A shut down command is initiated in an operating system, and applications running on the system are issued a shut down request. Aspects allow running applications to delay the system shut down and to register information to explain the delay, for example, a non-interruptible task (e.g., a CD burn) is being performed by the application. A user interface displays applications running on the system and delay information registered by the applications, providing the user an opportunity to terminate the applications or cancel the system shut down based on the applications and any delay information provided.