Summary
The issue described is a long black screen before shutdown on a Windows 10 system, specifically a ThinkPad P50, after the usual shutdown process. This problem is characterized by the screen turning off, Num Lock and Caps Lock LEDs turning off, the power LED turning off, but the audio mute LED remaining on. The duration of this state can vary from a few seconds to over five minutes.
Root Cause
The root cause of this issue is likely related to the configuration and interaction between the Windows operating system, the hardware (specifically the M.2 drive and SATA drive with a Debian installation), and the boot manager (GRUB). The fact that Linux experiences no such issues suggests that the problem is Windows-specific or related to how Windows interacts with the hardware and boot configuration.
Why This Happens in Real Systems
This issue can occur in real systems due to a combination of factors including but not limited to: improper shutdown sequences, conflicts between Windows and Linux configurations, issues with the boot manager (GRUB) handling the encrypted Windows drive, or firmware and driver issues affecting the M.2 drive or SATA interface. The complexity of dual-boot setups and the specific hardware involved can exacerbate these problems.
Real-World Impact
The real-world impact of this issue is significant for users who frequently switch between Windows and Linux, as it can cause frustration, delay productivity, and potentially lead to data loss if the system is forced to shut down improperly. For individuals relying on their computers for work or critical tasks, this issue can be particularly problematic.
Example or Code (if necessary and relevant)
No specific code is required to explain this issue, as it appears to be related to system configuration and hardware interaction rather than a specific software bug that could be illustrated with code.
How Senior Engineers Fix It
Senior engineers would approach this problem by first checking the system logs for any error messages related to shutdown or hardware issues. They would then methodically troubleshoot the system configuration, focusing on the boot manager settings, driver updates for the M.2 and SATA drives, and ensuring that the BitLocker encryption is properly configured and compatible with the dual-boot setup. Additionally, they might test the system with Secure Boot enabled to see if it affects the behavior and check for any firmware updates for the drives and motherboard.
Why Juniors Miss It
Junior engineers might miss the root cause of this issue because they could overlook the complexity introduced by the dual-boot setup and the interaction between Windows, GRUB, and the specific hardware configurations. They might also not thoroughly check system logs, driver versions, and firmware updates, or they might not consider the implications of BitLocker encryption on the shutdown process. Furthermore, a lack of experience with similar issues or insufficient knowledge of low-level system interactions could hinder their ability to identify and resolve the problem efficiently.