> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.finngen.fi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.finngen.fi/working-in-the-sandbox/quirks-and-features/how-to-shut-down-your-ivm.md).

# How to shut down your IVM

### Why it is necessary to shut down your IVM

* You’ll **reduce** your [**costs**](/working-in-the-sandbox/billing-information-and-where-to-find-more-details.md)
* Unused IVMs shut down after two days
* **after an upgrade**, you will need to shut down and reopen your Sandbox. If you don't restart after an upgrade sometimes unexpected behaviors can occur.
* It is **always safer** to shut down your IVM **before an upgrade**.

### How to shut it down

You can shut down your IVM from **3 places** indicated on the diagram:

1. from the button located on the desktop
2. from the sidebar opening from arrowhead (>) at left
3. from top-right drop-down menu

![](https://3072695768-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MhYL0UTLjqsuIdK0SSO%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8c863947a6a28ff87fdf6f5deeda71c1c79428dd%2Fimage%20\(839\).png?alt=media)

### Forcing a shutdown

If your IVM is unresponsive you may have [exceeded the memory limit](/working-in-the-sandbox/running-analyses-in-sandbox/managing-memory-in-sandbox-and-data-filtering-tips.md) in your Sandbox. To force IVM to shut down see if the start button in the left sidebar (step 2 in the above figure) is available and click it.

If the start button is not available contact <finngen-servicedesk@helsinki.fi>.