How to Force Quit an App on a Mac

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Quick Answer: To force quit an app on your Mac, use Option-Command-Esc, or go to the Apple menu and select Force Quit.

Understanding the Need for Force Quitting

Applications on a Mac may become unresponsive due to various reasons such as bugs, high memory usage, or software conflicts. Unlike Windows, which uses Control-Alt-Delete, Mac has different methods to handle unresponsive apps.

  1. Common Scenarios:
    • Apps that hang or freeze.
    • Applications that are not responding to usual commands.
  2. Why Force Quit:
    • To close apps that have become unresponsive or are using excessive system resources.

Methods for Force Quitting on Mac

Close App From the Dock

If you find yourself dealing with an unresponsive or hanging app, follow these steps:

  1. Control-click on the program’s icon in the Dock.
  2. From the menu that appears, select “Quit.”

Force Quit Applications

For handling multiple open programs efficiently, use the following steps:

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
  2. Select “Force Quit” or use the keyboard shortcut Option-Command-Esc.

  1. A new window will appear, listing all open applications.
  2. Choose the app you want to close and click “Force Quit.”

Open Mac’s Task Manager (Activity Monitor)

The Activity Monitor is your go-to tool for monitoring and managing misbehaving applications:

  1. Launch Activity Monitor using Spotlight (Command + Space) or Finder.
  2. In the Activity Monitor window, select the troublesome application.

  1. Click the “X” icon in the top-left corner, resembling an octagon.

  1. A pop-up will ask for confirmation – click “Force Quit” to close the app instantly.

Force Quit From the Terminal

For those comfortable with command-line operations, use the Terminal:

  1. Launch Terminal from Launchpad or Finder.
  2. Use the command “killall” followed by the app’s name (e.g., killall Spotify).

  1. Press Enter to close the application.
Additional Tips and Techniques
  1. Fallback Options If Force Quit Doesn’t Work:
    • Restart your Mac using keyboard shortcuts Control + Command + Power.
    • Alternatively, use the power button to force shut down.
  2. Preventing Frequent Freezes:
    • Regularly update applications to fix bugs.
    • Clear app cache to avoid performance slowdowns.
  3. If the MacOS is Frozen:
    • Open the Apple Menu and click Shut Down.
    • Wait a few seconds, then power on your Mac again.

Conclusion

Force quitting an app on your Mac is straightforward but should be used as a last resort. By familiarizing yourself with these methods, you can quickly resolve issues with unresponsive apps and maintain smooth Mac operation. Regular updates and preventive maintenance can help reduce the need for force quitting.