Force Quit an Application

Issue

• A program is frozen and won't respond
• An app says "Not Responding"
• I can't close a program
• An application is stuck and the window won't close
• An app on my phone or tablet is frozen

Environment

• Microsoft Windows
• macOS
• ChromeOS (Chromebook)
• Android
• iOS / iPadOS (iPhone or iPad)

Resolution

Note: Force quitting closes the application immediately. Any unsaved work in that application will be lost.

Windows

1. Open Task Manager using one of these methods:
   • Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and select Task Manager.
   • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then select Task Manager.
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Select the unresponsive application.
3. Select End task.

macOS

1. Press Command (⌘) + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window.
2. Select the unresponsive application.
3. Select Force Quit.

ChromeOS (Chromebook)

1. Open Task Manager using one of these methods:
   • Press Search + Esc.
   • In Chrome, select the menu (three dots) > More tools > Task manager.
2. Select the unresponsive app or process.
3. Select End process.

Android

1. Open your recent apps:
   • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold, or
   • Tap the Recent Apps button (square icon), if your device has one.
2. Swipe the unresponsive app off the screen (up, left, or right, depending on your device).

iPhone or iPad

1. Open the App Switcher:
   • Devices with a Home button: Double-press the Home button.
   • Devices without a Home button: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.
2. Swipe left or right to find the unresponsive app.
3. Swipe the app's preview up and off the screen.