macOS
How do I force quit an app on Mac?
Quick answer
To force quit an app on a Mac, you can use the 'Force Quit Applications' window or the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + Esc.
This guide provides steps to force quit unresponsive applications on macOS, along with common questions and important considerations.
Steps
- 1
Open the Force Quit Applications Window
Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window.
- 2
Select the Unresponsive App
In the list, click on the application that is not responding.
- 3
Force Quit the App
Click the 'Force Quit' button to close the selected application.
- 4
Using Activity Monitor (Alternative Method)
Open 'Activity Monitor' from Applications > Utilities, select the app, and click the 'X' button to force quit.
Using the Force Quit Applications Window
You can access the Force Quit Applications window to see all currently running applications and force quit any that are unresponsive.
Using Keyboard Shortcut
The keyboard shortcut Command + Option + Esc opens the Force Quit Applications window directly, allowing you to quickly select and quit an app.
Watch out for
- Force quitting may lead to data loss for unsaved work in the application.
FAQ
What should I do if the app doesn't close after force quitting?
If the app still doesn't close, try restarting your Mac or using Activity Monitor to terminate the process.
Will I lose unsaved work if I force quit an app?
Yes, force quitting an app may result in loss of unsaved changes, so it's best to save your work regularly.
Can I force quit system applications?
While you can force quit system applications, it may cause instability in your system, so proceed with caution.