3 ways to force quit apps or programs on a Windows PC

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On a Windows PC, there are several ways to force quit apps or programs when they become unresponsive or freeze. Here are three common methods to do so:

1. Task Manager Method:

  • The Task Manager is a built-in utility in Windows that allows you to view and manage running processes and applications.
  • To open Task Manager, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then choose “Task Manager” from the options menu that appears.
  • In the Task Manager window, you’ll see a list of currently running applications and processes. Locate the unresponsive application in the list.
  • Select the unresponsive application by clicking on it to highlight it.
  • Click the “End Task” button at the bottom right corner of the Task Manager window. This will forcibly terminate the selected application.

2. Alt + F4 Method:

  • This method works if the unresponsive application has an open window.
  • Click on the unresponsive application’s window to make it the active window.
  • Press Alt + F4 on your keyboard. This keyboard shortcut is used to close the currently active window.
  • If the application is not responding, Windows will display a dialog box asking if you want to close the program. Click “OK” to force the application to close.

3. Command Prompt Method:

  • If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can force quit an application using the taskkill command.
  • Open the Command Prompt by searching for “cmd” in the Windows Start menu and clicking on “Command Prompt.”
  • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
    taskkill /im program_name.exe /f

    Replace “program_name.exe” with the name of the executable file of the unresponsive application (e.g., “notepad.exe” for Notepad).

  • Press Enter to execute the command. Windows will forcefully terminate the specified application.

Remember that force-quitting an application may result in unsaved work being lost, so it should be used as a last resort when an application becomes unresponsive. Whenever possible, try to save your work regularly to prevent data loss.