5 Effective Methods to Force Quit Apps on Mac

You're in the middle of an important task on your MacBook when suddenly, the app you're using becomes unresponsive. It's frustrating, isn't it? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. Luckily, there are several ways to force quit apps on Mac and get back to work. In this article, we'll explore five effective methods to force quit apps on your Mac.

1. From Dock

The first method to force quit an app on Mac is by using the Dock. Here's how:

  1. Right-click on the unresponsive app icon in the Dock.
  2. Select “Force Quit” from the context menu.

Force Quit an app on Mac from Dock

2. From Apple Menu

Another way to force quit an app on Mac is through the Apple menu. Follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar.
  2. Select “Force Quit [App Name]” from the dropdown menu.

Force Quit an App from Apple Menu
Force Quit an App from Apple Menu Step 2

3. Keyboard Shortcuts

If you're a fan of keyboard shortcuts, this method is for you. Here's how to force quit an app using keyboard shortcuts:

  1. Press the “cmd + option + esc” keys simultaneously.
  2. A small pop-up window will appear. Select the unresponsive app.
  3. Click on the “Force Quit” button.

Force Quit an App on Mac by using keyboard shortcuts

4. Using Activity Monitor

Activity Monitor is a built-in app on Mac that allows you to monitor and force quit unresponsive apps. Here's how to use it:

  1. Press “cmd + space” to open Spotlight search.
  2. Type “Activity Monitor” and open the app from the search results.
  3. Select the unresponsive app in the CPU tab.
  4. Click on the “X” icon (Stop) button.
  5. Finally, click on “Force Quit” to close the app.

Force Quitting an App on Mac using Activity Monitor

5. Force Restart Your Mac

If all else fails, you can force restart your Mac to close unresponsive apps. Here's how:

  1. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds.
  2. Your Mac will shut down.
  3. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.

Force Restart Your Mac by pressing Power key

By following these methods, you can easily force quit unresponsive apps on your Mac and continue with your work. Remember, force quitting an app will result in the loss of any unsaved work, so it's always best to save your progress regularly. If you frequently encounter unresponsive apps, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer Mac model.

Say goodbye to the frustration of unresponsive apps on macOS and get back to being productive!

Looking for more Mac tips and tricks? Check out our article on how to fix iCloud when it's not opening in your browser on Mac.