How to force quit an app on Mac
If an app on your Mac stops responding, you may not be able to close it normally. This guide shows you the easiest ways to force quit an app on macOS, plus what to do if the app still won’t close.
Use force quit only when an app is frozen, stuck, or preventing you from working. It closes the app immediately and may cause unsaved changes to be lost.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Try to quit the app normally first
Before forcing an app closed, try the app’s own Quit command. Open the app menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then choose Quit <App Name>. If the app responds, this is the safest way to close it.
- 2
Use the Force Quit menu
Press Option + Command + Esc on your keyboard. A Force Quit Applications window opens. Select the frozen app from the list, then click Force Quit.
If you have multiple stuck apps, you can repeat this for each one.
- 3
Force quit from the Apple menu
If keyboard shortcuts are difficult to use, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and choose Force Quit. This opens the same window, where you can select the unresponsive app and click Force Quit.
- 4
Use Dock options
You can also force quit from the Dock. Control-click the app’s icon in the Dock, then hold the Option key if needed and choose Force Quit. This is useful when the app is still visible but frozen.
- 5
Open Activity Monitor if the app does not appear
Some apps may not show up in the Force Quit window. Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities, find the app in the list, select it, and click the Stop button at the top. Choose Force Quit when prompted.
- 6
Restart your Mac if the app is still stuck
If the app will not close or your Mac becomes unresponsive, restart your computer. Click the Apple menu and choose Restart. If the Mac is completely frozen, press and hold the power button until it turns off, then turn it back on.
Try this only after force quit options fail, because it can interrupt other work.
- 7
Reopen your work carefully
After the app closes, reopen it and check whether your changes were saved. If the app offers recovery or restoration after a crash, use that option to recover unsaved work when possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut to force quit on Mac?
Press Option + Command + Esc. This opens the Force Quit Applications window, where you can select an app and force it to close.
Will force quitting delete my files?
Force quitting does not delete your files, but it can make you lose unsaved changes in the app you close. If possible, save your work first before force quitting.
What if the Force Quit window does not open?
Try the Apple menu or Activity Monitor instead. If your Mac is frozen and nothing responds, you may need to restart the Mac.
How do I know which app to force quit?
Choose the app that is not responding, spinning, or preventing you from using your Mac normally. If you are unsure, start with the app that appears frozen rather than closing system apps.
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