Closing programs you are not using frees memory and tidies the taskbar. Most apps close with the X button or Alt+F4. If an app freezes, Task Manager or the taskbar End task option forces it to close.
Quick Answer
Click the X in the top-right corner or press Alt+F4. If the app is frozen, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, select it in Task Manager and click End task.
How to Close Programs on Windows
- Click the X in the app’s top-right corner.
- Or click inside the app and press Alt+F4.
- Or right-click its taskbar icon and choose Close window (or Close all windows).
- If the app is not responding, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select the app under Processes and click End task.
- On Windows 11, you can turn on End task in the taskbar menu: Settings, System, For developers (Advanced on newer builds), End task.
Close Methods
| Method | Use when |
|---|---|
| X button or Alt+F4 | App responds normally |
| Taskbar Close window | App is minimized |
| Task Manager End task | App is frozen |
| Taskbar End task | Quick force-close (Windows 11) |
| taskkill command | Scripting or remote tasks |
Related: how to restart the taskbar.
Troubleshooting
- App keeps running in the system tray: closing the window may only hide it. Right-click the tray icon and choose Quit or Exit.
- End task does nothing: restart the PC.
- Unsaved work: End task can lose changes; try saving first.
- Related: signing out of Windows and speeding up a slow laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alt+F4 on the desktop shut down the PC?
It opens the Shut Down Windows box; nothing happens until you choose an option.
How do I close all programs at once?
Sign out or restart. Save work first.
Can I stop apps starting automatically?
Yes, in Task Manager, Startup apps, or Settings, Apps, Startup.
Is it the same on Windows 10?
Yes, except the taskbar End task option.
Summary
- Click X or press Alt+F4.
- Use the taskbar menu.
- Open Task Manager for frozen apps.
- Click End task.
- Quit tray apps from the tray.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.