If you’ve ever had an app freeze on your Windows 10 PC, you know how frustrating it can be. To force close an app in Windows 10, you can use Task Manager. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, find the app under the "Processes" tab, right-click it, and select "End task." That’s it!
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Force Close an App in Windows 10
If you need to force close an unresponsive app in Windows 10, the following steps will guide you through it quickly and easily.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
This keyboard shortcut quickly brings up Task Manager without needing to go through multiple menus.
Step 2: Locate the App
Find the app under the "Processes" tab.
The "Processes" tab shows a list of all running applications and background processes. It’s usually organized by name, so scroll down to find the app that’s causing trouble.
Step 3: Right-Click the App
Right-click the app you want to close.
Right-clicking reveals a context menu with several options, including "End task."
Step 4: Select "End Task"
Select "End task" from the context menu.
Choosing "End task" immediately stops the app from running. Be cautious, as this will close the app without saving any unsaved work.
Step 5: Confirm the App is Closed
Ensure the app is no longer listed under "Processes."
If the app disappears from the list, it’s successfully closed. If it persists, you may need to repeat the steps or restart your computer.
After you complete these steps, the unresponsive app should be closed, freeing up system resources and allowing you to restart the app if needed.
Tips for Forcing Close an App in Windows 10
- Check for Updates: Sometimes an app becomes unresponsive due to bugs. Updating the app can resolve these issues.
- Restart Your PC: If Task Manager fails to close the app, restarting your computer might be the only option.
- Use Alt + F4: Before diving into Task Manager, try pressing Alt + F4 to close the app.
- Monitor System Performance: Keep an eye on CPU and memory usage in Task Manager to identify apps that frequently cause problems.
- Safe Mode: Booting into Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot and close apps that are particularly stubborn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I force close an app?
Forcing an app to close will immediately stop all processes related to it. Any unsaved data will be lost.
Can I force close system apps?
It’s generally not recommended to force close system apps, as this can affect the stability of your operating system. Stick to user-installed apps.
My Task Manager is not opening. What should I do?
If Task Manager won’t open, try restarting your computer. You can also try accessing it by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting "Task Manager."
Is force closing apps harmful to my computer?
Occasional force closing is usually fine, but doing it frequently can indicate underlying issues with the app or system.
Why is my app unresponsive?
An app can become unresponsive due to various reasons like bugs, insufficient system resources, or conflicts with other software. Updating the app or your operating system often helps.
Summary
- Open Task Manager.
- Locate the app.
- Right-click the app.
- Select "End task."
- Confirm the app is closed.
Conclusion
Knowing how to force close an app in Windows 10 is a handy skill that can save you a lot of frustration. Whether it’s a game that froze or a browser that’s become unresponsive, the steps we’ve covered will help you regain control of your PC. Remember, while force closing apps is a useful troubleshooting tool, it should be used sparingly to avoid potential data loss. Keep your system and apps updated to minimize the need for such drastic measures. Now that you’ve got the hang of it, why not share this guide with friends and family? They might thank you the next time they encounter a frozen app!
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.