Why you might want to close an app

An app that is running does not have to be on your screen. It can be working in the background, using your computer's memory and processing power even when you are not looking at it. Closing an app stops it from doing that work, which frees up those resources for other tasks.

You might close an app because it is slowing down your computer, because you are done using it and want to save battery life, or because it is behaving strangely. On some computers, closing unused apps is a regular maintenance habit that keeps things running smoothly.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, you can close an app by clicking the X button in the top-right corner of its window, or by using Task Manager to force-close apps that are stuck.
  • On Mac, you close an app by clicking the red button in the top-left corner of its window, or by using Command+Q to quit it completely.
  • Task Manager on Windows and Activity Monitor on Mac both show you which apps are running and how much memory or processing power each one is using.
  • Some apps continue running in the background even after you close their window — you may need to check your system settings to turn off background activity.

Closing an app on Windows

The simplest way to close an app on Windows is to click the X button in the top-right corner of the app's window. This closes the window and stops the app from running. If the app is frozen or not responding, this method may not work.

For apps that are stuck or not closing normally, use Task Manager. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard, or right-click the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select "Task Manager." A window will open showing all the apps currently running. Click on the app you want to close, then click the "End Task" button at the bottom right. The app will close when ready.

Task Manager also shows you how much memory and processing power each app is using. If your computer is running slowly, you can look at the "Memory" or "CPU" columns to see which apps are taking the most resources.

Closing an app on Mac

On a Mac, close an app by clicking the red button in the top-left corner of the app's window. You can also press Command+Q while the app is active, which quits the app completely. Closing the window alone does not always quit the app — it may still be running in the background.

If an app is frozen or not responding, use Activity Monitor. Press Command+Space to open Spotlight search, type "Activity Monitor," and press Enter. A window will open showing all running apps. Click on the app you want to close, then click the X button in the top-left corner of Activity Monitor and select "Force Quit." The app will close when ready.

Activity Monitor also shows memory and CPU usage for each app, similar to Windows Task Manager. This helps you see which apps are using the most of your computer's resources.

Apps that keep running after you close them

Some apps are designed to keep running in the background even after you close their window. Email clients, messaging apps, and cloud storage services often do this so they can check for new messages or sync files without you having to open them.

If you want to stop an app from running in the background, you can usually turn this off in the app's settings. On Windows, go to Settings, then System, then "Background apps" to see which apps are allowed to run in the background and toggle them off. On Mac, go to System Settings, then General, then "Login Items" to see which apps start automatically when you turn on your computer.

What happens when you close an app

When you close an app, your computer stops running its code and frees up the memory it was using. If you had unsaved work in that app, you will usually get a warning asking whether you want to save before closing. If you click "Don't Save," that work is lost.

Closing an app does not delete it from your computer. The app is still installed and you can open it again whenever you want. Closing just stops it from running right now.

When to force-close an app

Use force-close (End Task on Windows, Force Quit on Mac) only when an app is frozen, not responding, or will not close normally. Force-closing stops the app when ready without letting it save your work, so you may lose unsaved changes.

If an app freezes regularly, try closing it normally first. If that does not work after waiting a few seconds, then use force-close. After force-closing, restart the app to see if it works better. If the same app keeps freezing, you may want to uninstall and reinstall it, or check the app maker's website to see if there is a newer version available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing an app delete my files or settings?

No. Closing an app only stops it from running. Your files and settings stay on your computer. The next time you open the app, your settings will be the same as before. Any work you had open in the app will be lost only if you did not save it.

Why is my computer still slow after I close apps?

Other apps may still be running in the background, or your computer's hard drive may be full. Open Task Manager or Activity Monitor to see what else is using memory or processing power. You can also restart your computer, which closes everything and often makes it run faster.

Can I close multiple apps at once?

In Task Manager or Activity Monitor, you can click on one app, hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac), and click on other apps to select multiple apps at once. Then click End Task or Force Quit to close them all together.

What does "not responding" mean?

It means the app is not reacting to your clicks or keyboard input. The app may be stuck, or it may be working on something that is taking a long time. Wait a few seconds to see if it responds. If it does not, use force-close to stop it.