When a Mac app stops responding, force closing it is usually faster than waiting or restarting your computer
A frozen app on Mac does not always shut down when you click the red close button. When that happens, force closing — which tells the operating system to stop the app when ready — gets you back to work without losing other open windows or documents. The process takes about 30 seconds and works the same way whether the app is spinning, unresponsive, or straightforward stuck on a screen you cannot get past.
Force closing is safe. It does not damage your Mac or the app itself. The only thing you lose is any unsaved work in that specific program, which is why you should try saving first if the app is still partly responsive.
Key Takeaways
- Use Command+Option+Esc to open the Force Quit window, select the frozen app, and click Force Quit — this is the fastest method on any Mac.
- If an app is completely unresponsive and Command+Option+Esc does not work, restart your Mac, which will force close everything.
- Force closing does not harm your Mac or the app, but you will lose any unsaved work in that program.
- After force closing, check the App Store or the developer's website for updates, since crashes often mean the app needs a patch.
The keyboard shortcut method (fastest)
Press Command+Option+Esc at the same time. A window titled "Force Quit Applications" will appear within a second or two, showing every app currently running on your Mac.
Click the name of the app that is frozen or not responding. It will highlight in blue. Then click the "Force Quit" button in the bottom right of the window. The app will close when ready, and the window will close itself.
This method works even if the app is completely unresponsive to mouse clicks or other keyboard commands. It is the fastest way to force close on any Mac.
The Activity Monitor method (if the keyboard shortcut fails)
If Command+Option+Esc does not open the Force Quit window — which is rare but can happen if the system is severely overloaded — use Activity Monitor instead. Open Spotlight by pressing Command+Space, type "Activity Monitor", and press Enter.
In the window that opens, look for the name of the frozen app in the list. Click it once to select it, then click the "X" button labeled "Force Quit" in the top left corner of the window. A confirmation dialog will appear; click "Force Quit" again.
Activity Monitor also shows you how much memory and processor power each app is using, which can help you spot apps that are consistently slow or draining your battery.
What to do if force closing does not work
If the app is still running after you force quit it, or if your entire Mac is frozen and you cannot open the Force Quit window, restart your computer. Hold down the power button on your Mac for about 10 seconds until the screen goes black. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
A restart will force close every app on your Mac. You will lose any unsaved work in all open programs, not just the frozen one, so this is a last resort. But it works when nothing else does.
Checking for updates after a crash
After you force close an app, check whether an update is available. Open the App Store (if the app came from there) or visit the developer's website. Crashes and freezes are often fixed in newer versions, and installing the update can prevent the problem from happening again.
To check for updates in the App Store, click the App Store icon in your dock, then click "Updates" in the top right. If your app appears in the list, click "Update" next to it. If the app is not from the App Store, go to the developer's website, look for a "read" or "Updates" page, and follow their instructions.
Preventing apps from freezing in the first place
Keep your Mac and your apps updated. Updates often include fixes for crashes and performance problems. Check the App Store for updates at least once a month, or turn on automatic updates: open System Settings, click "General", then "Software Update", and toggle on "Automatic Updates".
If a particular app freezes regularly even after updating, it may not be compatible with your version of macOS or may have a bug the developer has not yet fixed. Check the app's support page or contact the developer to report the problem. In the meantime, you can look for an alternative app that does the same thing.
The difference between force closing and uninstalling
Force closing stops an app temporarily. The app is still installed on your Mac and will open normally the next time you click it. Uninstalling removes the app entirely from your computer.
You only need to uninstall an app if you no longer want it or if it is causing repeated problems and you have decided to use something else instead. Force closing is just a quick fix for a temporary freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will force closing delete my files or documents?
No. Force closing only stops the app. Your files on your Mac are not affected. However, any work you had open in that app but had not saved will be lost.
Can I force close multiple apps at once?
Yes. In the Force Quit window, hold Command and click each app you want to close, then click Force Quit. All selected apps will close at the same time.
Why does my app keep freezing even after I force close it?
Repeated freezes usually mean the app needs an update or is not fully compatible with your Mac. Check the App Store or the developer's website for a newer version. If updating does not help, the app may have a bug, and you may need to contact the developer or switch to a different app.
Is it bad for my Mac to force close apps regularly?
No. Force closing is a normal part of using a Mac and does not damage the system or the app. However, if you are force closing the same app every day, that app likely has a problem and should be updated or replaced.
What if the Force Quit window itself is frozen?
This is extremely rare. If it happens, restart your Mac by holding the power button for 10 seconds. A restart will close everything, including the frozen Force Quit window.