You can easily force quit an unresponsive application on your Mac using a simple keyboard shortcut or the Apple menu.
Quick Ways to Force Quit an Application
When an application on your Mac freezes or stops responding, force quitting it is the most effective way to close it without restarting your entire system.
Using the Keyboard Shortcut
This method opens the "Force Quit Applications" window, allowing you to select and close any non-responsive app.
- Press these three keys together: Option (or Alt) + Command + Esc (Escape).
- The "Force Quit Applications" window will appear.
- Select the application that you want to quit from the list.
- Click the Force Quit button.
- Confirm your choice if prompted.
Through the Apple Menu
Another straightforward way to access the force quit option is directly from the Apple menu at the top of your screen.
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
- From the dropdown menu, select Force Quit....
- The "Force Quit Applications" window will open.
- Choose the application that is not responding.
- Click Force Quit, then confirm your action.
Relaunching Finder
The Finder on your Mac is always running, managing your desktop and files. If Finder itself becomes unresponsive, you can force it to quit and then immediately relaunch it without needing to restart your Mac.
- Open the "Force Quit Applications" window using either the keyboard shortcut (Option + Command + Esc) or the Apple menu ( > Force Quit...).
- In the list of applications, select Finder.
- Click the Relaunch button.
- Finder will close and then automatically reopen, refreshing your desktop and open windows.
Summary of Methods
| Method | Action | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Shortcut | Press Option + Command + Esc, select app, click Force Quit. | Quick closure of any app. |
| Apple Menu | Click > Force Quit..., select app, click Force Quit. | Alternative for keyboard access. |
| Relaunching Finder | In Force Quit window, select Finder, click Relaunch. | When Finder becomes unresponsive. |
