How to close Windows 11 apps, or force end a process

We want apps to always run smoothly in Windows 11, but occasionally apps may freeze or become unresponsive. Trying to close these apps usually solves the problem, but sometimes they don't even close properly.

In Windows 11, there are multiple ways to close stuck apps and even force-end a process if it's completely frozen. If you're new to this, here are a few workarounds you can try.

Close the application normally

The following two methods send normal exit signals to the application and will not affect data saving.

Method 1: Exit the application through the "Taskbar"

When clicking the X button of the application is invalid, or there is no "Close" button in the window:

• You can hover the mouse over the application icon in the "Taskbar" and click the extra X button to try to close the application.

Exit the application through the "Taskbar"

• You can also right-click the application icon on the "Taskbar" and select "Close Window" or "Close All Windows".

Close the window through the taskbar

Close all windows through the taskbar

If the application is completely unresponsive, this method may not work, but you can give it a try.

Method 2: Use the Alt F4 shortcut key to close the application

In Windows 11, one of the easiest ways to close an app is to press the Alt F4 shortcut key while the app is active. When using shortcut keys, make sure that the window you want to close is currently active to avoid closing other programs by mistake.

Normally, the active window will be displayed at the front of the screen and highlighted as a long bar on the "taskbar". Inactive windows are marked with a short gray bar in the taskbar.

Active and inactive windows in the taskbar

Force end the process

Forcing an application process to end may result in the loss of unsaved data.

Method 1: Use "Task Manager" to end the process

"Task Manager" is a common tool for solving problems in Windows and can be used to force the end of a process. When you encounter an application that is unresponsive, you can follow these steps:

1Use the Ctrl Shift ESC shortcut key, or right-click on a blank space on the taskbar and choose to open "Task Manager".

2 Select "Processes" in the left panel, find and select the unresponsive application process in the "Application" category on the right, and then click "End Task".

Use "Task Manager" to end the process

If you want to quickly access this function in the "Taskbar", you can:

1Use the Windows I shortcut key to open "Settings" and enter "System" > "Developer" options.

2 Turn on the "End Mission" switch.

3 This will add an "End Task" button when you right-click the taskbar icon. It will be more convenient to use.

End the process through the taskbar

Method 2: Terminate the process through "Settings"

In Windows 11, you can also terminate applications and related processes through "Settings". This is mainly applicable to "modern" applications installed through the Microsoft Store. The steps are as follows:

1Use the Windows I shortcut key to open "Settings" and enter the "Applications" > "Installed Applications" option.

2 Find the app you want to close in the list, click the ··· (three dots) button next to it, and then select "Advanced Options".

3Click the "Terminate" button.

Kill the process in "Settings"

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