How to Force Quit an App on macOS: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever been stuck with an unresponsive app on your Mac? It can be quite frustrating, but don’t worry; there are several ways to force quit an app on macOS. In this article, I’ll walk you through the different methods to force quit an app, ensuring that you can get back to your work or leisure activities without any hassle.
Using the Force Quit Dialog
The Force Quit Dialog is one of the most straightforward methods to force quit an app on macOS. Here’s how you can do it:
- Press Command + Option + Escape on your keyboard to open the Force Quit Dialog.
- Select the unresponsive app from the list of open applications.
- Click on the Force Quit button to close the app.
This method is quick and easy, but it may not always work if the app is completely frozen.
Using the Activity Monitor
The Activity Monitor is a powerful tool that can help you force quit an app that’s not responding. Here’s how to use it:
- Open the Applications folder and then open the Utilities folder.
- Double-click on the Activity Monitor app to open it.
- Find the unresponsive app in the list of processes.
- Click on the app and then click on the Quit Process button.
This method is more technical than the Force Quit Dialog, but it can be more effective in some cases.
Using the Terminal
The Terminal is a command-line interface that can be used to force quit an app on macOS. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Applications folder and then open the Utilities folder.
- Double-click on the Terminal app to open it.
- Enter the following command, replacing APP_NAME with the name of the unresponsive app:
killall APP_NAME
This command will force quit the specified app. Be careful when using the Terminal, as incorrect commands can cause system instability.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
In some cases, you can use keyboard shortcuts to force quit an app. Here are a few options:
- Press Command + Option + Shift + Escape to open the Force Quit Dialog.
- Press Command + Option + Q to force quit the frontmost app.
These shortcuts can be useful if you’re in a hurry or if you can’t use the mouse.
Using Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available that can help you force quit apps on macOS. Some of these apps offer additional features, such as the ability to force quit multiple apps at once or to automatically force quit unresponsive apps. Here are a few popular options:
App Name | Description | Price |
---|---|---|
Force Quitter | A simple app that allows you to force quit any app on your Mac. | $2.99 |
Quitter | Another simple app that allows you to force quit any app on your Mac. | $1.99 |
AppForceQuit | A more advanced app that offers additional features, such as the ability to force quit multiple apps at once. | $4.99 |
Before using any third-party app, make sure to read the reviews and check the app’s compatibility with your macOS version.
Preventing Unresponsive Apps
While force quitting an app is a useful skill, it’s even better to prevent unresponsive apps from happening in the first place. Here