How to Close Apps in Windows 10

Apps, also known as programs, make up the core of the Windows 10 user experience. Different types of apps allow users to get a wide range of tasks done, from word processing to web browsing to gaming. When you're done using an app, you'll probably want to close it.

• Before you start: Be sure to save any unsaved data in the app you plan to close. You'll be interrupted to during the process if you don't.

EditSteps

EditClosing Apps in Regular (Desktop) Mode

1. Use the button window control.
   
   • Move your mouse to the top-right. Be sure to hover over the button.
   • Watch for it to turn . It should happen instantaneously.
   • Click it. The app will close.
2. Right-click the taskbar icon. Right-clicking the taskbar brings up a list of options, including the ability to close the window(s).
   
   • Locate the icon of the app you wish to close.
   • Right-click the app icon.
   • Click . It's the option closest to the icon.
     • Note: The option will be listed as if the app has multiple windows open and you've configured the icons to combine. You can configure this setting in "Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > "Combine taskbar buttons" dropdown".
3. Use the Task View window.
   
   • Click the taskbar task view icon. It's to the right of the search bar/icon. Alternatively, press together.
   • Locate the app you wish to close.
   • Move your pointer to the top-right of the app preview, parallel to the title.
   • Click the button. It'll turn when highlighted.
4. End the task via Task Manager. Ending tasks in Task Manager has been commonly used to close frozen apps since Windows 9x.^[1]
   
   • Open Task Manager. Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and click .
   • Ensure you're in the advanced view. If so, you'll see a collection of tabs towards the top. If you find yourself in the simplified view, click "More details" at the bottom.
   • Ensure you're on the tab.
   • Click an app from below the "Apps" header.
   • Click from the bottom-right. The app should close within a few seconds.
5. Use the title bar context menu.
   
   • Right-click the title bar of the app.
   • Choose . It's at the bottom of the menu.
6. Use the keys. Pressing these two keys will close the currently selected app window. Unselected windows won't be affected.
   

EditClosing Apps in Tablet Mode

1. Use the button window control.
   
   • Tap the button at the top-right of your screen. Note: The window control for Windows Store apps is hidden until provoked (only by a mouse).
   • Tap it. The app will close and the full screen Start menu will open.
2. Pull the app's title bar to the bottom of the screen. This was introduced as the way to close Windows 8 Metro apps.^[2] It's slightly different in Windows 10—there is no flip animation. Just pull the title bar to the bottom of the screen and release.
   
3. Use the Task View window.
   
   • Click the taskbar task view icon. It's to the right of the search bar/icon. Alternatively, press together.
   • Locate the app you wish to close. From here, you can drag it to the bottom or continue reading.
   • Press and hold on the app preview.
   • Choose .
4. Use Task Manager. Ending tasks in Task Manager has been commonly used to close frozen apps since Windows 9x.^[3]
   
   • Press the Cortana/search icon on the taskbar.
   • Search for .
   • Choose the matching result.
   • Task Manager: Alternatively, right-click the listing and click from the context menu.
   • Tap from the bottom-right. The app should close within a few seconds.
5. Use the title bar context menu.
   
   • Hold down and release the title bar of the app.
   • Choose . It's at the bottom of the menu.
6. Use the taskbar app icon context menu.
   
   • Press and hold the taskbar.
   • Ensure there is a check mark next to . If not, tap it.
   • Locate the icon of the app you wish to close.
   • Hold down and release the app icon.
   • Tap . It's the option closest to the icon.
     • Note: The option will be listed as if the app has multiple windows open and you've configured the icons to combine. You can configure this setting in "Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > "Combine taskbar buttons" dropdown".

EditVideo

EditTips

• Windows Explorer will have a option, which will fix any problems with the Windows Shell/UI^[4]—such as a frozen taskbar.
• If using the Task View method in Tablet mode, you can also drag the window preview to the bottom to close the app.
• If you know the app's .exe name, you can quickly force it to close through the Command Prompt. Open the Command Prompt and type . The .exe name can be found by right-clicking the app in Task Manager and choosing .
  • You may be required to add right before This will force the chosen process to close. Ensure that you leave a space after
  • You can open the Command Prompt by right-clicking the Start button and choosing .

EditThings You'll Need

• Device running Windows 10

EditRelated wikiHows

• Force a Program to Close (Windows)
• Install Apps from the Windows Store in Windows 10
• Use Snap Assist in Windows 10
• Pin a Program to the Windows 10 Taskbar
• Uninstall Windows 10 Store Apps
• Uninstall Programs in Windows 10
• Change Your App Mode in Windows 10

EditSources and Citations

• https://www.gottabemobile.com/how-to-close-apps-in-windows-10/
• https://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-fastest-way-to-close-all-running-programs-in-windows/

EditQuick Summary

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