Windows – Close an Unresponsive Application

Windows – Close an Unresponsive Application

Purpose – This article provides instructions on how to force an unresponsive application to close. 

Scope – The article discusses use of the Task Manager utility; steps described are applicable to both Windows 10 & 11 versions.

Task Manager

You can force an unresponsive program to close by using the built-in Task Manager Windows utility:

1. Launch Task Manager through either one of the following methods:
   • Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys and the select the Task Manager option
   • 
   • Right-click on the bottom Taskbar and select the Task Manager option
   • 
2. Click on the Processes tab (should open to this tab by default)
   • Note: you may have to click on the More details option to expand the window
3. Click on the unresponsive application, then perform one of the actions to close it:
   • Press the Delete key
   • Click on the End task button
   • Right-click on the app and select the End task option