How to Force Quit on Mac (6 Ways)
There is no denying the fact that Apple’s macOS is known for its smooth and seamless operation. However, no matter how advanced the Macs or MacBooks are, encountering unresponsive applications is a universal experience, leaving you stranded in a sea of unresponsiveness. Whether you are editing a crucial document, designing a masterpiece, or simply browsing the web, an application freeze can disrupt your workflow. And exactly, it’s in these moments of frustration knowing how to force quit on Mac becomes a valuable skill. In this guide, we will bypass the jargon and take a practical approach to tackle unresponsive applications on your Mac by detailing the different methods you can employ to force quit applications on your Mac.
1. Force Quit on Mac Using the Apple Menu
Using the Apple Menu to force quit applications on Mac provides a straightforward way to handle unresponsive or frozen apps without the need for memorizing additional keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how you can force quit apps inmacOS Sonoma:
2. Force Quit Apps on Mac using Keyboard Shortcut
When faced with an unresponsive application on your Mac, using the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + Escape can quickly become your go-to solution. Here’s how this method works:
3. Force Quit on Mac Using Applications Dock
Most Mac users think that forcing quitting an application from the dock is not possible, as there isn’t any force quit option available in the dock menu; instead, a Quit option is available. But you can access the hidden force quit option by simply pressing and holding a key. Here’s how:
4. Force Quit on Mac using Activity Monitor
The Activity Monitor is a built-in macOS utility where you get a detailed look at your Mac’s process, including applications and system tasks. All this makes it easier for you to pinpoint resource-heavy or unresponsive apps. This method is the most useful when you need to identify which application is causing the performance issue and then force quit it. Here’s how:
5. Force Quit Applications on Mac using Terminal
This method is for advanced Mac users who are comfortable with command-line interfaces. Using Terminal for force quitting apps on Mac provides precise control over the process. Here’s how:
If an app contains more than two words, you should put its name in quotation marks (like “Google Chrome”). Also, the name of the app is case-sensitive.
Moreover, it is important to exercise caution and ensure you are force quitting the correct process, as Terminal commands have direct and immediate effects on your system.
Note:The killall command works at the system level, which means the Autosave option won’t work. So, make sure to save any unsaved work before force quitting an application, as you may lose unsaved changes.
6. Force Restart Mac
If all else fails, a good old-fashioned force restart can work wonders. It gives your Mac a fresh start and has the ability to clear up any issues causing the misbehaving app. Here’s how you can:
And that’s it; this is how you can force quit on Mac. Mastering these techniques lets you keep your Mac running smoothly even when apps go rogue. Remember, force quitting should be a last resort; always try closing applications through regular methods first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do I shutdown a Mac that is not responding?
You can force shut down your Mac by pressing and holding the power button until your Mac shuts down. Alternatively, you can force restart your Mac if it isn’t responding.
Q. How do I unfreeze my Mac without force quit?
Restarting your Mac is the only option if you want to unfreeze an app without force quitting it.
Vikhyat Rishi
Vikhyat has a bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Communication Engineering and over five years of writing experience. His passion for technology and Apple products led him to Beebom, where he specializes in writing App features, How To’s and app troubleshooting guides for fellow Apple users. When not typing away on his MacBook Pro, he loves exploring the real world.
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