Ever opened too many apps on your Windows 11 PC and noticed things slowing down? Or maybe you just want to clean up your workspace but aren’t sure of the best way to close apps properly.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Windows 11 offers multiple ways to close apps, ranging from the simple click of an “X” button to advanced methods like Task Manager or Command Prompt. Whether you’re a beginner or a power user, this guide will walk you through all the safe and effective methods to close apps on Windows 11 step by step.
Why Do You Need to Close Apps in Windows 11?
You might be asking: Why not just leave apps open? Well, here are a few good reasons:
- Free Up Memory (RAM): Running too many apps consumes system resources.
- Improve Performance: Closing unused apps helps your PC run smoother.
- Avoid Clutter: A tidy desktop makes multitasking easier.
- Battery Life: Laptops run longer when fewer apps are open.
- Fix Frozen Apps: Sometimes, apps stop responding and must be force-closed.
Method 1: Close Apps Using the Title Bar (The Classic Way)
This is the method everyone knows.
Step 1: Select the App Window
Click on the app window you want to close.
Step 2: Click the “X” Button
Look at the top-right corner and click the X icon.
Boom! The app is closed.
Method 2: Close Apps with Keyboard Shortcut (Alt + F4)
Want a faster way? Use a keyboard shortcut.
Step 1: Highlight the App
Make sure the app is active (click inside it).
Step 2: Press Alt + F4
This instantly closes the app window.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re on the desktop (with no app selected), pressing Alt + F4 will open the shutdown menu.
Method 3: Close Apps from the Taskbar
This method is super convenient in Windows 11.
Step 1: Hover Over the Taskbar Icon
Move your cursor to the app’s icon on the taskbar.
Step 2: Right-Click the Icon
Select Close window.
If the app has multiple windows open (like Chrome), you can close all of them at once.
Method 4: Close Apps Using Task Manager
Task Manager is your best friend when an app freezes.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Step 2: Find the App
Look under the Processes tab.
Step 3: End the Task
Right-click the app and choose End Task.
This force-closes the app, even if it’s not responding.
Method 5: Close Apps from the Start Menu
Windows 11’s Start Menu also lets you close apps.
Step 1: Open Start Menu
Click the Start button.
Step 2: Locate the App
Find the running app in the pinned or recent section.
Step 3: Right-Click and Close
Select Close window from the options.
Method 6: Close Apps with the Task View (Virtual Desktops)
If you’re juggling multiple desktops, Task View helps.
Step 1: Open Task View
Press Win + Tab.
Step 2: Hover Over the App Window
Locate the app window you want to close.
Step 3: Click the “X”
Close it directly from Task View.
Method 7: Close Background Apps (Settings Method)
Some apps keep running even after closing the window.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Win + I.
Step 2: Go to Apps > Apps & Features
Find the app in the list.
Step 3: Disable Background Activity
Click Advanced options > Toggle Background apps permissions to Never.
This prevents apps from running in the background.
Method 8: Close Apps via Command Prompt (Advanced)
For power users who like the command line.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Admin
Search cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: List Running Tasks
Type:
tasklist
Step 3: Kill the App
Type:
taskkill /IM appname.exe /F
(Replace appname.exe with the actual process name, e.g., chrome.exe.)
Method 9: Close Apps with Windows PowerShell
Similar to Command Prompt but more modern.
Step 1: Open PowerShell
Search for PowerShell and run as administrator.
Step 2: Kill the App
Type:
Stop-Process -Name "appname" -Force
Replace appname with the name of the running app.
Method 10: Close Apps from System Tray
Some apps minimize to the system tray instead of closing.
Step 1: Expand the System Tray
Click the ^ arrow in the bottom-right corner.
Step 2: Right-Click the App Icon
Select Exit or Close.
This fully shuts down the app instead of leaving it running in the background.
Method 11: Close Apps with Touchscreen Gestures (For Tablets)
If you’re using Windows 11 on a tablet or touchscreen laptop:
Step 1: Open the App
Switch to the app you want to close.
Step 2: Swipe Down from the Top
Drag the window from the top edge of the screen to the bottom.
The app closes instantly—just like on a smartphone.
Method 12: Close Multiple Apps at Once
Sometimes you want to shut down everything quickly.
Step 1: Use Task Manager
Select multiple apps using Ctrl + Click.
Step 2: End Tasks Together
Right-click and select End Task to close them all.
Method 13: Force-Close a Frozen App with Shortcut
If your screen is stuck:
- Press Alt + F4 (if the app is selected).
- Or press Ctrl + Alt + Del → Select Task Manager → End Task.
Method 14: Restart Explorer to Close Apps
If your taskbar freezes or apps won’t close:
- Open Task Manager.
- Find Windows Explorer under Processes.
- Right-click → Restart.
This refreshes the interface and closes stuck apps.
Method 15: Close Apps Automatically on Shutdown
Windows 11 lets you close apps when shutting down.
- Press Alt + F4 on desktop.
- Select Shut Down or Restart.
- Windows will close all running apps automatically.
Best Practices for Closing Apps in Windows 11
- Always close apps from the X button if they’re working normally.
- Use Task Manager only when an app freezes.
- Disable unnecessary background apps to save resources.
- Avoid force-closing system apps (it can cause errors).
Final Thoughts
Closing apps in Windows 11 isn’t just about clicking the X button—you have multiple methods at your disposal. From the taskbar to Task Manager, Command Prompt, and even touchscreen gestures, you can take control of how apps behave on your PC.
Whether you want to free up memory, save battery, or fix a frozen app, the methods above cover everything you need.
FAQs
1. What’s the fastest way to close an app in Windows 11?
Press Alt + F4 on your keyboard—it’s quick and effective.
2. How do I close a frozen app?
Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), right-click the app, and choose End Task.
3. Do apps keep running after I click the X button?
Some apps minimize to the system tray. Check the system tray icons and exit them fully.
4. Can I close multiple apps at once?
Yes, in Task Manager, select multiple apps and click End Task.
5. Is it safe to force-close apps?
Yes, but only if they’re frozen. Force-closing may cause unsaved data to be lost.