One of the best things about the Windows operating system is that it offers multiple options for a task. For instance, there are multiple ways to open and close apps. Many users know about the two or three ways available to close apps in Windows.
This guide shows the six ways out there to close an app in Windows 11. Note that we have not included the Command Prompt/PowerShell method in this guide as most users are not comfortable with it.
In no particular order, the following are the six easy ways to close apps in Windows 11.
Method 1 of 7
Click the Close button on the title bar to close apps in Windows 11
Step 1: When the app that you want to close is open on your screen, simply move the mouse pointer to the “X” (close) button and then click it to close the app immediately.
Method 2 of 7
Use Alt + F4 hotkey to close apps in Windows 11
You can close any app by simultaneously pressing the Alt and F4 keys (Alt + F4). If there is any unsaved work, you will see a prompt for it. If not, the app will be closed immediately.
Method 3 of 7
Close apps right from the taskbar in Windows 11
If an app is minimized to the taskbar, you can close it without opening it. You can also use this method if an app refuses to open (maximize) after minimizing it. All you need to do is, perform a right-click on the app’s icon on the taskbar and then click the Close window option.
Method 4 of 7
Close apps using Ctrl + Shift + W in Windows 11
Most users are not aware of this hotkey as it cannot be used for all apps. One can use Ctrl + Shift + W hotkey to close only apps that have tabs. For instance, Notepad, web browsers like Google Chrome, Edge and Firefox can be closed using Ctrl + Shift + W keyboard shortcut. Note that the Ctrl + W hotkey is used to close a tab whereas Ctrl + Shift + W is used to close the app.
Simultaneously press the Ctrl, Shift, and W keys when the app is open to close it.
Method 5 of 7
Close apps from the Alt + Tab screen in Windows 11
This is another hidden method available in Windows to close apps. You know that the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut can be used to switch apps, but did you know that you can close apps from the Alt + Tab screen. You did not right? Here is how.
Step 1: Simultaneously press the Alt and Tab keys to view all running apps and windows.
Step 2: To close an app, select it using the Tab key and then press the Delete key. Alternatively, when you are on the Alt + Tab screen, hover the mouse cursor over the app that you want to close to see the close (X) button. Click the same to close the app.
Method 6 of 7
Close apps via Task Manager in Windows 11
The Task Manager can not only be used to view the resource usage but also to end running and non-responding apps. Here is how.
Step 1: Use the search function or Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to open the Task Manager.
Step 2: On the left pane, click Processes to view all running processes.
Step 3: To close an app, right-click on its entry in the processes list and then click the End task option.
Method 7 of 7
Close an app from the title bar in Windows 11
This is another lesser-known method for closing apps in the Windows operating system. To close an app, right-click on its title bar (right-click on a blank spot) and then click the Close option.
Our 5 ways to shut down, hibernate, sleep and restart Windows 11 PC guide might also interest you.
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