How to Close Apps on MacBook and End Background Tasks
When your MacBook starts feeling sluggish, it’s often because too many apps or background tasks are running. Knowing the right ways to close programs and end unnecessary processes can free up memory and boost performance. Whether you’re dealing with unresponsive apps or just want to tidy things up, there are several quick techniques you can use that go beyond a simple click. Let’s explore which method suits your workflow best and what steps to take next.
Using the Close Button for Basic App Closure
To close an application on a MacBook, the standard method is to click the red close button located at the top left corner of the application window.
It's important to note that this action only closes the specific window you're interacting with and doesn't necessarily terminate the application itself. Certain applications, such as web browsers and word processors, may continue to operate in the background even after their windows are closed.
If the intent is solely to hide the window without quitting the application, using the close button is effective.
However, users should be aware that the application may still be active and consuming resources until it's explicitly quit through alternative means, such as using the "Quit" option in the application menu or by pressing Command (⌘) + Q.
Therefore, it's advisable to verify the status of the application in the Dock, where active applications are displayed.
In summary, closing a window and quitting an application are distinct actions.
Users should understand this difference to manage their applications and system resources effectively.
Quitting Apps From the Main Menu
One effective method for fully quitting applications on a MacBook involves utilizing the main menu located at the top left of the screen.
To do this, click on the name of the application in the menu bar, and then select “Quit [App Name]” from the resulting drop-down menu. This action instructs the Mac to terminate the application, which includes closing the program and concluding any associated background processes.
This approach is distinct from merely closing a window, as quitting the application helps to free up system memory and prevents inactive applications from remaining in the background.
For those looking to maintain oversight over the applications that are open and those running in the background, consistently using the quit option from the main menu is advisable.
Leveraging Keyboard Shortcuts to Close Programs
Several keyboard shortcuts facilitate the efficient closing of applications on a MacBook. The shortcut Command (⌘) + Q is used to close the currently active app quickly.
For unresponsive applications, the combination of Option (⌥) + Command (⌘) + Esc opens the Force Quit window, allowing users to select and force quit the non-responsive application.
To switch between open programs, holding Command (⌘) + Tab enables users to cycle through them, and while still holding Command, pressing Q will close applications as they're navigated.
Familiarizing oneself with these shortcuts can enhance program management and productivity by reducing reliance on the mouse or trackpad.
Closing Applications via the Dock
The Dock on a MacBook is an effective tool for managing open applications. To close an application, users can control-click or right-click on the app's icon in the Dock, which will bring up a context menu. From this menu, selecting the "Quit" option will attempt to close the application.
This method is generally reliable, even for applications that may not be responding as expected, as it allows for a safe termination of the app. In cases where an application doesn't close using the typical quit function, additional options may be necessary.
For most scenarios, however, utilizing the quit function from the Dock proves sufficient. This approach emphasizes the importance of managing application performance on a Mac device efficiently and safely.
Managing and Closing Background Tasks With Activity Monitor
Activity Monitor is a built-in utility on macOS that provides an overview of all currently running applications and background processes. To access Activity Monitor, you can navigate to the Utilities folder within the Applications directory or utilize Spotlight for a quicker search.
This tool displays real-time data on system processes, notably under the CPU tab, which allows users to identify applications and tasks that are utilizing significant resources.
To terminate a process in Activity Monitor, select the desired task and click the X button located in the toolbar. Users have the option to choose “Quit” to close the application gracefully or “Force Quit” if the application is unresponsive.
Regular monitoring and management of these processes are advisable, as doing so can enhance overall system performance and ensure that the MacBook operates efficiently.
Forcing Unresponsive Apps to Quit
Occasionally, users may encounter applications that become unresponsive and don't close using standard methods. In such cases, force quitting the application can be a viable solution.
To initiate a force quit, users can access the Apple menu and select “Force Quit,” or alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Option-Command-Esc to bring up the Force Quit Applications window. In this interface, users can select the unresponsive application and confirm their choice by clicking “Force Quit.”
Another method to force quit an application involves using Activity Monitor, which can be located in the Applications > Utilities folder. By launching Activity Monitor, users can locate the problematic application in the list, select it, and click the “Stop” (X) button. This action will prompt a confirmation to “Force Quit” the application.
It is important to note that while force quitting can effectively terminate an unresponsive application, it may also lead to the loss of any unsaved data. Therefore, this measure should be reserved for situations where standard closing methods have proven ineffective and when the preservation of data isn't a primary concern.
Stopping Programs Using Terminal Commands
Terminal can be utilized to terminate unresponsive applications when standard methods do not suffice. To access Terminal, navigate to Launchpad > Other > Terminal where you can employ command line instructions. To close background processes, the command `killall [program name]` can be used, ensuring that the capitalization of the program name corresponds precisely to its actual designation. For enhanced accuracy, execute `ps aux | grep [program name]` to identify the process ID (PID) associated with the program, followed by `kill [PID]` to terminate it. If the program does not respond to the initial command, using `kill -9 [PID]` will forcibly terminate the process. While Activity Monitor provides similar functionality, Terminal commands can serve as a faster alternative for users with a technical background. This method is particularly beneficial in situations where graphical interfaces fail to terminate applications effectively.
Conclusion
Now you know how to easily close apps and end background tasks on your MacBook. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the Dock, or the main menu, you’ve got multiple ways to quickly quit apps. For tougher cases, Activity Monitor and Terminal can help you manage stubborn or hidden processes. With these methods, your MacBook will run smoother and stay clutter-free. Don't hesitate to use them—they’ll help keep your MacBook performing at its best.