Mac Guides

Beginner

3 min read 5 stepsMarch 31, 2026Verified March 2026

How to Force Quit a Frozen App on Mac

When a Mac app freezes and won't respond, Force Quit closes it without crashing your whole computer.

At a Glance

Use the keyboard shortcut (quickest method)

~27s

Press and hold Cmd+Option+Esc (all three keys at the same time). The Option key is also labeled "Alt" on some keyboards — it is right next to the Cmd key. A window called "Force Quit Applications" will appear. Look for the app that says "(not responding)" next to its name, click on it to highlight it, and then click the "Force Quit" button.

Quick Tip

This keyboard shortcut is the fastest way to close a frozen app. Try to memorize it: Cmd+Option+Esc.

Use the Apple menu instead

~16s

If you prefer using the mouse, click the Apple logo in the very top left corner of your screen. In the menu that drops down, click "Force Quit." The same Force Quit Applications window will appear. Select the stuck app from the list and click "Force Quit."

Right-click the app icon in the Dock

~21s

Look at the row of app icons at the bottom of your screen (this is called the Dock). Hold down the Option key on your keyboard, then right-click (or tap with two fingers on a trackpad) on the icon of the frozen app. You will see "Force Quit" appear at the top of the menu. Click it to close the app immediately.

Use Activity Monitor for stubborn apps

~33s

If none of the above methods work, open Activity Monitor by pressing Cmd+Space to open Spotlight search, then typing "Activity Monitor" and pressing Enter. Find the frozen app in the list, click on it, then click the X button in the top left corner of the Activity Monitor window. Click "Force Quit" to confirm. This is the most powerful method and works even when the others do not.

Warning

You may lose any unsaved work in the app you force quit. When you reopen the app, it may offer to restore your previous work — click "Restore" if you see that option.

What to do if your entire Mac is frozen

~30s

If your Mac is completely unresponsive and nothing works — the mouse will not move, keyboard shortcuts do nothing — press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the screen goes dark. Wait another 10 seconds, then press the power button again to restart. Only do this as an absolute last resort, because any unsaved work will be lost.

Warning

A forced shutdown should only be used when nothing else works. It will not damage your Mac, but you will lose anything you had not saved.

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Official Resources

Apple Support How-To Geek — Mac Apple Support YouTube

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