Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 5
    Windows Guides
    Beginner
    1 min read 5 stepsJanuary 7, 2026Verified January 2026

    How to Open and Close Programs on Windows

    Master the basics of launching and closing applications on your Windows PC.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Windows Guides
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    1 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    beginner
    windows
    programs
    apps

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Open from the Start menu
    2. 2.Open from the desktop
    3. 3.Open from the taskbar
    4. 4.Close a program
    5. 5.Force close a frozen program
    1

    Open from the Start menu

    ~15s
    Click the Windows icon (Start) in the taskbar. Browse or search for the app you want to open.
    2

    Open from the desktop

    ~15s
    Double-click a desktop shortcut icon to launch that program directly.
    3

    Open from the taskbar

    ~15s
    Click any pinned app icon on the taskbar for quick access to often used programs.
    4

    Close a program

    ~15s
    Click the X button in the top-right corner of the program window to close it.
    5

    Force close a frozen program

    ~15s
    Press Ctrl+Alt+Del → Task Manager → select the frozen program → End Task.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: How to Open and Close Programs on Windows

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    beginner
    windows
    programs
    apps

    Official Resources

    Microsoft SupportHow-To Geek — WindowsGCFGlobal — Windows Basics

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Connect to Wi-Fi on Windows

    Next →

    How to Use the Taskbar on Windows

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Learn more from official sources

    Related Guides

    How to Turn Your PC On and Off

    Learn the proper way to start up and shut down your Windows PC to keep it running smoothly.

    1 min read

    How to Connect to Wi-Fi on Windows

    Get your Windows PC online by connecting to a wireless network in just a few clicks.

    1 min read

    How to Use the Taskbar on Windows

    Navigate Windows like a pro by understanding the taskbar and its features.

    1 min read