Instructions apply to devices running macOS Mojave (10.14) and later.
PressCommand+Option+Escon the keyboard to pull up theForce Quit Applicationspop-up menu.
PressReturnon the keyboard, or click theForce Quitbutton.
Rob Rich / Lifewire
When the Do you want to force [App Name] to quit?
confirmation window appears, pressReturnon the keyboard or click theForce Quitbutton to confirm.
Press and holdOptionon the keyboard.
Rob Rich / Lifewire
Right-tap the applications icon in the Dock at the bottom of the screen.
SelectForce Quitfrom the pop-up menu.
The reason its there is for those moments when an system stops responding.
Rob Rich / Lifewire
These are situations where the regularCommand+Qapproach stops working.
An utility slowing down or taking longer than expected doesnt necessarily mean its gotten stuck.
Click theRestartbutton or pressReturnon the keyboard to confirm.
Rob Rich / Lifewire
If the Mac itself is frozen, press and holdCommand+Controlon the keyboard, then press the MacsPowerbutton.
The location of the button differs depending on the model of Mac or MacBook.
Wait for the Mac to restart completely before attempting to reopen any applications.
Some models of MacBook require you to press and hold only the Power button to force a shut down.
