Using a MacBook provides an incredibly smooth and user-friendly experience, thanks to its powerful hardware and intuitive software. Whether you’re working on a project, browsing the web, or simply relaxing with a movie, the MacBook excels at multitasking—allowing you to run numerous applications simultaneously. However, just like with any other system, leaving apps open for long periods can have a detrimental effect on the performance and speed of your device. While it’s easy to forget about closing apps when you’re switching between tasks, it’s important to remember that each open application consumes system resources, including CPU, memory, and battery life.
If these resources are occupied by unnecessary apps, your MacBook might start slowing down, running hotter, or even experience crashes. Therefore, learning how to close apps on your MacBook effectively is essential for keeping your system optimized, extending its lifespan, and ensuring that it continues to operate at its best. I will explore several efficient methods for closing apps on your MacBook, helping you achieve a faster, more responsive device. Whether you prefer using the Dock, keyboard shortcuts, or Force Quit, you’ll find a solution that fits your needs.
The Importance of Closing Apps on Your MacBook
Before diving into the various methods, it’s important to understand why closing apps on your MacBook is essential for optimal performance. Leaving apps open can slow down your system over time and cause it to lag. Not only does closing unused apps free up your system’s resources, but it also enhances battery life, reduces heat generation, and prevents potential software issues.
| Activity | Impact of Leaving Apps Open | Impact of Closing Apps |
| System Performance | Slower system speed, reduced responsiveness | Improved responsiveness and faster system processing |
| Battery Life | Drains battery faster due to active apps | Helps conserve battery and extends its life |
| Memory Usage | Higher memory usage, risk of crashes | Reduced memory usage and smoother operation |
| CPU Load | Increased CPU usage can cause overheating | Lower CPU usage reduces heat and noise |
| User Experience | May cause apps to crash or freeze | Improved app stability and fewer crashes |
Using Activity Monitor to Close Apps
For more advanced users or those experiencing significant system slowdowns, the Activity Monitor is an essential tool for managing running applications and processes on your MacBook. Unlike the typical methods of closing apps, Activity Monitor gives you a detailed breakdown of which apps and processes are consuming your system’s resources, such as memory (RAM), CPU usage, and disk activity. This is especially helpful when you notice your MacBook becoming sluggish or unresponsive. Often, certain apps or background processes can consume a disproportionate amount of your system’s resources, causing the system to slow down or overheat.
How to Close Apps on MacBook: Different Methods
When it comes to closing apps on your MacBook, there is no one-size-fits-all method. Depending on your preferences, the app you’re trying to close, and whether it’s responsive, macOS provides several methods to help you manage your open applications efficiently. These methods cater to various situations, whether you’re simply closing an app that’s no longer needed or dealing with a frozen app that won’t respond. Let’s explore these different ways of closing apps and how they can benefit you in different scenarios.
Closing Apps Using the Dock
The Dock is a central feature of macOS that provides quick access to your most frequently used apps and currently running applications. It’s not just for launching apps; you can also use it to close them. The Dock is a great tool because it gives you a clear view of which apps are active, making it easy to manage them. Here’s how to close an app from the Dock:
Locate the App Icon
To close an app using the Dock, the first thing you need to do is find the app icon. The Dock is a horizontal bar located at the bottom of your screen (by default), and it holds icons for all your currently open applications. Each app that is running will display its icon here, letting you know that the app is actively running on your MacBook.
The app icons in the Dock often show a small dot beneath them or may appear differently when they are open. This visual indicator helps you easily identify which apps are currently in use, making it simpler to decide which app to close. For example, if you have several apps open, you can quickly scan the Dock and see which ones are still active and running.
Right-Click the Icon
Once you’ve located the app icon in the Dock, the next step is to interact with it. You’ll need to right-click (or control-click if you’re using a trackpad) on the app’s icon. This action will bring up a contextual menu, which displays a variety of options for managing that particular app.
In the context menu, you might see options such as “Open,” “Show All Windows,” or “Options.” The key option you’re looking for here is “Quit.” By right-clicking the app’s icon, you gain the ability to quickly perform actions such as quitting the app or pinning it to the Dock for easy access in the future.
Choose “Quit.”
After right-clicking (or control-clicking) the app icon, you’ll see several options in the context menu. To close the app completely, you’ll want to select “Quit.”When you choose “Quit,” macOS will close the app immediately. This means that all open windows and processes associated with the app will be shut down. Any active tasks, such as files or projects you were working on, will be closed. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to ensure that you’ve saved your work before quitting the app, as quitting can result in the loss of unsaved data.
Using the App’s Menu Bar
Another quick and simple method to close an app is through the app’s Menu Bar, which is located at the top of your screen next to the Apple logo. This method works especially well when you want to close the app you’re actively using without navigating away from it. By clicking on the app’s name in the menu bar, you’ll see the option to quit the app directly. This method is efficient for users who prefer working within the active window, as it allows you to quickly close the app from the top of the screen. Simply selecting Quit [App Name] will close the app, including all its windows and processes, without needing to go to the Dock or Activity Monitor. It’s one of the most intuitive ways to quit apps on a MacBook.
Select the App: Click on the App Window That You Want to Close to Make It Active
To close an app using the app’s menu bar, the first step is to make the app window active. This means clicking directly on the window of the app that you want to close. By doing this, you’re indicating to your Mac that you wish to interact with this particular app. The active app will be the one that receives your input, meaning it will be the app you’re working with at that moment.
If you have multiple apps open, it’s important to ensure the correct app is active, especially if you’re trying to close one specific app while keeping others running. To activate an app, simply click anywhere within the app’s window, such as on a button, text field, or just within the main interface. You’ll notice that the app’s name in the menu bar (top-left corner) changes to reflect the active app, confirming that it is now selected.
Go to the app’s menu: In the Top-Left Corner of Your Screen, You’ll See the App’s Name Next to the Apple Logo
Once you’ve clicked on the app window and made it active, your next step is to navigate to the app’s menu. The menu bar at the top of your screen is where you’ll find options for interacting with the app, such as file management, preferences, help options, and more. In the top-left corner, you’ll notice the app’s name (e.g., Safari, Finder, Word), located right next to the Apple logo.
This is a critical area when you want to control the app you’re using. By clicking the app’s name in the menu bar, you’ll open a drop-down menu with various options specific to that app. Every app has its own customized menu, and the options may differ depending on the type of app you’re using.
Select Quit: From the drop-down menu, click “Quit [App Name].”
After accessing the app’s menu, the final step is to close the app using the Quit option. In the drop-down menu, look for the Quit option, which will be located towards the bottom of the list. The exact wording will be Quit [App Name], so, for example, it would read “Quit Safari” or “Quit Word.”
Clicking Quit will immediately close the app and all of its windows. Unlike other methods where you may close only a specific window, using the Quit option in the menu will fully exit the app, shutting down its processes and freeing up system resources. It’s important to save any work you’ve done before quitting, as closing the app this way will also close all active files and sessions within the app.
Force Quit Using the Apple Menu
Sometimes, an app may become unresponsive or freeze, making it impossible to close using regular methods. This can happen due to various reasons, such as excessive memory usage, software bugs, or system errors. In these cases, the Force Quit option becomes incredibly useful. Force quitting is a powerful tool when other methods, like closing the app from the Dock or using the Menu Bar, don’t work.
It’s especially handy when an app becomes stuck and refuses to respond to your commands. By using Force Quit, you can quickly terminate the app, allowing your MacBook to function properly again without waiting for the app to resolve its issues on its own. This method is effective and essential for troubleshooting frozen apps or any process that seems to be stuck in a non-responsive state.
Click on the Apple Icon: In the Top-Left Corner of Your Screen, Click on the Apple Logo
When dealing with an unresponsive or frozen app, one of the most reliable methods to close it is through the Force Quit option in the Apple Menu. To begin, you’ll need to look at the top-left corner of your screen. The Apple logo is always located in this corner, and clicking on it will bring up a drop-down menu with several options related to your system.
This menu contains essential functions like System Preferences, Recent Items, and, most importantly, Force Quit. The Apple logo is a key feature in macOS, and it acts as the hub for many system-level commands, including shutting down your Mac or restarting it. When an app becomes unresponsive, the Force Quit option within this menu is often the quickest way to regain control.
Choose “Force Quit”: “Force Quit” should be chosen from the drop-down menu.
Once you’ve clicked on the Apple icon in the top-left corner, a drop-down menu will appear. In this menu, scroll down, and you’ll find the Force Quit option. This option is specifically designed to help users deal with apps that have stopped responding. Selecting Force Quit will open a new window titled Force Quit Applications.
The Force Quit option is essential for resolving problems with apps that are frozen, have become unresponsive, or are consuming excessive system resources. This method is more powerful than simply trying to close the app through regular means because it forcibly ends the app’s processes, regardless of its state. This is particularly helpful when an app refuses to close using other methods, like right-clicking on the Dock or using the menu bar.
Choose the App: In the Force Quit Window, a List of All Currently Running Apps Will Appear
After selecting Force Quit, a new window will pop up called Force Quit Applications. In this window, you will see a list of all the apps that are currently running on your Mac. The apps will be listed alphabetically, and beside each one, you’ll notice its status (whether it’s responding or not). Apps that have become unresponsive or frozen will typically show as “Not Responding” in the list.
This window makes it easy for you to identify which app is causing trouble. Simply scroll through the list to locate the unresponsive app. Once you’ve found it, click on it to highlight the app. Make sure you’re selecting the correct one, as the next step will forcibly close the chosen app.
Click “Force Quit”: Once the App Is Selected, Click the “Force Quit” Button to Close the App
Once you have selected the app that you want to close in the Force Quit Applications window, the final step is to click the Force Quit button at the bottom-right of the window. This action will immediately close the selected app, even if it’s frozen or not responding.
It’s important to note that Force Quit will not give you a chance to save your work within the app. Any unsaved data may be lost, so always try to save your work regularly to avoid losing important information. After clicking Force Quit, the app will shut down immediately, and you’ll regain control over your Mac. You can now reopen the app, troubleshoot any issues, or simply continue using your system without the interference of a frozen app.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Closing Apps
For those who prefer to work quickly with the keyboard, macOS provides several helpful shortcuts to close apps and windows efficiently. Here are the most commonly used shortcuts for closing apps:
What it does: Pressing Command + Q closes the currently active app immediately. This is the fastest way to close any open app.
What it does: If you have multiple windows open in an app (like Safari with multiple tabs), pressing Command + W will only close the active window, not the entire app. This is helpful when you want to keep the app running but just close one window.
What it does: This opens the Force Quit Applications window, allowing you to close apps that are frozen or not responding. It’s a quick way to access Force Quit without navigating through the Apple menu.
The Importance of Regularly Closing Unused Apps
Many users often leave apps open in the background, thinking that they can just quickly jump back into them later. However, leaving apps open unnecessarily can severely impact the overall performance of your MacBook. Each app you have open consumes a portion of your system’s resources, even if you’re not actively using it. This can cause your MacBook to slow down, drain your battery faster, and lead to unnecessary heating.
Regularly closing unused apps ensures that your system remains responsive and optimized. By making a habit of closing apps you’re no longer using, you’ll help maintain the speed and efficiency of your MacBook. Whether it’s an email app or a web browser, reducing the number of open applications allows your MacBook to operate at peak performance, ensuring that you can accomplish your tasks without lag or frustration.
Reducing System Load and Memory Usage
The more apps and processes you have running, the more resources your MacBook needs to allocate to them. Even if these apps are running in the background, they still consume valuable memory (RAM) and CPU power. This means that when you’re using multiple apps simultaneously, your MacBook’s performance can degrade significantly. For instance, if you’re running resource-heavy apps like video editors, web browsers with many tabs, or games, they can take up a significant portion of your available memory, leaving less for other tasks.
By closing apps that you no longer need, you free up this memory, allowing your MacBook to perform better and handle other tasks more efficiently. Additionally, by reducing the load on the CPU, you’re preventing the system from overheating, which could otherwise result in slowdowns and battery drain. Overall, closing unused apps is a simple yet effective way to improve system performance, ensuring smoother multitasking and a faster MacBook experience.
Improving Battery Life
Battery life is one of the most important factors for portable devices like MacBooks. Apps running in the background can drain your battery quickly, especially if they’re resource-intensive. By closing unnecessary apps, you can extend your MacBook’s battery life.
| Resource | Before Closing Apps | After Closing Apps |
| CPU Usage | Higher, as more processes are running | Lower, as fewer apps are active |
| Memory Consumption | Higher, consuming more RAM | Reduced, freeing up memory for other tasks |
| Battery Life | Shorter, as more apps drain power | Longer, with fewer active processes |
| System Performance | Slower due to high load | Faster, as fewer apps use resources |
Wrapping Up
Knowing how to close apps on your MacBook efficiently is a crucial skill for maintaining optimal performance and preventing unnecessary strain on your system. The beauty of macOS is that it offers multiple ways to close applications, whether through the simple method of using the Dock or by taking advantage of more advanced tools like Activity Monitor. By regularly closing unused apps, you help free up precious system resources like memory and CPU, which can drastically improve the speed of your MacBook. Additionally, minimizing the number of running applications can extend battery life and reduce the overall wear and tear on your device.
While multitasking is an essential part of productivity, closing apps you no longer need is equally important for maintaining a smooth and efficient workflow. So, by incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can keep your MacBook running efficiently, ensuring that your device is always ready to tackle your next task with ease and speed. Ultimately, these simple yet effective steps will provide a more enjoyable and reliable user experience, allowing you to get the most out of your MacBook for years to come.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t close apps on my MacBook?
Not closing apps on your MacBook can negatively affect your device’s overall performance. When apps remain open, they continue to use system resources, including RAM and CPU. This can cause your MacBook to run slower, drain your battery faster, and potentially overheat. It’s important to regularly close unused apps to ensure smoother performance and to conserve energy, especially when you have many apps running in the background.
How can I close multiple apps at once on my MacBook?
While macOS doesn’t offer a direct way to close multiple apps simultaneously from the Dock, you can use Activity Monitor to manage multiple apps. To do so, open the Activity Monitor, find the apps you want to close, and select them. Then, click the “X” button at the top to force quit the selected apps. This is useful when you need to shut down several apps that are using up significant system resources all at once.
Does closing apps on my MacBook improve battery life?
Yes, closing apps can improve your MacBook’s battery life. Even if an app is not actively being used, it still consumes power in the background. Apps that are open and running, particularly resource-heavy ones, continue to drain the battery. By closing apps you’re not actively using, you can reduce unnecessary battery consumption, which is especially helpful during travel or when you’re working away from a power source.
Why can’t I close some apps on my MacBook?
If an app won’t close, it’s often because it’s frozen or experiencing a system error. In such cases, you’ll need to use the Force Quit option to close the app. Force quitting bypasses the usual quit process and can help when an app becomes unresponsive. If certain apps consistently fail to close, this may indicate a deeper issue, such as a bug or software conflict, which might require troubleshooting or an update to fix.
What’s the difference between Command + W and Command + Q on a MacBook?
Command + W is used to close the active window of an open app without quitting the app itself. This is ideal when you want to keep the app running but simply close one window. On the other hand, Command + Q completely quits the app, closing all its windows and processes. Use Command + Q when you’re done with an app and want to fully exit it, freeing up system resources.
How can I close apps on my MacBook using keyboard shortcuts?
You can quickly close apps on your MacBook using several keyboard shortcuts. Pressing Command + Q will quit the active app, closing all its windows. If you only want to close a single window, use Command + W. In case of an unresponsive app, you can press Option + Command + Esc to open the Force Quit window and force the app to close. These shortcuts are a fast way to manage your open apps without using the mouse.
Can closing apps on my MacBook improve performance?
Yes, closing unused apps can significantly improve your MacBook’s performance. When apps are open, they use system resources like CPU, RAM, and memory. The more apps that are open, the more resources your MacBook must allocate to manage them. By closing apps that you’re not using, you can free up these resources, resulting in better speed, efficiency, and overall performance. This is especially noticeable when you’re working with resource-intensive applications.