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Closing apps on a Mac seems like a simple task, but many users are unaware of the proper way to fully close apps. Improperly closing apps can lead to performance issues and can even cause the app to crash. In this blog post, we will explore the various methods to fully close apps on a Mac and why it is important to do so.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Fully Close Apps on Mac
Properly closing apps on a Mac is essential for several reasons. Firstly, closing apps that are no longer in use can help free up system resources and improve overall performance. When an app is open, it takes up memory and processing power, even if you are not actively using it. By fully closing unused apps, you can ensure that your Mac is running smoothly.
Secondly, fully closing apps can help improve battery life on a Mac laptop. When an app is left running in the background, it continues to consume resources, including battery power. By closing unnecessary apps, you can extend the battery life of your Mac.
Additionally, fully closing apps can help prevent data loss or corruption. If an app is not closed properly and the system crashes, there is a higher risk of losing unsaved work or experiencing file corruption. By closing apps correctly, you can minimize the risk of data loss and ensure the integrity of your files.
Method 1: How to Fully Close Apps on Mac Using the Quit Option
To fully close an app on a Mac using the Quit option, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click on the app’s name in the top menu bar.
Step 2: Select the "Quit" option from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Command + Q" to quit the app.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to fully close apps.
2. Ensures that the app is completely shut down and no longer consuming system resources.
3. Helps prevent data loss or corruption by closing the app properly.
Cons:
1. May require manual closing of each app individually if multiple apps are running.
2. Some apps may have additional confirmation prompts before quitting.
Method 2: How to Fully Close Apps on Mac Using Force Quit
If an app is unresponsive or not closing using the Quit option, you can use the Force Quit function to fully close it. Here’s how:
Step 1: Press "Command + Option + Esc" on your keyboard to open the Force Quit Applications window.
Step 2: Select the app you want to close from the list.
Step 3: Click on the "Force Quit" button.
Pros:
1. Allows you to close unresponsive or frozen apps.
2. Ensures that the app is forcefully closed, even if it is not responding.
3. Provides a quick solution for closing problematic apps.
Cons:
1. Force quitting an app may result in the loss of unsaved work.
2. Should be used as a last resort, as it does not allow the app to shut down gracefully.
Method 3: How to Fully Close Apps on Mac Using Activity Monitor
Activity Monitor is a built-in utility on Mac that allows you to see all the running processes and applications. Here’s how you can use it to fully close apps:
Step 1: Open Activity Monitor. You can find it in the Utilities folder of the Applications folder, or you can use Spotlight search to find it.
Step 2: In the Activity Monitor window, click on the "CPU" tab to sort the processes by CPU usage.
Step 3: Locate the app you want to close and select it.
Step 4: Click on the "X" button in the top-left corner of the window.
Step 5: A confirmation window will appear. Click on the "Quit" button to close the app.
Pros:
1. Allows you to see all the running processes and their resource usage.
2. Provides a detailed view of the resource impact of each app.
3. Can be used to close apps that are not responding or consuming excessive resources.
Cons:
1. Requires knowledge of the app’s process name to locate it in Activity Monitor.
2. Closing the wrong process can potentially cause system instability.
Method 4: How to Fully Close Apps on Mac Via Dock
The Dock on a Mac provides a convenient way to access and manage running apps. You can also use it to fully close apps. Here’s how:
Step 1: Right-click (or Control-click) on the app’s icon in the Dock.
Step 2: In the context menu, click on the "Quit" option.
Pros:
1. Quick and easy method to close apps directly from the Dock.
2. Provides a visual indication of which apps are running.
3. Can be used to close multiple apps at once by selecting the "Quit" option for each app.
Cons:
1. May require scrolling or rearranging the Dock icons to find the desired app.
2. Some apps may continue running in the background even after quitting from the Dock.
What to Do If You Can’t Fully Close Apps on Mac
If you encounter issues while trying to close apps on a Mac, here are a few fixes you can try:
1. Restart your Mac: Restarting the system can help resolve software glitches and ensure that all apps are closed properly.
2. Force Restart: If your Mac becomes unresponsive and you can’t close any apps, you can perform a force restart by pressing and holding the power button until the screen goes black, then releasing the button and pressing it again to turn the Mac back on.
3. Reset the SMC: The System Management Controller (SMC) on Mac controls various hardware functions. Resetting the SMC can help resolve issues related to power management and app responsiveness. The process varies depending on the Mac model, so refer to Apple’s support documentation for detailed instructions.
Bonus Tips
1. Regularly check your Mac for updates: Keeping your Mac and apps up to date can help ensure optimal performance and resolve any known issues.
2. Use Activity Monitor to monitor resource usage: By monitoring the resource usage of running apps, you can identify any apps that may be consuming excessive resources and close them if necessary.
3. Consider using third-party utility apps: There are several third-party apps available that can help manage and optimize app usage on a Mac. Do some research and find the one that best suits your needs.
5 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I just close the app window to fully close the app on Mac?
A1: No, closing the app window simply hides the app interface but does not fully close the app. The app will continue running in the background and consuming system resources.
Q2: Will fully closing apps on Mac affect my data?
A2: No, fully closing apps on Mac does not affect your data. However, it is important to save your work before closing an app to ensure that any unsaved changes are not lost.
Q3: How can I tell if an app is still running in the background?
A3: You can use Activity Monitor to check if an app is running in the background. If an app is listed in the process list even though you have closed its window, it is still running.
Q4: Are there any downsides to force quitting apps on Mac?
A4: Force quitting apps can potentially result in the loss of unsaved work and can cause instability in the system. It should only be used as a last resort when an app becomes unresponsive.
Q5: Do I need to fully close every app after using it on Mac?
A5: It is not necessary to fully close every app after using it on Mac. However, closing unused apps can free up system resources and help improve performance.
Final Thoughts
Fully closing apps on a Mac is essential for maintaining system performance, improving battery life, and preventing data loss or corruption. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that apps are closed properly and your Mac is running smoothly. Remember to save your work before closing an app and consider using additional tools like Activity Monitor to monitor resource usage.