These Concealed Windows Techniques Promptly Terminate Any Unresponsive Application

Sometimes, an app on Windows can just stop responding out of nowhere. That's annoying on its own, but it's considerably worse if you're not sure how to compel it to close. Luckily, that’s easy enough to do.

Select the "End Task" option.

While you likely utilize the taskbar to shut applications, an advantageous tip you may be unaware of is that it may also be employed to force-quit unresponsive applications. Simply right-click the application's icon and choose the End Task option.

The taskbar is consistently accessible, making it one of the most efficient methods to address unresponsive applications on Windows. The End task option is not displayed by default on the taskbar. This is a feature that Microsoft incorporated in Windows 11 version 23H2.

IMPORTANT: To ascertain the version of your PC, navigate to Settings > System > About > Windows specs.

If you are utilizing that version or a subsequent one, you can activate it through the Settings application:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Go to the System tab and click For developers.

3. Enable the toggle next to End Task.

   
   

Currently, when an application becomes unresponsive, you can utilize the new End task option from the taskbar. The End task option is highly beneficial in urgent situations, although it should not be considered a primary technique for terminating processes. It compels the software to terminate abruptly without any confirmation prompts, resulting in the loss of any unsaved work.

Utilize the Task Manager

Windows Task Manager displaying the End Task option for the Canva application

Although force-quitting applications from the taskbar is typically effective, this option may be unavailable if the taskbar becomes unresponsive or vanishes completely. At that point, the Task Manager can provide assistance.

The Task Manager has been an integral component of Windows for decades. It is an excellent utility for monitoring system performance, managing startup applications, and terminating unresponsive processes when other methods fail.

To access Task Manager when an application becomes unresponsive, simultaneously press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard. The concealed Start menu (Win + X) can also be utilized to access the Task Manager. Upon opening, a list of all applications and background processes currently operating on your PC will be displayed.

Identify the problematic application. Right-click on it and select "End Task." This action will promptly terminate the unresponsive application and liberate system resources.

If Ctrl + Shift + Esc is ineffective and the unresponsive application has monopolized your entire screen, attempt Ctrl + Alt + Delete as an alternative. This will display a system menu that allows you to manually access Task Manager. Subsequently, locate the application and terminate it as you typically would.

One of the most advantageous features of Task Manager is its ability to terminate background applications and system activities that are not displayed on the taskbar, in addition to managing open applications. It is also useful for identifying which applications are consuming the most RAM or CPU resources.

Use SuperF4

SuperF4 application website in Edge browser

Typically, the necessity to terminate an application should not extend beyond the aforementioned ways. If you frequently encounter obstinate applications that do not close, or seek a more efficient and forceful alternative to Task Manager, consider utilizing a third-party tool such as SuperF4. It performs a singular function—immediate termination of applications—and it executes this task quite well.

After installing SuperF4, click Ctrl + Alt + F4 to immediately terminate the active application. This shortcut transmits a low-level command that immediately terminates the targeted program. In contrast to the standard Alt + F4, which politely requests the application to terminate, SuperF4 executes an immediate forceful closure.

Warning: Forcefully terminating an application results in the loss of any unsaved data.

SuperF4 occupies minimal space on your computer and utilizes negligible system resources. To ensure it is consistently prepared for use, right-click the SuperF4 icon in the system tray, navigate to Options, and enable Autostart.

The SuperF4 application icon on the taskbar displays an autostart option.

A convenient "kill mode" is also integrated. Simply press Win + F4, and your mouse cursor will transform into a little skull icon. Subsequently, you may select any frozen window to terminate it. This is advantageous for closing several applications and programs without confirmation prompts.

SuperF4 is neither ostentatious nor intricate; it is a dependable application when it is most required.

Download: SuperF4 (Free)

An application that fails to terminate can challenge your patience. You repeatedly click the X symbol, yet the window remains unresponsive. Armed with these concealed strategies, you will no longer need to endure the frustration of a frozen screen while awaiting the app's functionality restoration.

If this occurs frequently with a particular application, it may be prudent to investigate more. It could suggest an obsolete version, a defective upgrade, or a compatibility issue.