How to Force Quit on MacBook When an App Freezes

When a MacBook app stops responding, force quitting is the quickest fix. It closes the frozen app without forcing you to shut down the whole computer.

Try Normal Quit First

If the app still responds, press Command-Q or choose Quit from the app menu. A normal quit gives the app a chance to save work.

If the app is frozen and will not quit normally, use Force Quit.

Use the Keyboard Shortcut

Press Option-Command-Esc. The Force Quit Applications window opens. Select the app that is not responding, then click Force Quit.

If Finder is frozen, select Finder in the same window and choose Relaunch.

Use the Apple Menu

You can also click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose Force Quit. This opens the same Force Quit window.

If Force Quit Does Not Work

If the MacBook still will not respond, restart from the Apple menu. If restart is impossible, press and hold the power button or Touch ID button until the Mac turns off, then turn it on again.

Prevent Repeat Freezes

Update the app, update macOS and check whether the app is using unusually high memory or CPU in Activity Monitor. If one app freezes repeatedly, reinstalling it may help.

FAQ

Does Force Quit delete files?

Force Quit closes the app. Unsaved changes inside that app may be lost.

What is the Force Quit shortcut?

Press Option-Command-Esc.

Can I force quit Finder?

Yes. In the Force Quit window, Finder shows a Relaunch option.

Bottom Line

Use Option-Command-Esc when an app freezes. Restart the MacBook only if Force Quit cannot recover control.