How to close non-responsive programs in Windows

How to close non-responsive programs in Windows

We've all been there, you're working on something then suddenly the programme freezes and wont even let you click the X to close. Here's what to do:

Close the programme

Ensure the programme is running in the foreground, and press ALT+F4 at the same time, this should close the open window.

Force Close the programme

If using ALT+F4 didn't work you can force close the unresponsive programme by taking the following steps:
  1. Press CTRL + ALT + DEL on your keyboard, this should open the windows security screen. You should be presented with 5 Options.
  2. Select TASK MANAGER from the list displayed. 
  3. Once the Task Manager window opens, you want to select "PROCESSES" from the left hand menu. 
  4. Next, locate the non-responsive programme from the "Apps" list displayed.
  5. Click on the programme, and select "End Task" from the top right of the window. This should force close the non-responsive programme. 

Closing and Force Closing didn't work?

If using ALT+F4 didn't work and using the Task Manager didn't work, then the only other safe option that we would suggest here is to restart your PC. You can do this in the normal way from your start menu. If your start menu isn't responding either, then you can perform a Hard Reset by holding the power button for around 10 seconds. Once the device has completely turned off, wait for around another 10 seconds and then power the device back on again. 

Need further assistance? 

If the above steps didn't work, you might want to get in touch with us for further assistance and to diagnose your specific issue. If you need further help, raise a support ticket by clicking the "Submit a Ticket" button at the bottom of this page. 


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