Are you frustrated with an app that refuses to close on your Mac? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many Mac users have encountered this issue, and it can be quite annoying. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind this problem and provide a step-by-step guide on how to delete an app that won’t close on your Mac.
Understanding Why an App Won’t Close
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why an app might refuse to close. Here are some possible reasons:
App Freeze or Crash
Sometimes, an app might freeze or crash, making it impossible to close. This can happen due to various reasons, such as a software bug, incompatibility with your Mac’s operating system, or a corrupted app file.
Background Processes
Some apps might continue to run in the background, even after you’ve closed their main window. This can be due to the app’s design or a setting that allows it to keep running in the background.
System Permissions
In some cases, an app might not close because it’s still holding onto system resources or permissions. This can prevent the app from closing properly.
Force Quitting the App
The first step in deleting an app that won’t close is to force quit it. Here’s how:
Using the Force Quit Menu
- Press the Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Esc keys simultaneously. This will open the Force Quit Applications window.
- Select the app that won’t close from the list.
- Click the “Force Quit” button.
Using the Dock
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the app’s icon in the Dock.
- Select “Force Quit” from the context menu.
Using the Activity Monitor
- Open the Activity Monitor app, which can be found in the Applications/Utilities folder.
- Select the app that won’t close from the list.
- Click the “X” button in the top-left corner of the window.
- Confirm that you want to quit the app.
Deleting the App
Once you’ve force quit the app, you can proceed to delete it. Here’s how:
Dragging the App to the Trash
- Find the app’s icon in the Applications folder or on your desktop.
- Drag the icon to the Trash can in the Dock.
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the Trash can and select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the app.
Using the Launchpad
- Open the Launchpad by clicking on the Launchpad icon in the Dock.
- Find the app’s icon in the Launchpad.
- Click and hold on the icon until it starts to jiggle.
- Click the “X” button in the top-left corner of the icon.
- Confirm that you want to delete the app.
Using the Finder
- Open the Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
- Find the app’s icon in the folder.
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the icon and select “Move to Trash.”
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the Trash can and select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the app.
Removing Leftover Files
After deleting an app, there might be leftover files and folders that need to be removed. Here’s how:
Using the Finder
- Open the Finder and navigate to the Library folder.
- Look for folders or files related to the deleted app.
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the folders or files and select “Move to Trash.”
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the Trash can and select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the files.
Using a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available that can help you remove leftover files and folders. Some popular options include:
- CleanMyMac X
- AppCleaner
- TrashMe
These apps can scan your Mac for leftover files and folders and remove them for you.
Preventing Apps from Refusing to Close
To prevent apps from refusing to close in the future, here are some tips:
Regularly Update Your Apps
Make sure to regularly update your apps to the latest version. This can help fix bugs and improve performance.
Use the App’s Built-in Uninstaller
Some apps come with a built-in uninstaller. Use this to uninstall the app instead of dragging it to the Trash.
Avoid Force Quitting Apps
Try to avoid force quitting apps whenever possible. Instead, try to close them normally or use the app’s built-in quit function.
Use a Third-Party App to Monitor System Resources
There are several third-party apps available that can help you monitor system resources and prevent apps from refusing to close. Some popular options include:
- Activity Monitor
- System Monitor
- CleanMyMac X
These apps can help you identify apps that are using excessive system resources and close them before they cause problems.
Conclusion
Deleting an app that won’t close on your Mac can be a frustrating experience, but it’s not impossible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to force quit the app and delete it. Remember to also remove leftover files and folders to free up space on your Mac. By taking preventative measures, such as regularly updating your apps and using a third-party app to monitor system resources, you can prevent apps from refusing to close in the future.
What should I do if an app on my Mac won’t close normally?
If an app on your Mac won’t close normally, there are a few steps you can take before attempting to force quit or delete the app. First, try closing the app by clicking the “Command + Q” keys or by selecting “Quit” from the app’s menu. If this doesn’t work, try minimizing the app and then closing it from the dock. If the app still won’t close, you may need to force quit the app.
To force quit an app, press the “Command + Option + Esc” keys to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select the app that won’t close and click the “Force Quit” button. This will immediately close the app, but be aware that any unsaved work may be lost. If the app continues to cause problems, you may need to delete it entirely.
How do I force quit an app on my Mac?
To force quit an app on your Mac, press the “Command + Option + Esc” keys to open the Force Quit Applications window. This window will display a list of all currently running apps. Select the app that you want to force quit and click the “Force Quit” button. You can also use the “Command + Shift + Option + Esc” keys to force quit the frontmost app.
Alternatively, you can also force quit an app from the Apple menu. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen and select “Force Quit” from the dropdown menu. This will open the Force Quit Applications window, where you can select the app you want to force quit. Be aware that force quitting an app may cause you to lose any unsaved work.
What is the difference between force quitting and deleting an app?
Force quitting an app and deleting an app are two different actions. Force quitting an app will immediately close the app, but it will not remove the app from your Mac. The app will still be installed and can be reopened. Deleting an app, on the other hand, will completely remove the app from your Mac, including all of its files and data.
If an app is causing problems or taking up too much space on your Mac, deleting it may be the best option. However, if you only need to close an app that is not responding, force quitting may be a better option. This will allow you to close the app without losing any of its data or settings.
How do I delete an app that won’t close on my Mac?
To delete an app that won’t close on your Mac, you will need to force quit the app first. Press the “Command + Option + Esc” keys to open the Force Quit Applications window and select the app that you want to delete. Once the app has been force quit, you can delete it by dragging it to the Trash or by right-clicking on the app and selecting “Move to Trash”.
Alternatively, you can also delete an app from the Launchpad. To do this, click the Launchpad icon in the dock and find the app that you want to delete. Click and hold on the app until it starts to jiggle, then click the “X” in the top left corner of the app icon. This will delete the app and all of its files.
What happens to an app’s data when I delete it?
When you delete an app on your Mac, all of its files and data will be removed. This includes any documents, settings, and preferences that are associated with the app. If you want to save any of this data, you will need to do so before deleting the app.
Some apps may also store data in other locations, such as in the cloud or in a separate database. In these cases, deleting the app may not remove all of its data. You may need to take additional steps to remove any remaining data, such as deleting your account or contacting the app’s developer.
Can I recover an app that I deleted by mistake?
If you deleted an app by mistake, you may be able to recover it from the Trash. To do this, open the Trash and find the app that you deleted. Right-click on the app and select “Put Back” to restore it to its original location.
If you have already emptied the Trash, you may not be able to recover the app. In this case, you may need to reinstall the app from the App Store or from the developer’s website. You may also be able to recover any data that was associated with the app, such as documents or settings, from a backup or from the cloud.
How can I prevent apps from becoming unresponsive in the future?
To prevent apps from becoming unresponsive in the future, make sure to keep your Mac and its apps up to date. Regularly update your operating system and apps to ensure that you have the latest security patches and features.
You can also take steps to maintain your Mac’s performance, such as closing unused apps, clearing out the Trash, and running the Disk Cleanup tool. Additionally, be cautious when downloading and installing new apps, and only install apps from trusted sources. By taking these steps, you can help prevent apps from becoming unresponsive and reduce the need to force quit or delete them.