How to close a hung program in Windows

  1. Method 1: Let the application fully load
  2. Method 2: Use hotkeys
  3. Method 3: Through the taskbar
  4. Method 4: Use Task Manager
  5. Method 5: Using third-party programs
  6. Method 6: Reboot the system

Each user sooner or later faces the fact that one of the running utilities on the computer stops responding to requests, that is, simply hangs

Each user sooner or later faces the fact that one of the running utilities on the computer stops responding to requests, that is, simply hangs. This is quite a serious problem, because besides the fact that the program refuses to function, it also loads the operating system quite strongly, which leads to a decrease in the speed of the PC. In this article, the most optimal methods of closing programs that refuse to work properly will be discussed.

See also:
How to uninstall applications in Windows 10
How to edit autoload in Windows 8
Returning the "Start" button for Windows 8

The most important thing is to determine whether the running application is really stuck, or the problem lies in the weak power of the computer, due to which there is no response from the utility for quite a long time. Signs of a freeze are:

  • the program does not respond to user actions;
  • The cursor on the screen turned into an hourglass. Depending on the OS version installed on the computer, the image may have another form;
  • in the upper tray of the main window, the inscription “Application does not respond” appeared ;
  • the utility is not turned off in the usual way by clicking on the "Close" icon;
  • When you click the mouse on any area of ​​the screen image fades.

If when you close the program you encounter one of the described signs, you will need to use the methods that will be described below.

Method 1: Let the application fully load

Some utilities require a sufficiently large computer power, which is why programs can perform certain actions for a long time. Also, do not forget that the more resources consume applications installed on a computer, the longer it can take to load.

The easiest way out of this situation is to simply give the system the opportunity to complete the process on its own. Wait a while, usually no more than 10 minutes, and the program will close automatically.

Method 2: Use hotkeys

If the previous method did not bring any results, you can use a shortcut key, which is designed for emergency closing of applications, here are some of them:

With these combinations, you can quickly turn off an application that does not respond to normal closure.

Method 3: Through the taskbar

Sometimes an application can be closed by calling its menu. This method is suitable if a frozen program does not interrupt access to the panel, and when you click on it there is a response.

  1. Right click on the hung utility in the working area of ​​the taskbar.
  2. In the list that appears, click on the item "Close window" . After performing this action, an alert may sometimes appear. Regardless of the text, to close the program will require your consent.

    3. Regardless of the text, to close the program will require your consent

  3. Give the application time to complete the work.

Usually, when using this method, the running utility is closed for several tens of seconds.

Method 4: Use Task Manager

This assistant almost 100% of the time is able to stop the operation of any application. Exceptions are only some utilities that the dispatcher is not able to display. Almost all users who encounter problems in the functioning of applications use this method.

  1. Press the key combination on the keyboard: “Ctrl + Alt + Del” or “ Ctrl + Shift + Esc” . Sometimes when using the first combination, you don’t immediately get to the right window, and in the list of options that appear, you also need to select the “Start Task Manager” item.
  2. You will see a window at the top of the working area of ​​which you need to click on the "Applications" block. This is necessary to open the list of all programs launched on the computer.
  3. Left-click on the required utility and click on the “Remove Task” button. Sometimes an alert may appear on the screen, which will require you to agree to the termination of the application.

    4. Sometimes an alert may appear on the screen, which will require you to agree to the termination of the application

Often this method is enough to turn off almost any running application. But, if the closure did not happen, you can do similar actions in the "Processes" tab. This will allow you to precisely close almost any utility.

Method 5: Using third-party programs

The Internet is full of dozens of utilities that specialize in closing applications. By downloading one of them, you can permanently protect yourself from various difficulties in working with a particular program. Naturally, downloading such an assistant requires you to take care of it in advance, since it is unlikely that you will be able to install it correctly at the time the computer crashes. This article will look at the Process Explorer utility, which not only duplicates the task manager function, but, unlike it, is capable of recognizing even some hidden processes.

  1. Install the utility from the Internet and run it. The program does not require additional installation, which greatly simplifies use.
  2. In the left block of the main window, right-click the application you need.
  3. After opening the additional menu, click on the item "Kill" .

    4. After opening the additional menu, click on the item Kill

This method makes it possible to stop working with the utility in a non-standard way, which allows the user not to wait for the completion of the closing process.

Method 6: Reboot the system

Sometimes it happens that the above options for correcting the problem do not bring the desired results. In this case, only a reboot of the system can help, but this is an extreme case. It is important to remember that when you turn off the computer, some data in the running programs may be lost, so if possible you should save all changes made to them.

To restart, you can use the "Start" menu or the shortcut "Reset" . Unfortunately, the first option does not always work in case of failures. You should not abuse this method, because regular use of the restart adversely affects the computer.

As you can see, stopping the application is quite simple, but of course it is better to prevent the presence of such failures. To do this, simply do not overload the computer with many simultaneously running applications, check it for viruses, or reinstall the problematic utility.