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Who this is for: Windows 8 users who need to properly close applications and manage running programs.
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Quick Methods to Close Apps in Windows 8
Windows 8 introduced a new app system that works differently from traditional desktop programs. Here are the most effective ways to close both modern apps and desktop applications.
Closing Modern Apps (Metro/Store Apps)
Alt + F4 Method: Press Alt + F4 while the app is active. This is the fastest way to close most modern apps instantly.
Drag from Top: Click and hold the top edge of the app window, then drag it all the way down to the bottom of the screen. The app will close when you reach the bottom.
Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find your app in the list, right-click it, and select “End task.”
Closing Desktop Applications
Desktop programs in Windows 8 work just like previous versions:
- Click the X button in the top-right corner
- Press Alt + F4
- Right-click the taskbar icon and choose “Close window”
- Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc for Task Manager if the app is frozen
Force Closing Unresponsive Apps
When apps freeze or won’t respond normally:
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- Switch to the “Processes” tab if needed
- Find the problematic application
- Click “End task” to force it closed
Command Line Option: Open Command Prompt as administrator and use the taskkill command followed by the process name or ID.
Using the App Switcher
Press Alt + Tab to see all running apps. While holding Alt, press Tab to cycle through apps, then press Delete to close the selected app without opening it.
These methods work reliably across all Windows 8 versions and will help you manage your applications efficiently. If you enjoy problem-solving challenges like navigating Windows interfaces, you might find similar satisfaction in puzzle games that test your quick thinking and strategy skills.
TL;DR
Close Windows 8 apps using Alt + F4, dragging from top to bottom, or Task Manager. Desktop apps close with the X button or Alt + F4 like previous Windows versions.
