A common issue for Mac users is when applications are installed, but then won’t close. This can be a source of frustration and can also lead to other issues, like taking up resources your computer needs to run properly. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to automatically close applications when setup can't. This guide will walk you through the steps of getting this done quickly, and easily.
Step 1: Uninstall the Application
The first step when you can’t close an application is to uninstall it. To do this, navigate to the applications folder in Finder. Highlight the application you’re having trouble with and drag it to the trash. You can also launch the application's uninstaller if it's available on your system.
Step 2: Force Quit
If Step 1 didn't work, you'll need to try force quitting the application. Open up your Applications folder, right-click the application, and select “Force Quit”. Then, select “Force Quit” again in the pop-up window. By force quitting the application, you should be able to close it.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
After force quitting the application, restart your computer. This will force any programs that were stuck to close, freeing up the computer's programs and making sure everything is running smoothly.
Step 4: Delete Associated Files
After restarting your computer, you may want to delete any associated files associated with the application. To do this, open up Finder and do a search for the application, and then manually delete any files that come up.
Step 5: Reinstall
If necessary, you can then reinstall the application. Make sure to grab the official, latest version from the developer's website. After the installation, you should be able to launch, and close, the application without any issues.
Related Links
- How to Uninstall Applications on Mac
- How to Force Quit an App on a Mac
- Troubleshooting Your Mac: How to Reset Your System
- How to Completely Uninstall Apps from Mac
- How to Reinstall an Application on Mac
FAQ
Q1: What do I do if I can't close an application on my Mac?
If you can't close an application on your Mac, the first step is to try to uninstall the application. If that doesn't work, try force quitting the application. If that still doesn't work, you'll need to restart your computer. After that, delete any associated files with the application, and then if necessary, reinstall it.
Q2: Is it OK to force quit applications on my Mac?
In general, it’s OK to force quit applications on your Mac. It’s an easy way to quickly close any program that’s stuck or not responding. It’s always best to close an application properly through its File > Quit option, but if it’s not responding, then force quit is your best bet.
Q3: Do I need to restart my computer after force quitting an application?
Yes. It’s always a good idea to restart your computer after force quitting an application. This will free up the resources your computer was using, as well as ensure other applications are running smoothly.
Q4: Should I delete associated files after uninstalling an application?
If you want to make sure the application is completely gone from your system, then yes, you should delete any associated files. It’s a good idea to do a search for the application’s name after uninstalling, and manually delete any files that come up.
Q5: What do I do when reinstalling an application doesn’t work?
If reinstalling an application doesn’t work, there may be other issues at play, like a conflict with another application, issues with the operating system, or a corrupted application file. In these cases, it’s best to contact the developer for more help and specific troubleshooting advice.