Working on a Mac can usually be a smooth experience, but occasionally, an app might freeze or become unresponsive, leaving users frustrated and unsure of what to do. While the natural reaction may be to force quit the application, doing so might lead to unsaved work being lost or even long-term file corruption. Before clicking on “Force Quit,” there are a number of tried-and-true strategies that Mac users can employ to resolve the situation more gracefully. This article reviews the most common fixes you can attempt to revive a misbehaving app without having to force quit.
TLDR:
If a Mac app becomes unresponsive, don’t rush to force quit it. Simple fixes like waiting a moment, checking for macOS updates, or using Activity Monitor can often solve the issue. Force quitting should be a last resort after all other efforts fail. This article provides an ordered list of smart troubleshooting steps to try first.
1. Be Patient and Wait a Few Moments
Sometimes apps hang momentarily, especially those dealing with large files or data operations. When an application seems unresponsive, allow it a minute or two to catch up before taking further action.
- Look for signs like the spinning beach ball cursor.
- Keep other tasks to a minimum to give it more system resources.
If the issue resolves itself, there’s no need to take further steps.
2. Check for System Overload
A sluggish or frozen app might be the result of system resource overload. Open the Activity Monitor by navigating to:
Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor
This tool gives real-time stats on your CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk, and Network usage.
Sort by CPU or Memory usage to see if any processes are using an unusually high amount of resources. You can select an app and click the “X” in the top toolbar to end it if needed.
3. Close Other Apps and Windows
Running too many apps simultaneously can hinder performance, causing specific applications to freeze. To free up resources:
- Close non-essential applications from the Dock or by pressing Cmd + Q.
- Use Cmd + Tab to cycle through open apps and quit inactive ones.
- Limit browser tabs, especially in resource-heavy browsers like Chrome.
4. Try to Minimize or Switch Windows
Sometimes, apps appear frozen because a process is taking too long to respond, but the rest of the app is functional. Try these shortcuts:
- Use Cmd + H to hide the window.
- Switch to another app and then back using Cmd + Tab.
- Try minimizing the current window with the yellow “-” button in the corner.
These small actions may help the app redraw or refresh, breaking it free from its stuck state.
5. Save Your Work (If Possible)
If you regain partial control of the app, immediately try to save your work. Use the following shortcuts if the menus are not responsive:
- Cmd + S – Save
- Cmd + Shift + S – Save As (if available)
If saving is successful, you’re in a better position to quit the app safely without losing data.
6. Use the Force Quit Window (Gently)
Before hitting the nuclear button, try this gentle intervention. Use:
Apple Menu > Force Quit or press Cmd + Option + Esc
Select the offending app. If it says “Not Responding” next to it, you know you’re dealing with a frozen process.
Clicking “Force Quit” should be your last option. Consider trying other methods like restarting the app from Activity Monitor if you haven’t already.
7. Restart Finder (If Finder Is the Problem)
If the problem lies with the Finder itself, you can relaunch it without restarting your whole system:
- Right-click the Finder icon in the Dock.
- Choose “Relaunch.”
This often resolves minor glitches with desktop icons, file previews, or drag-and-drop not working.
8. Update the Application
Outdated or buggy versions of software can cause stability issues. Update the app through:
- App Store: Open App Store > Updates tab.
- App Itself: Many apps have built-in updaters under App Name > Check for Updates.
- Website: Visit the developer’s site for the latest version if it’s not in the App Store.
9. Check for macOS Updates
A macOS update might resolve conflicts or bugs causing apps to malfunction. To check for updates:
System Settings > General > Software Update
Install any available updates and restart your Mac for best results. Sometimes, incompatibility between the app and system firmware causes issues.
10. Restart Your Mac
If all else fails—but before force quitting—try restarting your Mac:
- Click the Apple Menu and choose “Restart.”
- If the app is preventing shutdown, hold the power button down to force a shutdown (as a last resort).
A full restart often clears temporary glitches in memory or background processes.
Conclusion
Before giving up and clicking “Force Quit,” it’s worth taking a few moments to explore several less drastic options. Patience and a basic understanding of macOS tools like Activity Monitor and Finder relaunch can go a long way. Force quitting should only be considered when the above measures fail and risks are understood.
FAQ — Common Fixes Before Force Quitting a Mac App
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Q: Will force quitting an app damage my files?
A: It can if the app hasn’t autosaved recently. Unsaved changes may be lost, and in rare cases, file corruption can occur. -
Q: How can I tell if an app is really frozen?
A: If the cursor becomes a spinning beach ball and the app doesn’t respond to clicks or keystrokes, it is likely frozen. Check Activity Monitor for confirmation. -
Q: What’s the safest way to close a non-responsive app?
A: First try switching windows, saving work, and quitting normally. If these don’t help, use Force Quit from the Apple Menu as a controlled exit. -
Q: Does restarting my Mac help avoid force quitting?
A: Yes, restarting clears out frozen processes and gives apps a clean slate to operate from. -
Q: Can I use Terminal to avoid force quitting?
A: Advanced users may use commands likekillorkillallto terminate apps, but this is essentially the same as force quitting and should still be a last resort.