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How to force close a frozen app in Windows 11

Turn on End Task in Settings > System > For developers. Then right-click the frozen app on the taskbar and choose End task.

How to do it

  1. Open Settings > System > For developers.

  2. Turn End Task on.

  3. Right-click the app's icon on the taskbar and choose End task.

This is a force quit. Use it when the app will not close. For a normal exit, use the app's own close button so it can ask you to save.

Questions people ask

Is there a way without changing settings?

Yes. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the app and click End task.

Will I lose unsaved work?

Yes. End task is a force quit.

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