How to Fix macOS 'Application Not Responding' and Force Quit Frozen Apps on Your Mac

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Fix macOS 'Application Not Responding' and Force Quit Frozen Apps on Your Mac. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

When an application freezes on your Mac, it can stop responding to clicks and keyboard input, preventing you from completing your work. In most cases, you can force quit the unresponsive app and regain control of your Mac without needing to restart your computer.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window.
2. Select the unresponsive application from the list.
3. Click the Force Quit button.
4. Confirm by clicking Force Quit again in the pop-up window.

Detailed Instructions

Force Quit Using the Keyboard Shortcut

1. Press and hold Command + Option + Esc simultaneously.
2. The Force Quit Applications window will appear, showing all currently running apps.
3. Click on the frozen application to highlight it.
4. Click Force Quit at the bottom right of the window.
5. Click Force Quit in the confirmation dialog to close the application immediately.

Force Quit Using the Apple Menu

1. Click the Apple icon () in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select Force Quit... from the dropdown menu.
3. Highlight the unresponsive app in the list.
4. Click Force Quit and confirm your choice.

Force Quit Using the Dock

1. Locate the frozen application's icon in the Dock.
2. Hold down the Option key on your keyboard.
3. Right-click (or Control-click) the application icon.
4. Select Force Quit from the context menu.

Troubleshooting

If the Force Quit Window Does Not Open

1. Try pressing Command + Option + Esc again, ensuring you hold all three keys at once.
2. If your entire Mac is frozen and not responding to any input, press and hold the power button until the Mac turns off, then turn it back on.

If an App Continues to Freeze

• Check for updates by opening the App Store and clicking Updates.
• Restart your Mac to clear temporary system errors.
• Ensure your macOS is up to date by going to System Settings > General > Software Update.

If your Mac continues to experience frequent application crashes, Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services for further assistance.

Still Having Issues?