The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/windows-frozen-app/
A program on your Windows computer is frozen. Here's how to close it.
When one program freezes, you can close just that program and keep everything else running.
This page is for you if
- A window says Not Responding
- A program won't close when you click the X
- The browser is stuck on a page and won't go away
Good to know first
Closing a frozen program can lose work you haven't saved in that program. Other programs are fine.
Do these steps
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Step 1: Open Task Manager
Right-click the Start button and choose Task Manager. Or press Ctrl, Shift and Esc together.
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Step 2: Go to Processes
On the left side, click Processes.
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Step 3: Find the stuck program
Under Apps, find the program that's stuck, like Microsoft Edge or Word.
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Step 4: End it
Right-click the program and choose End task.
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Step 5: Open it again
Close Task Manager. Open the program again the way you usually do.
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Step 6: Still acting up? Restart
Click Start, then the Power button, then Restart.
Did a pop-up freeze the browser and tell you to call a number?
- Don't call. Microsoft says to use Task Manager to close the browser, then scan the computer for viruses.
- Read our steps for fake virus pop-ups.
Check it with the source
We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.
- Microsoft: How to close a pop-up window if Microsoft Edge isn't responding https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/how-to-close-a-pop-up-window-if-microsoft-edge-isn-t-responding
- Microsoft: Tips to improve PC performance in Windows https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/performance-optimization/tips-to-improve-pc-performance-in-windows
Still stuck?
Tell Buster what you see, in your own words.
Or email us at buster@thetechgrandkid.com. Never send us a password or a code.