What does "Not Responding" mean and how do I close the program?
"Not Responding" means the app is stuck on a task and has stopped answering your clicks. Wait a minute, since it often recovers. If it doesn't, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the app and choose End task. On a Mac, press Option + Command + Esc and choose Force Quit.
Windows adds "Not Responding" to the title bar when an app hasn't reacted for a few seconds. It doesn't mean you have a virus or that the computer is broken. Often the app is busy with something heavy, like opening a large file, or it is waiting on the internet or a slow drive.
Ending the task closes only that one app, and the rest of the computer keeps working. Any unsaved changes in that app may be lost, which is why waiting a little first is worth it. Some apps, like Word, may offer to recover your document when you open them again.
- Wait a minute or two to see if the app recovers
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Select the stuck app in the list and choose End task
- On a Mac, press Option + Command + Esc, pick the app and select Force Quit
- Open the app again and look for a recovered copy of your work
How secure is your computer overall? Take the 2-minute checkup →
When an App Freezes
From the Windows & the Desktop course. Calm, simple steps for an app that stops answering, on Windows and Mac.