If you’re feeling bogged down with too many open applications on your Windows 10 PC, it can slow things down and even make finding the right window a hassle. Closing all apps can be the perfect solution to clean up your screen and improve your computer’s performance. Here’s a quick guide to help you through the process.
How to Close All Apps on Windows 10
We’re about to break down a step-by-step method for closing all your open apps on Windows 10. These steps will guide you through using Task Manager, a handy built-in tool, to close every single application.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Task Manager is your go-to tool for managing running applications and services on your Windows 10. This shortcut is the quickest way to launch it without fumbling through menus.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Processes’ Tab
Click on the ‘Processes’ tab at the top.
This tab shows all the running applications and background processes. You’ll find it easy to identify which apps are consuming your resources.
Step 3: Select All Applications
Hold down the Ctrl key and click on each application you want to close.
By holding the Ctrl key, you can select multiple applications at once. This is a time-saving trick compared to closing each app individually.
Step 4: Close the Selected Applications
Right-click on any of the selected applications and click ‘End Task’.
When you choose ‘End Task’, Windows 10 will immediately shut down the selected applications. This action will free up system resources and potentially speed up your PC.
Step 5: Confirm Applications Are Closed
Check your desktop and Taskbar to ensure all apps are closed.
After ending tasks, double-check your desktop and Taskbar to make sure everything is closed. Sometimes, an app might take a moment to close fully.
Once you’ve followed these steps, your open applications will be closed, and you should notice an improvement in your computer’s performance.
Tips for Closing All Apps on Windows 10
- Save Your Work: Always save your work before closing apps to avoid losing data.
- Restart Your Computer: If closing apps doesn’t resolve performance issues, a restart might help.
- Use Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process.
- Close Background Processes: Sometimes background processes can hog resources, so consider closing those as well.
- Update Windows: Ensure your Windows 10 is up-to-date for optimal performance and fewer glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if Task Manager won’t open?
If Task Manager won’t open, try restarting your computer. You can also try the Ctrl + Alt + Delete shortcut and select Task Manager from the menu.
Can I close apps using Command Prompt?
Yes, you can use Command Prompt with the taskkill command to close applications, but this method is more advanced.
Will this method close system apps?
No, Task Manager typically prevents you from closing critical system processes to ensure your computer keeps running smoothly.
Is there a way to close all apps and restart immediately?
Yes, you can use the ‘Restart’ option from the Start menu to close all apps and restart your computer, which achieves the same goal.
Can I automate the process?
Yes, you can create a batch script to automate closing specific apps, but this requires some basic coding knowledge.
Summary
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Go to the ‘Processes’ tab.
- Select all desired applications by holding Ctrl and clicking.
- Right-click and choose ‘End Task’.
- Verify all applications are closed.
Conclusion
Knowing how to close all apps on Windows 10 is a handy skill that can save you time and enhance your computer’s performance. Whether you’re trying to free up resources or simply want a cleaner workspace, following these steps will make the process quick and painless. Remember, maintaining a tidy desktop and managing your applications efficiently can make a world of difference. For those looking to dive deeper, exploring Task Manager and even learning some basic scripting can offer even more control over your Windows 10 experience. Keep your system updated and always save your work before closing any applications. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.