How To Exit App Windows 8

Exiting an app on Windows 8 may seem like a simple task, but did you know that many users struggle to find the right method? With the ever-evolving technology landscape, it's important to stay up-to-date on how to efficiently navigate your device. So, let's explore the various ways to exit an app on Windows 8 and discover the most effective methods.

When it comes to exiting an app on Windows 8, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind. First, it's important to understand the history and background of the operating system. Windows 8 introduced a new interface called Metro, which aimed to provide a seamless experience across different devices. With this new interface came changes to app navigation, including how to exit them. One of the most significant aspects of exiting an app on Windows 8 is the use of gestures. By swiping from the top to the bottom of the screen or dragging the app to the bottom of the screen, users can easily exit an app. This intuitive solution has helped streamline the user experience and make app management more seamless and efficient.

Introduction: Understanding App Windows in Windows 8

Windows 8 introduced a whole new way of interacting with apps through modern-style app windows. These windows are designed to provide a fluid and immersive user experience. However, if you're new to Windows 8 or simply unfamiliar with the navigation, you may find it difficult to exit app windows. In this article, we will guide you through the various methods and shortcuts to effectively exit app windows in Windows 8.

Using the Close Button within the App

One of the simplest ways to exit an app window in Windows 8 is by using the built-in close button within the app itself. This method is similar to how you would close a traditional Windows application.

To use the close button, follow these steps:

• Navigate to the app window you want to exit by clicking or tapping on it.
• Look for a small X icon or a close button usually located in the top-right corner of the app window.
• Click or tap on the close button to exit the app window.

The app will close, and you will return to the Start Screen or the previous app window, depending on your settings.

Keyboard Shortcut: Alt + F4

Another quick way to close an app window in Windows 8 is by using the keyboard shortcut "Alt + F4". This shortcut is a universal command in Windows that can be used to close any active window, including app windows.

Follow these steps to use the Alt + F4 shortcut:

• Navigate to the app window you want to exit.
• Press and hold the "Alt" key on your keyboard.
• While holding down the "Alt" key, tap the "F4" key once.

The app window will close, and you will return to the Start Screen or the previous app window.

This keyboard shortcut is particularly useful when you're using a physical keyboard or a keyboard accessory with your Windows 8 device.

Closing Apps Using Touch Gestures

If you're using a touch-enabled device, such as a tablet or a touchscreen laptop, you can use touch gestures to exit app windows in Windows 8. These gestures provide a more intuitive and tactile way to interact with your apps.

Here's how you can close an app window using touch gestures:

• Swipe your finger from the top edge of the screen to the bottom of the screen. This will reveal the app commands or options.
• Continue swiping your finger to the bottom of the screen until the app window shrinks and disappears from view.
• Release your finger from the screen.

The app window will close, and you will return to the Start Screen or the previous app window.

Using Task Manager to Close App Windows

If you're unable to close an app window using the methods mentioned above, or if the app becomes unresponsive, you can use the Task Manager to force close the app.

Follow these steps to use the Task Manager:

• Press "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
• In the Task Manager window, locate the app you want to close under the "Processes" or "Applications" tab.
• Right-click on the app and select "End Task" or "End Process" from the context menu.
• Confirm the action if prompted.

The app window will be forcefully closed, and you will return to the Start Screen or the previous app window.

Using the Charms Bar

The Charms Bar is a unique feature introduced in Windows 8 that allows you to access important system functions and settings, including the ability to exit app windows.

To exit an app window using the Charms Bar, follow these steps:

• Navigate to the app window you want to exit.
• Move your mouse cursor to the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen to reveal the Charms Bar.
• Click or tap on the "Settings" charm (represented by a gear icon) in the Charms Bar.
• Within the Settings menu, click or tap on the "Close" option.

The app window will close, and you will return to the Start Screen or the previous app window.

Using the App Switcher

Windows 8 includes a convenient feature called the App Switcher, which allows you to easily switch between open app windows. However, you can also use it to close app windows.

Here's how you can close an app window using the App Switcher:

• Navigate to the app window you want to exit.
• Move your mouse cursor to the left edge of the screen, and then drag it towards the center until the App Switcher appears.
• Once the App Switcher is visible, drag the app window you want to close towards the bottom of the screen.

The app window will be closed, and you will return to the Start Screen or the previous app window.

Snapping the App to the Side and Closing

In Windows 8, you have the ability to snap apps to the side of the screen, allowing you to work with multiple apps simultaneously. If you have an app window snapped to the side, you can easily close it without exiting the snapped view.

Follow these steps to close a snapped app window:

• Navigate to the app window you want to exit.
• Move your mouse cursor to the top of the app window until it changes to a hand icon.
• Click and drag the app window down and towards the side of the screen until it snaps back to its original size.
• Release your mouse to close the app window.

The app window will be closed, and you will return to the snapped view with the remaining app windows.

Exiting Full-Screen Mode

If you have an app running in full-screen mode in Windows 8, you may not see the traditional close button or other UI elements to exit the app. However, there are still options available to help you exit full-screen mode and close the app window.

Here are a couple of methods to exit full-screen mode:

Method 1: Using the Esc Key

• Press the "Esc" key on your keyboard. This will exit full-screen mode and display the traditional app window with the close button.

Method 2: Using Mouse or Touch Gestures

• If you're using a mouse, move your cursor to the top of the screen until it changes to a hand icon and then click and drag the app window down to exit full-screen mode.
• If you're using touch gestures, swipe your finger from the top edge of the screen towards the bottom to exit full-screen mode.

In both cases, the app window will return to its normal size, and you can then use the close button or other methods mentioned earlier to exit the app window.

Conclusion

Navigating and closing app windows in Windows 8 may require some familiarization, especially if you're accustomed to the traditional Windows interface. Whether you're using the close button, keyboard shortcuts, touch gestures, Task Manager, Charms Bar, or the App Switcher, knowing these various methods will give you the flexibility to exit app windows effectively. Experiment with these techniques and find the ones that work best for you, enabling you to seamlessly navigate and manage your apps in Windows 8.

Exiting Apps in Windows 8: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are using a Windows 8 operating system and need to exit an app, follow these simple steps:

• Move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the app title bar.
• Click and hold the title bar with your mouse or drag your finger downwards if you are using a touchscreen device.
• Drag the app to the bottom of the screen until a small preview of the app appears.
• Release the app, and it will close instantly, exiting the Windows 8 interface.

Alternatively, you can also exit an app using the keyboard by following these steps:

• Press the "Alt + F4" keyboard shortcut while the app is in focus.
• The app will close and exit the Windows 8 interface.

Exiting apps in Windows 8 is a simple yet essential part of managing your computer's resources and ensuring smooth operation. By following these steps, you can easily exit any app and free up system memory for other tasks.