How To Close Apps In Windows 8

Closing apps in Windows 8 is a simple and essential task that every user should know. By efficiently closing apps, you can optimize your system's performance and free up valuable resources. Unlike previous versions of Windows, the process of closing apps in Windows 8 is slightly different, but once you master it, you'll be able to navigate and manage your apps with ease.

In Windows 8, you can close apps using several methods. One way is to use the familiar "Alt + F4" keyboard shortcut, which works in most apps and windows. Alternatively, you can use the mouse to close an app by clicking on the "X" button located at the top right corner of the app's window. Another method is to use touch gestures on touch-enabled devices, such as swiping down from the top edge of the screen to the bottom. Remember, closing apps not only helps to declutter your desktop but also improves the overall performance of your Windows 8 operating system.

Different Ways to Close Apps in Windows 8

Windows 8 brought a modern and touch-centric interface to the world of personal computing. With its live tiles and immersive app experience, Windows 8 introduced a new way of interacting with apps. Closing apps in Windows 8 is different from traditional desktop platforms, and it may not be immediately obvious to new users. In this article, we will explore the various methods you can use to close apps in Windows 8.

Method 1: Using the Close Button

The most straightforward way to close an app in Windows 8 is by using the close button. The close button is usually located in the top-right corner of the app window, represented by an "X" icon. The position of the close button may vary slightly depending on the specific app, but it is generally consistent across most apps.

To close an app, simply click or tap on the close button, and the app will be closed, freeing up system resources and memory. It's important to note that closing an app does not uninstall or remove it from your system. It simply terminates the app's processes and removes it from active memory.

Some touch-enabled devices may have touch gestures to close apps as well. For example, you can swipe from the top edge of the screen to the bottom while in an app to close it. This gesture mimics the action of dragging the app down and away, indicating that you want to close it.

Using the close button or the touch gesture to close an app in Windows 8 is quick and convenient, especially for those who prefer a visual and intuitive method.

Method 2: Using the Task Manager

If you have multiple apps running simultaneously or if an app becomes unresponsive, you can use the Task Manager in Windows 8 to close the problematic app. The Task Manager provides a more detailed view of the running processes and allows you to manage them efficiently.

To open the Task Manager, you can right-click anywhere on the taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can use the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keyboard shortcut to open the Task Manager directly. Once the Task Manager is open, navigate to the "Processes" or "Details" tab.

In the Processes or Details tab, you will see a list of all the running processes on your system. Locate the app you want to close, right-click on it, and select "End task" or "End process." This will terminate the app's processes and close it.

The Task Manager is particularly useful when an app becomes unresponsive or freezes. It allows you to force-close the app and regain control of your system without having to restart the entire computer.

Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts for efficiency and speed, Windows 8 provides several keyboard shortcuts to close apps.

Shortcut	Description
Alt + F4	Closes the active app window
Windows key + Alt + F4	Closes all open app windows

These keyboard shortcuts work in any app or on the desktop and provide a quick way to close apps without using the mouse or touch gestures.

Method 4: Using the App Switcher

Windows 8 introduced a new feature called the App Switcher, which allows you to switch between active apps and close them if needed.

To access the App Switcher, you can use one of the following methods:

• Move your mouse cursor to the top-left corner of the screen and then move it down along the left edge of the screen. This will reveal a thumbnail view of the currently open apps. Right-click on the app you want to close and select "Close."
• On a touch-enabled device, swipe from the left edge of the screen towards the center. This will reveal the App Switcher. From there, you can swipe up or down to scroll through the open apps and tap on the app you want to close. Once the app is selected, swipe it off the screen to close it.

The App Switcher provides a visual representation of the open apps and makes it easy to switch between them or close them.

Another Aspect of Closing Apps in Windows 8

In addition to the methods mentioned above, Windows 8 also utilizes a feature called "Snap" that allows you to view and close apps in split-screen mode.

To use Snap, follow these steps:

• Open the app you want to snap.
• Drag the app from the top edge of the screen and move it towards the left or right side.
• Once you see a transparent overlay, release the app. It will snap to the side.
• To close the snapped app, move your mouse cursor to the top separator line between the two apps. When the cursor changes to a double-sided arrow, click and drag it towards the app you want to close. The snapped app will collapse into a thumbnail, indicating that it is closed.

Using Snap allows you to multitask with multiple apps and easily close them when you're done. It's a convenient way to make the most of your screen real estate.

Now that you are familiar with various methods to close apps in Windows 8, you can navigate the app-centric interface with ease. Whether you prefer using the close button, the Task Manager, keyboard shortcuts, the App Switcher, or Snap, you have multiple options at your disposal to efficiently manage and close apps in Windows 8.

Closing Apps in Windows 8

To close apps in Windows 8, follow these simple steps:

• 1. From the app you want to close, simply drag the top of the screen to the bottom.
• 2. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Alt + F4" to close the active app.

It is important to note that closing an app in Windows 8 does not completely terminate it. Instead, it is minimized and running in the background, allowing for quick access when needed. If you want to completely close an app, follow these steps:

• 1. Press "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" on your keyboard and select "Task Manager" from the options.
• 2. In Task Manager, go to the "Processes" tab and find the app you want to close.
• 3. Right-click on the app and select "End Task" to completely close it.

By following these steps, you can easily close apps in Windows 8 and ensure that they are not running in the background, conserving system resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about how to close apps in Windows 8.

1. How do I close an app in Windows 8?

To close an app in Windows 8, follow these steps:

1. Move your mouse to the top of the screen until the cursor changes to a hand icon.

2. Click and hold the mouse button, then drag the app to the bottom of the screen.

This will close the app and return you to the Windows Start screen.

2. Can I use keyboard shortcuts to close apps in Windows 8?

Yes, you can use keyboard shortcuts to close apps in Windows 8. Here's how:

1. Press the "Alt" + "F4" keys on your keyboard to close the currently active app.

2. Alternatively, you can press the "Windows" + "Tab" keys to open the app switcher, then use the arrow keys to navigate to the app you want to close. Once the app is selected, press the "Alt" + "F4" keys to close it.

3. What happens when I close an app in Windows 8?

When you close an app in Windows 8, it is completely shut down. This means that any unsaved work or data in the app will be lost.

However, most apps in Windows 8 automatically save your progress, so you should not lose any important information.

4. How do I close multiple apps at once in Windows 8?

To close multiple apps at once in Windows 8, follow these steps:

1. Move your mouse to the top of the screen until the cursor changes to a hand icon.

2. Click and hold the mouse button, then drag the first app to the bottom of the screen.

3. Without releasing the mouse button, continue dragging the other apps to the bottom of the screen.

This will close all the selected apps and return you to the Windows Start screen.

5. Is it necessary to close apps in Windows 8?

While it is not necessary to close apps in Windows 8, closing unused or unnecessary apps can help improve performance and free up system resources.

Additionally, closing apps can be helpful for managing your workflow and keeping your desktop organized.

In conclusion, closing apps in Windows 8 is a simple and straightforward process. By using either the touch interface or the traditional mouse and keyboard, you can easily close any app that you no longer need or want to use.

To close an app using the touch interface, simply swipe down from the top edge of the screen and drag the app towards the bottom of the screen until it disappears. If you're using a mouse and keyboard, move your cursor to the top edge of the screen until it turns into a hand icon, then click and drag the app towards the bottom of the screen.