This wikiHow teaches you how to close open application windows on a PC, Mac computer, Android device, iPhone, or iPad. If you're on a computer, you can also find out how to minimize and hide application windows, without permanently closing the program.
Step
Method 1 of 4: On Microsoft Windows
Step 1. Click the X button in the upper right corner of the program window to close it
Almost all Windows programs have a “ X ” in the upper right corner of the window. Programs like this are usually easy to close by clicking the “ X' just.
- If the program loads a document that is still open, you may be prompted to save or dismiss the document before the program window closes.
- If the window is displayed in full screen and you do not see the “ X ”, press F11 to return the display to normal size first.
Step 2. Press Alt+F4 to close the program window
This keyboard shortcut functions to close the currently active program window, just like the " X" If the open window does not have a button “ X ” in the upper right corner, this key combination can be an alternative option.
Step 3. Press Ctrl+F4 to close the currently open document
This command can be used in applications that support multiple active documents at the same time, such as Microsoft Word. The program itself will not be closed, and only the currently open file will be closed.
Step 4. Click Ctrl+W to close the web browser tab
If you're using a browser like Chrome or Edge, this keyboard shortcut will close the active browser tab, without closing the browser program itself.
Step 5. Press Win+↓ to minimize or hide the window of the currently active program
Pressed together, the “Windows” key and the down arrow key at the same time will not close the program window, but will hide it from view so you can do other things.
- To restore or re-display a hidden window, click a program on the workbar which is usually at the bottom of the screen.
- To hide all open program windows at once, press Win+M.
Method 2 of 4: On MacOS Computer
Step 1. Click the red circle on the upper left side of the program window to close it
If the program window displays a document that is still open, you may be prompted to save or dismiss the document before the window is closed.
If you want to quickly close a program without being prompted to save the job, press Cmd+Q
Step 2. Press Cmd+W to close the currently open program window
This keyboard shortcut has the same function as the red circle button in the upper left corner of the program window.
- If you are using a tabbed program such as a web browser, this shortcut will only close the currently active tab. To close all active tabs in a window, keep the shortcut pressed until all tabs are closed.
- To close all open windows at once, press Cmd+⌥ Option+W.
Step 3. Press Cmd+M to minimize or hide the current program window
This process doesn't permanently close the window, but only hides it from the screen until you need to show it again. You can reopen hidden windows by clicking the appropriate program icon at the far right of the Dock.
To hide all open program windows at the same time, press Cmd+⌥ Option+M
Step 4. Press F11 to hide all open windows
When pressed, this button will take you directly to the computer desktop. When you need to reopen a hidden window, just press F11.
Step 5. Press Cmd+H to hide one window of the currently active program
With this command, the currently active program window is no longer open, even if the program is not permanently closed. When you need to re-access a hidden window, simply click on the appropriate program icon.
To hide all program windows at once, press Cmd+⌥ Option+H
Method 3 of 4: On Android Device
Step 1. Go to the last opened app page
The steps to follow are different for each Android device:
- If you're using a Samsung Galaxy, you can usually tap the “Recent Apps” button to the left of the “Home” button at the bottom of the screen.
- If your device has a square button (or several stacked squares) at the bottom of the screen, touch the button to display a list of recently opened apps.
- If the two options above don't work, swipe up from the bottom of the home screen (but don't go too far until the page/app drawer opens).
Step 2. Swipe the list to the app you want to close
You can move on to the next step once the app you want to close is in the center of the screen.
Step 3. Swipe the app window upwards to close it
You can also close the application by touching the “ X ” in the upper-right corner of the screen, depending on the device you're using.
On some device models, you can touch the “ Close All ” to close all applications at once.
Method 4 of 4: On iPhone or iPad
Step 1. Swipe the bottom of the home screen upwards
If your iPhone or iPad doesn't have a physical “Home” button at the bottom center of the screen, this will display a list of recently opened (or still open) apps.
If you're using an iPhone or iPad with a physical “Home” button at the bottom center of the screen, press the button twice (quickly) to display a list of open apps
Step 2. Swipe the list left or right to find the app you want to close
Move to the next step once the app you want to close is in the center of the screen.
Step 3. Swipe the app window upwards to close it
After that, the application window will be closed.
