Force quit an app on a Mac (Ctrl-Alt-Delete)

Updated on 13 November 2026

On a Windows PC you press Ctrl-Alt-Delete when a program freezes. On a Mac the equivalent is Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Escape, which opens the Force Quit Applications window. Here are that and four other ways, plus what to do if your whole Mac stops responding.

The short answer

• Shortcut: ⌘ + ⌥ + Esc, choose the app and click Force Quit.
• Only the active app: hold ⌘ + ⌥ + Shift + Esc for three seconds.
• Whole Mac frozen: hold the power button (or Touch ID) for about 10 seconds.

5 ways to quit an app

1. Shortcut ⌘ + ⌥ + Esc: the Force Quit Applications window opens. Select the app that isn't responding and click Force Quit.
2. Apple menu: click the Apple logo at the top left and choose Force Quit.
3. Dock: hold Option, right-click (or Control-click) the app in the Dock and choose Force Quit.
4. Activity Monitor: open Spotlight with ⌘ + Space, type Activity Monitor, select the process and click the X button. It also shows which app uses your processor or memory; it's the Mac version of Task Manager.
5. Terminal (advanced): type killall followed by the app name, for example killall Safari.

A normal quit comes first

If an app still responds, quit it normally with ⌘ + Q. Force quitting loses unsaved changes.

If your Mac doesn't respond at all

1. Wait a minute; the Mac may be busy with a heavy task.
2. Hold the power button (on a MacBook the Touch ID button) for about 10 seconds until the screen goes black.
3. Wait a few seconds and turn the Mac back on.

Does your Mac freeze often?

• Install the latest macOS and app updates via System Settings > General > Software Update.
• Check Activity Monitor for apps using a lot of memory.
• Keep at least 10% of your storage free.
• Running an old macOS version? Read How long will my MacBook be supported?

Ready for a faster Mac? See our refurbished MacBooks with a 3-year warranty.

Frequently asked questions

Does Ctrl-Alt-Delete work on a Mac?

No. On a Mac you use ⌘ + Option + Esc. With a Windows keyboard on a Mac that's Windows key + Alt + Esc.

Where is Task Manager on a Mac?

It's called Activity Monitor. You'll find it in Applications > Utilities or via Spotlight.