How to Close Apps in Windows 8

In the course of using Windows 8, you can end up opening a lot of apps without closing them. This can slow down your computer, so it's a good idea to periodically close apps after you're done with them. It may also be necessary to close...

Table of Contents

Using the Application Switcher
The Touch and Drag Method
Using the Task Manager

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Application Switcher

Move your cursor towards the top left corner of the Windows 8 desktop.
Move your cursor down along the fat left side of the desktop after a box appears in the top left corner.
Right-click on an app that you want to close.
Click "Close" to close down the app. Repeat this for any other apps that you also want to close to shut them down. Make sure you've saved your work for those apps before closing them.
If all else fails, use the Task Manager. You can also close open programs using the Task Manager.
1. Right click on the taskbar.
2. Click Task Manager.
3. Select the program you wish to close.
4. Click End Task.
5. Follow any prompts and you're done.

Method 2 of 3:

The Touch and Drag Method

This is the simplest method and requires that the program you wish to close be open and on the screen. Simply pull your finger or your mouse from the top edge of the screen down to the bottom of the screen. The app windows will become smaller. When this happens, let go to close the app.

Method 3 of 3:

Using the Task Manager

You can also close open programs using the Task Manager, if you have an attached keyboard.
1. Click and hold down Ctrl-Alt-Del at any time.
2. Click Task Manager.
3. Select the program or app you wish to close.
4. Click End Task.
5. Follow any prompts and you're done.

Micah Soto

Update 04 March 2020

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