In this article I’m going to explain the basic way to close a piece of software, app or program that is not responding or has frozen, using Task Manager. Images are from Windows 10 and do differ from previous versions, but they all have these particular features and functions. I’m writing this post in preparation for one on reopening programs using Task Manager, coming next week.

Why do I need to use Task Manager to close a program?

Sometimes, with the best will in the world. programs or apps freeze or stop working, and the little X in the top right-hand corner that you use to close it just will not work.

If this happens, you need to go to the central program which shows what is running on your computer to force the program to shut down. This is the Task Manager.

How do I open Task Manager?

You…