How to Close Apps in Windows 8: Step-by-Step

Closing apps in Windows 8 can be confusing because the usual X button is missing from most apps. This guide shows you the quickest ways to close both Modern (full-screen) apps and desktop programs, using touch, mouse, or keyboard. No special tools are needed—just your device and a few minutes.

What You’ll Need

• A PC or tablet running Windows 8 or Windows 8.1
• A mouse, touchscreen, or keyboard (any one works)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using the Mouse (Most Common)

1. Move your mouse cursor to the very top edge of the screen. The cursor will change to a hand icon.
2. Click and hold the left mouse button, then drag the app window all the way down to the bottom of the screen.
3. Release the mouse button when the app snaps to the bottom. The app will close.

Method 2: Using the Touchscreen

1. Place your finger at the top edge of the app window.
2. Swipe downward in one smooth motion until the app slides off the bottom of the screen.
3. Lift your finger. The app closes.

Method 3: Using the Keyboard (Fastest)

1. Press Alt + F4 while the app you want to close is on the screen. This works for both Modern apps and desktop programs.
2. If the app is not responding, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the app under “Apps” or “Processes,” and click “End Task.”

Method 4: Closing Desktop Apps

1. Click the X button in the top-right corner of the desktop window (same as in older Windows versions).
2. Alternatively, right-click the app’s icon on the taskbar and select “Close window.”

Method 5: Closing Apps from the App Switcher

1. Press Alt + Tab to open the app switcher.
2. While holding Alt, press Tab until the app you want is highlighted.
3. Release the keys, then press Alt + F4 to close that app.

Common Mistakes

• Dragging sideways instead of down: In Windows 8, dragging an app to the left or right edge snaps it to the side, not closes it. Always drag straight down.
• Clicking the top edge without dragging: A simple click does nothing; you must click and drag.
• Assuming the Start screen is an app: The Start screen (with tiles) is not an app; pressing the Windows key returns to it without needing to close anything.
• Using Alt+F4 on the desktop: If you press Alt+F4 while on the desktop with no window active, it opens the shutdown dialog instead of closing an app.

Tips

• Use the touchpad gestures: On a laptop touchpad, you can often swipe down with three fingers to close the active app (check your touchpad settings).
• Close multiple apps at once: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the “Apps” section, select several apps, and click “End Task” to close them all.
• Don’t worry about background apps: Windows 8 suspends Modern apps when you switch away, so they use almost no resources. You only need to close them if you want to reset them or free up memory.
• Use the Windows key to switch: Pressing the Windows key takes you to Start without closing the app; it stays running in the background.

Troubleshooting

• App won’t drag down: If the app is frozen, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find the app under “Apps,” right-click it, and choose “End task.”
• Drag works but app reopens immediately: Some system apps (like Settings or Store) may restart automatically. This is normal; to prevent it, sign out or restart your PC.
• Mouse cursor doesn’t change to a hand: Make sure you are at the very top edge of the screen, not near the top corner. If it still doesn’t work, try the keyboard shortcut Alt+F4.
• Touchscreen swipe not working: Check that your touchscreen driver is updated. As a workaround, use the mouse or keyboard method.
• Alt+F4 closes the wrong app: Ensure the app you want to close is the active window (click on it once before pressing Alt+F4).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to close Modern apps to save battery?

No. Windows 8 automatically suspends Modern apps when you switch away, so they don’t drain battery or use CPU. Only close them if you want to reset them or if they misbehave.

Why is there no X button on Modern apps?

Windows 8 removed the close button from full-screen apps to encourage a touch-friendly, app-like experience. Closing is done by dragging down or using Alt+F4.

Can I close all apps at once?

There’s no built-in “close all” for Modern apps, but you can use Task Manager to select multiple apps and end them together. Alternatively, restart your PC to close everything.

What happens if I just press the Windows key?

You go to the Start screen, but the app stays running in the background. To actually close it, use one of the methods above.

Does Alt+F4 work on all apps?

Yes, Alt+F4 works on both Modern apps and desktop programs. It’s the most reliable universal shortcut.

Is there a way to close apps using the taskbar?

For desktop apps, right-click the taskbar icon and choose “Close window.” For Modern apps, right-clicking their taskbar thumbnail shows a “Close” option in Windows 8.1 (not in the original Windows 8).

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