If your computer is frozen, it may be due to a program consuming too many resources. If your computer is completely unresponsive, you may need to force your computer to shut down.
Instructions
Follow the steps below if you are able. Otherwise, skip to "Force the computer to shut down."
Quit programs causing the computer to freeze
Windows
- Press CTRL + ALT + DEL at the same time.
- Select Task Manager.
- Click on More Details.
- Under Processes, select End Task for applications that are consuming the most resources.
Mac
- Press Command + Space bar at the same time.
- Type "Activity Monitor" in the search bar.
- Select the unresponsive application(s) and click the "Stop" icon in the upper-left corner.
- Choose either Quit (normal quit) or Force Quit (immediate force-quit).
If you are unable to access Task Manager or Activity Monitor:
Force the computer to shut down
- If using a laptop, disconnect anything connected to the laptop (including power cord, USB devices, docking station, etc.)
- Press and hold the power button until the computer shuts off. It usually takes 5-10 seconds to power off, but timing may vary.
- After about ten seconds of silence (fans quiet, etc.), power the computer back on.
If your Mac does not have a power button, please see: How do you shutdown a frozen MacBook Pro?
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