You might already know how to kill or terminate an app/process using Task Manager app. However, it is also possible to kill an app or process right from the Taskbar in Windows without opening Task Manager. If an app is not responding, you can close it using right-click context menu from Taskbar without any hassle.
Enable End Task Option in Windows Taskbar
Follow the below steps to turn on “End Task” option:
- Right-click on the Start menu icon in Taskbar.
- Select “Settings” from the power user menu that appears.
- Go to “System” section and open “For developers” option.
- Find and enable “End Task” option from the list of available settings for developers.
- Windows will automatically save your changes.
Using End Task from Taskbar
By default, right-clicking on the app icon on Windows 11 Taskbar will show few menu items depending upon the app. For example, Settings app shows pin and close options as shown below.
After enabling “End Task” option, simply sight-click on the app icon on Taskbar. Now, you will see a new “End Task” item is added in the context menu.
Select “End Task” option and the app will be instantly killed or terminated. You will NOT see any warning and hence make sure to save your changes before you use End Task on apps like Microsoft Word or Edge. Below is how right-clicking on Edge icon will show “End Task” menu.
This is a very useful option to close a non-responding app in Windows without using Task Manager.
