Welcome to this article on how to close Finder on Mac. If you’re new to Mac or simply not familiar with the Finder app, it can be a little confusing at times. In this article, we will guide you through 12 simple steps on how to close Finder on Mac. Whether you’re looking to shut down the app completely or just want to hide it for a moment, we’ve got you covered.
Steps:
Step 1: Use the Command + Q Shortcut
The easiest and quickest way to close Finder on Mac is to use the keyboard shortcut Command + Q. This will close the app immediately and save you the hassle of searching for other ways to close it.
Tip: To use this shortcut, make sure you have Finder selected and in active mode.
Step 2: Use the Menu Bar
Another simple way to close Finder on Mac is to use the Menu Bar. Simply click on the Finder menu and select “Quit Finder.” This will close the app and any open folders or windows.
Tip: You can also use the keyboard shortcut Option + Command + Q to quickly access the Quit Finder option.
Step 3: Use the Dock
If you have Finder icons on your Dock, you can also close it by right-clicking on the icon and selecting “Quit Finder.” This will close the app and any open folders or windows, just like the other methods.
Tip: You can also hold down the Option key while right-clicking on the Finder icon to access the “Quit Finder” option.
Step 4: Use the Force Quit Option
If Finder is not responding or you’re having trouble closing it using the other methods, you can use the Force Quit option. To do this, press Force Quit from the Apple menu, select Finder, and click Force Quit. This will close the app forcefully.
Tip: You can also use the keyboard shortcut Option + Command + Escape to access the Force Quit window and close any unresponsive apps.
Step 5: Use Activity Monitor
If you want to take a closer look at what’s going on with Finder or any other app, you can use the Activity Monitor. This tool will show you all the processes running on your Mac and allow you to force quit any apps that are causing trouble.
Tip: You can access the Activity Monitor from the Utilities folder in the Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for it.
Step 6: Log Out or Restart
In some cases, you may need to log out or restart your Mac to close Finder. This will close all open apps, including Finder, and allow you to start fresh.
Tip: You can also use the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + Power Button to quickly restart your Mac.
Step 7: Use Terminal
For more advanced users, you can use Terminal to close Finder on Mac. Simply open Terminal and type “killall Finder” (without the quotes). This will force quit Finder and all its related processes.
Tip: Make sure to type the command correctly and be careful when using Terminal.
Step 8: Hide Finder
If you don’t want to close Finder completely but just want to hide it for a moment, you can use the Hide option. To do this, click on the Finder menu and select “Hide Finder.” This will remove Finder from the screen but keep it running in the background.
Tip: You can also use the keyboard shortcut Command + H to quickly hide any active app.
Step 9: Minimize Finder
Another way to keep Finder running while minimizing it is to use the Minimize option. To do this, click on the yellow button at the top left of the Finder window. This will minimize it to the Dock and allow you to access it later.
Tip: You can also use the keyboard shortcut Command + M to quickly minimize any active app.
Step 10: Use a Third-Party App
If you’re still having trouble closing Finder on Mac, you can use a third-party app like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac X to help you. These apps will help you remove any leftover files or processes related to Finder and other apps.
Tip: Be careful when using third-party apps and make sure to only download them from trusted sources.
Step 11: Update Your Mac
In some cases, issues with closing Finder can be related to outdated software. Make sure to check for any updates to your Mac and install them if necessary. This can help resolve any issues and keep your Mac running smoothly.
Tip: You can check for updates by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting “About This Mac” and then “Software Update.”
Step 12: Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the previous steps and still can’t close Finder on Mac, it may be time to contact Apple Support. They can help you diagnose any issues and provide you with more advanced troubleshooting options.
Tip: Make sure to have your Mac’s serial number and other information ready when contacting support.
Explanation and Tips:
In this article, we have provided you with 12 simple steps on how to close Finder on Mac. From using keyboard shortcuts and the Menu Bar to more advanced options like Terminal and Activity Monitor, there are many ways to close Finder on your Mac. We also provided you with some helpful tips along the way to make the process easier and save you time.
Remember to always be careful when using Terminal or any other command-line tool and to only download third-party apps from trusted sources. If you’re ever unsure about what to do, it’s always a good idea to contact Apple Support or consult with a professional.
We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through how to close Finder on Mac. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to close Finder quickly and easily, no matter what issues you may encounter.
Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Close Finder on Mac
Advantages
1. It saves time: Closing the Finder quickly saves time, especially when working on multiple programs simultaneously.
2. It reduces distraction: When the Finder is not in use, closing it can help to minimize distractions and improve focus.
3. It helps with organization: Closing the Finder can help to keep the desktop tidy and organized, making it easier to find files and folders.
4. It is easy to do: Closing the Finder is a quick and easy task that can be done in just a few simple steps.
5. It can improve performance: Closing unused programs like the Finder can help to improve the overall performance of your Mac.
6. It can reduce energy consumption: By closing the Finder, you can reduce the energy consumption of your Mac and extend its battery life.
7. It can prevent accidental file deletions: Closing the Finder can help to prevent accidental file deletions, as well as other unintentional actions.
8. It can improve security: Closing the Finder can help to improve the security of your Mac by reducing the risk of unauthorized access to your files.
9. It can help to keep your data private: Closing the Finder can help to keep your personal data private and secure from prying eyes.
10. It can help to prevent system crashes: Closing the Finder can help to prevent system crashes and other similar issues by freeing up system resources.
Disadvantages
1. It may cause inconvenience: If you frequently use the Finder, constantly closing and opening it may be an inconvenience.
2. It can disrupt workflow: Closing the Finder may disrupt the workflow of some users who rely on it for their work.
3. It may lead to confusion: Closing the Finder can cause confusion, especially for new Mac users who are not familiar with the system.
4. It may affect multitasking: Closing the Finder may affect multitasking, making it difficult to work on multiple programs at the same time.
5. It may cause frustration: Constantly opening and closing the Finder may cause frustration, especially if it’s done unintentionally.
6. It can affect accessibility: Closing the Finder may make it difficult for some users with accessibility needs to access their files.
7. It may lead to lost files: Closing the Finder without saving unsaved changes may lead to lost files, which can be frustrating for users.
8. It may not be necessary for some users: For some users, closing the Finder may not be necessary, as they may prefer to keep it open for easier access to their files.
9. It may not be user-friendly for some: The steps to close the Finder may not be user-friendly for some users, especially for those who are not tech-savvy.
10. It may not be a permanent fix: Closing the Finder may not be a permanent fix for some issues related to the program, which may require further troubleshooting.
FAQ
1. Why do I need to close Finder on Mac?
Finder is a file manager application on Mac. It allows you to navigate your files and folders, but if it’s running in the background, it can slow down your computer’s performance. As a result, closing Finder can help make your Mac run faster.
2. How do I close Finder on my Mac?
You can close Finder on your Mac by selecting “Finder” from the menu bar, then selecting “Quit Finder” or pressing “Command + Q” on your keyboard.
3. What happens when I close Finder?
Closing Finder will not delete any of your files or folders. It will simply stop the application from running in the background.
4. Is it safe to close Finder on my Mac?
Yes, it is safe to close Finder on your Mac. However, it is important to make sure that you save any files you are working on before quitting the application.
5. How often should I close Finder on my Mac?
You can close Finder on your Mac whenever you feel it’s necessary, but it’s recommended to close it periodically throughout the day to help improve your computer’s performance.
6. Can I prevent Finder from automatically opening on my Mac?
Yes, you can prevent Finder from automatically opening on your Mac by going into System Preferences, selecting “General,” and then unchecking the box next to “Open Finder windows in: New Finder windows.”
7. What happens if I force quit Finder?
Force quitting Finder can cause your desktop icons to disappear temporarily, but they will reappear after a few seconds. You may also need to relaunch Finder to regain access to certain functions.
8. How do I relaunch Finder on my Mac?
You can relaunch Finder on your Mac by using the “Force Quit Applications” window or by using the “Activity Monitor” application. Simply select Finder from the list of applications, then click “Relaunch” or “Force Quit” depending on your preference.
9. How do I access the Force Quit Applications window?
You can access the Force Quit Applications window by selecting “Apple menu” from the top left corner of your screen, then selecting “Force Quit…” or pressing “Command + Option + Escape” on your keyboard.
10. What is the Activity Monitor on my Mac?
The Activity Monitor is an application on your Mac that allows you to view and manage the processes and applications running on your computer.
11. Can I permanently close Finder on my Mac?
No, you cannot permanently close Finder on your Mac. It is an essential application that runs in the background and manages your files and folders.
12. How do I restart Finder on my Mac?
You can easily restart Finder on your Mac by selecting “Finder” from the menu bar, then selecting “Relaunch” or by using the “Force Quit Applications” window to quit and relaunch Finder.
13. What should I do if my Mac freezes or crashes when I try to close Finder?
If your Mac freezes or crashes when you try to close Finder, you can try force quitting Finder or restarting your computer to resolve the issue. If the problem persists, seek assistance from an Apple support technician.
Conclusion
In summary, closing Finder on a Mac is a simple process that can be done using various methods. You can use the keyboard shortcut Command + W, click on the red dot on the top left corner of the Finder window, or use the menu bar to close it. Always ensure that you save any open documents before closing Finder to avoid losing your work.
Closing Finder on a Mac is an essential skill that every Mac user should know. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, knowing how to manage the Finder window is essential for productivity and efficiency. Remember to explore the different methods of closing Finder and choose the one that works best for you.
Closing
That’s all for now, folks! I hope this article has been helpful in providing you with useful information on how to properly close Finder on a Mac. Remember, always save any open documents before closing Finder and explore the different methods of closing it. With these simple steps, you can take full control of your Mac and streamline your workflow.
Thank you for reading, and goodbye for now!