{"id":25462,"date":"2025-11-17T15:39:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:39:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/?p=25462"},"modified":"2025-11-17T15:39:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:39:27","slug":"how-do-i-restart-an-app","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/how-do-i-restart-an-app\/","title":{"rendered":"Restarting Applications Properly Across Devices for Better Performance"},"content":{"rendered":"

When an app freezes, crashes, or stops responding, productivity comes to a sudden halt. Whether you\u2019re troubleshooting on a personal laptop or managing devices across an organization, knowing how to restart an app<\/strong> quickly and efficiently can save time and prevent deeper system issues. Understanding how do I restart an app<\/strong> is especially important for IT managers and cybersecurity professionals who rely on responsive applications to maintain system stability and security.<\/p>\n

In this comprehensive guide, you\u2019ll learn multiple methods to restart apps on Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone. You\u2019ll also discover why restarting an app solves many issues, when it\u2019s necessary, and how restarting impacts digital security in business environments.<\/p>\n

Why Restarting an App Fixes Most Issues<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Restarting an application isn\u2019t just about closing and reopening it. When done properly, it clears temporary data, resets memory usage, and refreshes system processes that may be malfunctioning.<\/p>\n

Common Reasons Apps Need Restarting<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • \n

    The app becomes unresponsive or freezes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Background processes consume too much RAM<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Temporary cache builds up and slows performance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    The app encounters a software glitch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    System updates cause compatibility issues<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Network conflicts affect cloud-connected apps<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Cybersecurity tools temporarily block certain app functions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    In high-security environments, knowing how do I restart an app<\/strong> ensures business-critical software remains stable and functional.<\/p>\n

    How to Restart an App on Windows (All Versions)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Windows is widely used across businesses, so understanding different restart methods is essential for IT teams and general users alike.<\/p>\n

    Method 1: Restart the App Normally<\/strong><\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. \n

      Click the X<\/strong> button in the top right corner.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      Reopen the app from the Start Menu, desktop, or taskbar.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      This is effective for non-critical freezes or minor glitches.<\/p>\n

      Method 2: Use Task Manager to Force Close and Restart<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      This is the most powerful way to fully terminate and reload an app.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. \n

        Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc<\/strong> to open Task Manager<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      2. \n

        Go to the Processes<\/strong> tab.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      3. \n

        Select the app causing issues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      4. \n

        Click End Task<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      5. \n

        Reopen the application normally.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        This method clears background tasks that may continue running even after closing the app window.<\/p>\n

        Method 3: Restart App Using Command Prompt<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        For advanced users or IT administrators:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. \n

          Open Command Prompt<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        2. \n

          Type: taskkill \/im appname.exe \/f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        3. \n

          Press Enter<\/strong> and restart the app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          This method is useful in remote management environments.<\/p>\n

          Method 4: Restart App Runs in Background (UWP Apps)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

          For Windows Store apps:<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \n

            Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          2. \n

            Select the app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          3. \n

            Click Advanced options<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          4. \n

            Scroll down and choose Terminate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          5. \n

            Launch the app again.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            How to Restart an App on Mac (macOS)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

            Mac apps sometimes continue running in the background even after you close their windows. That\u2019s why knowing the correct restart methods is essential.<\/p>\n

            Method 1: Close the App Normally<\/strong><\/h3>\n
              \n
            1. \n

              Click App Name > Quit<\/strong> in the menu bar.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            2. \n

              Reopen the app from Launchpad or Applications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Method 2: Force Quit the App<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              The equivalent of Windows Task Manager on a Mac:<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. \n

                Press Command + Option + Esc<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              2. \n

                Select the misbehaving app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              3. \n

                Click Force Quit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              4. \n

                Reopen the app immediately.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Method 3: Restart Using Activity Monitor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                This tool lets you kill stubborn processes.<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. \n

                  Open Activity Monitor<\/strong> from Utilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                2. \n

                  Click the app you want to restart.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                3. \n

                  Click the X<\/strong> icon at the top.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                4. \n

                  Choose Force Quit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Activity Monitor is especially helpful for memory-heavy applications like browsers, virtual machines, and development tools.<\/p>\n

                  How to Restart an App on iPhone (iOS)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                  Mobile productivity is critical for business professionals, making mobile app performance equally important.<\/p>\n

                  Method 1: Restart an App Using the App Switcher<\/strong><\/h3>\n
                    \n
                  1. \n

                    Swipe up from the bottom (or double-tap Home button on older models).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  2. \n

                    Locate the problematic app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  3. \n

                    Swipe it up to close.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  4. \n

                    Open the app again from the Home Screen.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Method 2: Restart the Entire System<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                    If closing the app doesn\u2019t work:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. \n

                      Hold Volume Down + Side Button<\/strong> until the power slider appears.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                    2. \n

                      Slide to turn off.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                    3. \n

                      Restart the device and launch the app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      System-level restarts help clear persistent memory issues.<\/p>\n

                      How to Restart an App on Android<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                      Android devices differ, but the general restart process is similar across brands.<\/p>\n

                      Method 1: Close and Reopen from Recent Apps<\/strong><\/h3>\n
                        \n
                      1. \n

                        Tap the Recent Apps<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                      2. \n

                        Swipe the problematic app away.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                      3. \n

                        Open it again from the app drawer or home screen.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Method 2: Force Stop the App<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                        Android provides built-in controls for force-stopping misbehaving apps.<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. \n

                          Go to Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                        2. \n

                          Tap Apps<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                        3. \n

                          Select the app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                        4. \n

                          Tap Force Stop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                        5. \n

                          Reopen the app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          This is the most effective method for stubborn app freezes.<\/p>\n

                          Method 3: Clear App Cache Before Restarting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                          If the app repeatedly crashes:<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          1. \n

                            Go to Settings > Apps<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                          2. \n

                            Choose the app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                          3. \n

                            Tap Storage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                          4. \n

                            Select Clear cache<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                          5. \n

                            Restart the app.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            This removes temporary files that often cause performance issues.<\/p>\n

                            Why Restarting Apps Matters in Cybersecurity and IT<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                            Restarting apps isn\u2019t just about fixing glitches\u2014it also plays a vital role in IT health and cybersecurity.<\/p>\n

                            1. Clears Cached Data That May Contain Errors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            Corrupted cache can cause app misbehavior or data inconsistencies.<\/p>\n

                            2. Helps Reset Secure Sessions and Connections<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            Critical for VPNs, encrypted messaging apps, and cloud platforms.<\/p>\n

                            3. Ends Stuck Background Processes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            These can consume CPU or RAM, slowing down devices in corporate environments.<\/p>\n

                            4. Fixes Network and Authentication Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            Apps that rely on SSO or MFA occasionally need restarts to reinitialize connections.<\/p>\n

                            5. Prepares Devices for Updates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            Restarting ensures new patches or security policies apply correctly.<\/p>\n

                            For IT managers, creating restart procedures helps maintain predictable and secure system performance.<\/p>\n

                            Best Practices for Restarting Apps Effectively<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                            To get the best results when restarting apps, keep these recommendations in mind:<\/p>\n

                            Close Apps Using System Tools, Not Just the Interface<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            Use Task Manager, Activity Monitor, or app settings for a full restart.<\/p>\n

                            Restart Apps After Major OS Updates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            Updates often require app refresh to remove deprecated processes.<\/p>\n

                            Clear Cache for Frequently Crashing Apps<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            Especially browsers and communication apps like Teams or Slack.<\/p>\n

                            Avoid Force-Stopping Apps Too Frequently<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            Some apps rely on background processes and may behave unexpectedly afterward.<\/p>\n

                            Restart the Device Weekly<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            This clears system-level memory allocations across all applications.<\/p>\n

                            When Restarting an App Is Not Enough<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                            Sometimes, restarting the app may not resolve the issue. In those cases, consider:<\/p>\n