Microsoft has introduced a new feature that stands out for Windows 11 users. This feature makes it possible to close an application that is not responding or causing problems much faster. Users can right-click on the application icon on the taskbar and select the “End Task” option and close the application immediately. This process serves a similar function to closing the application via the Task Manager, but offers a much more practical method.
The traditional way to end an application in Windows 11 is usually by opening the Task Manager (quickly accessible with the Ctrl + Shift + Escape key combination), finding the relevant application or process, and ending it. This method can be time-consuming and can be difficult for the user, especially during moments when the computer is in heavy use.
How to enable and use the new feature in Windows 11
To enable this new functionality, users need to follow certain steps. Since the feature is off by default, it needs to be turned on manually. Here are the steps to enable this feature:
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Open the Settings app (quickly accessible with the Win + I key combination or found by typing “Settings” in the search box on the taskbar).
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Click on “System” from the left menu.
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Scroll down to find the “For Developers” section and click on it.
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Find the “End Task” setting and slide the switch to turn it on.
After completing these steps, the “End Task” option becomes available by right-clicking on any application icon on the taskbar. This feature is especially useful for users who frequently deal with freezing or unresponsive applications.
However, using this feature may cause issues with some larger applications or games. Such applications may take a long time to load and may freeze before the icon appears on the taskbar. In this case, users may have to find and kill the relevant “background process” using the Task Manager.