Some simple things such as closing an app in Windows 8.1 is not intuitive and clear if you are using the Metro user interface of Windows 8.1. To know about how to close apps on Windows 8.1 Metro UI, you can see the steps shown in this guide below and find out how you can exit apps or programs on Windows 8.1.
With Windows 8.1, Microsoft has brought in significant changes to the design and functionalities of application user interface. With the aim of improving the the usability and user experience on touchscreen devices, Windows 8.1 comes with a new user interface called Metro UI in addition to the desktop mode.
Working in the Metro UI is different from working in the desktop mode in Windows 8.1, for example, closing the active apps or programs. We will show you how to close apps in Windows 8.1 in steps with screenshots.
Closing apps in Windows 8.1 Metro UI by dragging them to the bottom of the screen
Take the mouse to the top of the app window, you will see the mouse pointer changes to the hand pointer as shown in the image below.
If you see the hand pointer, press the left mouse button, drag the app window to the bottom of the screen and wait for some time without releasing the mouse button.
After the thumbnail flips into the app's icon the app is closed. Now, you can release the mouse button.
If you have multiple apps running in the background, you can use the steps shown below to close any of the running apps
Take the mouse pointer to the top-left corner of the screen. You will see the list of apps and programs as shown below. This list shows all the apps which are currently running.
Take the mouse below to see the apps, right-click on the app you want to close, and click close.
Closing apps on Windows 8.1 using the Alt + F4 shortcut
Since Alt + F4 closes the current window, you can use the key combination to close a currently opened app window.
