Windows 7: Close all programs

In Windows 7 you cannot close all programs with one click, but we will show you the most effective alternatives.

Close all programs in Windows 7

• By key combination: You can close the window in the foreground with the keys [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [F4]. If you press the key combination several times in succession, you can very quickly end all programs.
• With the Task Manager: Use the key combination [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Del] to start the Windows 7 Task Manager. Here you can click on the open programs and close them with the "End Task" button.
• Shut down or restart PC: Probably the cleanest way to end all running processes in Windows is to restart the computer. The only disadvantage here is the waiting time until the PC is ready for use again.

Alternatively, you can ensure that the programs no longer start automatically: Read how to safely uninstall programs under Windows.