Closed the window but the app is still open on your Mac

Why it happens

On a Mac, an app and its windows are separate things. Closing the last window leaves the app running, ready to open a new window quickly, and a small dot under its Dock icon shows it's still open. Some single-window apps, like System Settings, do quit when you close their window.

How to fix it

1. Click the app's window, or its icon in the Dock, so it's the app in front. Its name appears in bold next to the Apple menu.

2. Press Command-Q. Or click the app's name in the menu bar and choose Quit at the bottom of that menu.

3. Check the Dock. The dot under the app's icon is gone once it has quit.

4. You can also Control-click the app's icon in the Dock and choose Quit.

Still not fixed?

1. Don't see dots under open apps? Turn on Show indicators for open applications in Desktop & Dock settings.

   Desktop & Dock›Dock›Show indicators for open applications

2. App won't quit? Choose Force Quit… from the Apple menu, select the app and click Force Quit. Anything you hadn't saved in it may be lost.

   Apple menu›Force Quit…

3. An app that keeps coming back at login can be stopped in Login Items & Extensions, under Open at Login.

   General›Login Items & Extensions›Open at Login

4. If apps won't quit even with Force Quit, restart your Mac. If it keeps happening, contact Apple Support.