OS X Mountain Lion: If an app freezes

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If an app freezes

Often, simply restarting your Mac fixes an app freeze. There are also several other possible solutions.

  • Force quit the app. Press Command (⌘)-Option-Esc, select the app, and then click Force Quit.
  • Restart your Mac.

    Restart your computer

  • Uninstall any app plug-ins or enhancements from other manufacturers.

    If you recently updated the app or OS X, a plug-in or enhancement you previously installed may no longer be compatible.

  • Read the app’s documentation to check if it’s compatible with your version of OS X.
  • Open another document in the app. There may be a problem with the document you were trying to open.
  • Check to see if any updates to your software are available by choosing Apple menu > Software Update. For apps not made by Apple, look for updates on the manufacturer’s website.
  • Disconnect any peripheral devices you just connected (for example, a printer). They may not be compatible with your version of OS X. If disconnecting the device solves your problem, contact its manufacturer.
  • Depending on your type of Mac, use either Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test. The tools can tell you if hardware you installed, such as additional memory, is incompatible, improperly installed, or defective.

    Use Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test

  • Restart your Mac in safe mode. For more information, see:

    Start up in safe mode

  • Use Disk Utility to repair the computer’s internal disk.

For more information about apps quitting unexpectedly, visit the Apple Support website.

Last Modified: Sep 4, 2015
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