How to Close a Window in Ubuntu

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In this guide, we will discover: How to Close a Window in Ubuntu – Easy Beginners Guide 2023
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Looking for various ways to close an application window in the Ubuntu Linux-based operating system? You should read through this detailed guide.

By Oluwaseun Bamisile | Updated April 18, 2023 | 8 minutes read

In this guide, I will teach you six unique methods to exit a window on your Ubuntu computer. To be precise, you will learn how to execute this task using the “X” button on the window’s title bar.

I will also teach you how to quit a window in Ubuntu using a keyboard shortcut and through the context menu. That’s not all; this guide demonstrates how to shut down a window in Ubuntu via the activities bar, the Ubuntu dock, and the terminal.

As with most of our articles, I will feature an FAQ section in this guide. That section will answer some questions people mostly ask related to the topic in view.

It’s crucial to note that this guide’s procedures are based on the Ubuntu 22.04 LTS operating system. As a result, some of the procedures may be slightly different from those in other Ubuntu Linux-based operating system versions.

Exit a Window in Ubuntu Using “X” Button

Exit A Window In Ubuntu Using X Button

The most common way to shut down an application window in Ubuntu is by using the “X” button on the window’s title bar.

Close a Window in Ubuntu Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Another way to quit a window in the Ubuntu operating system is by using a keyboard shortcut. Basically, when the window is active, press the Ctrl + F4 keys simultaneously to close the window.

Close A Window In Ubuntu Using A Keyboard Shortcut
Quit A Window In Ubuntu Via Context Menu

You can also exit a window on your Ubuntu Linux-based computer through the context menu. To do that, right-click any free area on the window’s title bar, then select Close from the context menu.

Shut Down a Window in Ubuntu Via the Activities Bar

Anytime you open a window in the Ubuntu operating system, the application’s name appears on the activities bar. Through this activities bar, you can easily close the application’s window.

To achieve that, click the application’s name or icon on the activities bar at the top of the Ubuntu desktop. Then, select Quit from the displayed options.

Shut Down A Windows In Ubuntu Via The Activities Bar

Exit a Window in Ubuntu Through the Dock

Exit A Window In Ubuntu Through The Dock

Similar to the activities bar, anytime you open a window in Ubuntu, the application’s icon will appear on the dock. Hence, you can easily close the window via the Ubuntu dock.

However, unlike the previous method discussed, the window doesn’t need to be active to use this method. This means that you can close the window using this method even if it is minimized.

All you have to do is right-click the application’s icon on the Ubuntu dock and select Quit from the available options.

Close a Window in Ubuntu Via the Terminal

Interestingly, you can also exit an application window on your Ubuntu computer using a simple command in the terminal. The following steps will demonstrate how to do that.

  1. When the window is active, click the Show Applications icon on the Ubuntu dock to access the application menu. Then, type “terminal” in the search field and select the Terminal program from the search result.
Close A Window In Ubuntu Via The Terminal
  1. In the Ubuntu terminal, input the following command and press the enter key.
xkill
  1. Consequently, your mouse cursor should change to an “X.” Thus, if you click a window with the cursor, the window should automatically close.
Close A Window In Ubuntu Via The Terminal

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is The Keyboard Shortcut To Quit A Window In Ubuntu?

The keyboard shortcut to shut down a window on the Ubuntu operating system is Alt + F4.

2. What Is A Window In A Computer?

A window is a graphical interface element that represents a distinct area on the screen where a program or application can display its content. Moreover, a window usually has a frame, a title bar, and a content area.

3. Is It Possible To Resize A Window In Ubuntu?

Sure, you can resize a window on your Ubuntu computer.

4. How Can I Exit A Window In Ubuntu Through The Terminal?

To quit a window on your Ubuntu computer via the terminal, follow the steps below.
a) When the window you wish to close is active, click the Show Applications icon on the Ubuntu dock to access the application menu.
b) Then, type “terminal” in the search field and select the Terminal program from the search result.
c) In the Ubuntu terminal, input “xkill” and press the enter key.
d) Consequently, your mouse cursor should change to an “X.” Thus, if you click a window with the cursor, the window should automatically close.

5. Can I Minimize A Window In Ubuntu?

Absolutely, you can minimize any window on your Ubuntu Linux-based computer.

My Final Thoughts

Knowing how to exit a window is a fundamental skill every Ubuntu user should possess. Moreover, Ubuntu provides several methods to close a window to suit your preference.

Gladly, this guide demonstrated six of these methods. Specifically, we discussed how to shut down a window in Ubuntu using the “X” button on the title bar of the window.

This guide also taught us how to perform this task using a keyboard shortcut and via the context menu. Additionally, we learned how to quit a window in Ubuntu through the activities bar, the Ubuntu dock, and the terminal.

Hopefully, this guide was helpful to you. If it were, we would love to know what you think – kindly share your opinions with our community platform at Itechguides Community Forum.

You may also post any questions or feedback regarding this article at Itechguides Community Forum. Our forum team and other community members will ensure you get a response to your questions or feedback as quickly as possible.

Finally, you might want to check out our Linux how-to page to find other helpful Ubuntu Linux guides.

References and Further Reading

  1. unix.stackexchange.com – Closing a GUI window from the command line
  2. Itechguides Community Forum

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