Issue with quitting apps through 'Quit' menu on M1 MacBook

Question

Level 1

7 points

Issue with quitting apps through 'Quit' menu on M1 MacBook

This is an issue I've been having for as long as I've had my current MacBook (a 2020), M1. The vast majority of the time (I haven't noticed any pattern - just that it's almost always this way), I can't quit by doing ctrl+click and then selecting "quit" from the menu that comes up. The window closes, but the little dot under the icon stays there. I have to go to Apple Menu > Force Quit to get the app to actually close.

It's a small thing, but annoying. Does anyone know how to fix this?

Thanks!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Can only quit apps through "force quit" - doing ctrl+click and selecting "quit" doesn't work.

Posted on Jul 15, 2025 9:31 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,078 points

Jul 15, 2025 6:58 PM in response to ALB4

I do not see an M1 MacBook listed as a product. The last MacBook released was in 2017 and they were gone by July 2019, before the introduction of M-series laptops.

So you must have an Macbook Pro or an Macbook Air. Can you confirm which?

Thanks!

Reply

Answer 2

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

55,724 points

Jul 15, 2025 9:53 AM in response to ALB4

That is odd. I just checked every app in the Dock on my Mac and they all quit successfully without the dot remaining when Control clicking and choosing quit. Have you been able to determine if it is any particular app that is showing this behavior?

The only other thing I could suggest is post the free EtreCheck report using the Additional Text option when posting to determine if there is a third party process installed on your system that is preventing the normal operation of quitting the app. The report contains no personal information.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

Another thing you can try is by starting in Safe Mode to see if that occurs there as well. That may also help to identify a conflict.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

ALB4 Author

Level 1

7 points

Jul 15, 2025 10:01 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thank you so much! :)

Reply