9
5
How can I kill the currently active window with a command or keyboard shortcut?
Alt+F4 closes a window, but first it will wait for the program to respond. Depending on the application, this may take several minutes. I am specifically interested in a solution with no waiting period -- that is, a solution that takes effect instantly.
I want to immediately kill the currently focused window with a shortcut.
Kamil Slowikowski
Posted 2014-05-21T18:26:45.260
Reputation: 261
6
Use xdotool to kill the currently active window:
xdotool getwindowfocus windowkill
On Ubuntu, make a keyboard shortcut:
xdotool getwindowfocus windowkillI chose: Ctrl+Alt+x
This shortcut will kill the currently active window immediately. It will not wait for the application to respond, terminate, save, close files, finish up, etc.
Kamil Slowikowski
Posted 2014-05-21T18:26:45.260
Reputation: 261
10
I think you are looking for xkill.
Start it in a shell, then click on the offending window.
Alternatively, you can do Alt-F4 and wait - then you will be asked
the program is not responding - terminate it? (you will lose unsaved work)
sds
Posted 2014-05-21T18:26:45.260
Reputation: 1 600
1what about ctrl+q? That closes the active window (i guess with signal SIGTERM). On Windows is ctrl+w. – m3nda – 2015-05-22T08:35:54.497
Thanks for the answer! I would prefer to use a keyboard shortcut instead of opening a shell, typing a command, and then using my mouse to find the window. When I open a shell, it might overlap or hide the offending window. I think it's much easier to use a shortcut. – Kamil Slowikowski – 2014-05-22T15:33:55.973
In that case you should use Alt-F4 or click on the "x" in the upper right(or left) corner. After a while, you will be asked the "terminate it?" question. – sds – 2014-05-22T15:40:02.633
In theory, you're right. In practice, I don't have time to wait for the application to respond. Sometimes it takes minutes before such a "terminate it?" question pops up. After clicking "terminate it" then I have to wait even longer. I'm looking specifically for a solution that avoids waiting. – Kamil Slowikowski – 2014-05-22T20:25:52.777
It is far too easy to "mis-click", so such a dangerous action as killing an application will never be easy. – sds – 2014-05-22T20:55:26.610
3
The default kill-window shortcut for me in KDE is Ctrl+Alt+Esc
(There's a separate Alt+F4 "close window" entry)
System Settings -> Shortcuts and Gestures -> Global Keyboard Shortcuts -> KWin
jozxyqk
Posted 2014-05-21T18:26:45.260
Reputation: 1 960
On certain KDE applications in Linux, Ctrl+w closes the current focused window. – Eric Leschinski – 2017-01-26T18:33:23.707