How to completely close an application in Windows 8 Metro / Modern UI

There are two ways to easily close an app in Metro.  With all Metro apps, one click simply opens it.  But for those of us used to clicking the “X” in the top right corner or right-clicking and hitting “close,” closing an app is not as intuitive at first.  Luckily, it’s super easy to do, and there are two simple ways to close an app in the Modern UI.

1. The first method is on the start screen.  Simply move your cursor to the top left corner of the start screen.  A column will scroll out, showing all apps that you have open.  Right click on the app you would like to close (left-clicking will take you to the app.)  Click the word “close.” Shocking, right? But wait–there’s more! Read on after the break for an even better way!

2. The second method is while you are actively in the app.  Take the cursor to the top of the screen until a hand appears.  Click and hold down the left mouse button.  Pull the app towards the bottom of your screen.  You will notice the app box shrink, then “disappear” at the bottom of the screen.  When you have reached the bottom of the screen, stop holding down the left mouse button.  The app is now closed. Tada!

Yes, you can also use Task Manager, but let’s face it: that’s not a real solution. But perhaps the best news is just this: you don’t actually need to close Metro apps at all. Thanks to Windows 8′s app “Dehydration” feature, an off-screen metro app uses almost no processor time or memory, and as you continue to open new apps those you aren’t using will eventually be culled, all on their own.