Transitioning to macOS from Windows or iOS presents unique conceptual shifts, particularly when navigating with the VoiceOver screen reader. In part 8 and the final installment of this tutorial series, we’ll discuss managing frozen applications and locating hidden dialog windows, connecting these features to their Windows and iOS counterparts to help you build muscle memory and navigate your Mac efficiently entirely by keyboard.
Below, you will find our video tutorial followed by a comprehensive quick-reference cheat sheet.
The Force Quit Dialog
If an application freezes, hangs, or becomes completely unresponsive, macOS provides a highly focused Force Quit Applications dialog window.
PlatformCounterpart NameWindows CounterpartTask Manager (accessed via Control + Alt + Delete or Control + Shift + Escape)iOS CounterpartNo direct equivalent (Force closing apps via the App Switcher)
VoiceOver Key Command: Press
Command + Option + Escapeto display the Force Quit window from anywhere on your Mac.How It Works: VoiceOver will announce the list of currently running programs. If an application is frozen, VoiceOver will append
"(not responding)"to the app’s name. Use the standard Up or Down Arrow keys to select the offending application, and press Enter (or navigate to the “Force Quit” button with VoiceOver) to immediately terminate its process.
The Application Chooser
VoiceOver features a powerful built-in utility called the Application Chooser, which lists all open applications and system dialog boxes currently displayed on your Mac.
PlatformCounterpart NameWindows CounterpartTaskbar / Alt + Tab Task SwitcheriOS CounterpartApp Switcher (accessed via double press of the home button or swipe up from bottom)
VoiceOver Key Command: Press
VO + F1twice quickly (whereVOrepresentsControl + OptionorCaps Lock).Functionality: This command opens a vertical menu listing all active programs and open dialogs. Pressing the Up or Down Arrow keys navigates through the list. Pressing right arrow opens the sub menu where you can choose to instantly brings the selected application or open system dialog (such as an alert box or permissions prompt) directly to the foreground under the VoiceOver cursor. You can also down arrow and select which window in the app to open, useful in scenarios where you have multiple windows open in the app.
Pro-Tip: The Application Chooser is especially helpful for locating “lost” dialog prompts that you are unable to reach using standard
Command + Tabapp switching.
Series Conclusion & Next Steps
Hopefully, this final installment helps you master quitting misbehaving apps and finding hidden windows with VoiceOver!
If you missed any of the earlier entries in this 8-part series, you can catch up anytime:
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