How to Turn Off a MacBook Pro

This article explains how to shut down a MacBook Pro even if the computer is unresponsive or frozen.

How to Turn Off a MacBook Pro

Most of the time, when you're not using a MacBook Pro, putting it into sleep mode is good enough (more on sleep mode at the end of this article). However, there are times you'll want to turn off a MacBook Pro completely. For example, when your battery is low, and you can't recharge it right away, or when you can't have a powered-on laptop, such as when going through airport security or when planes are taking off and landing.

It's easy to shut down a MacBook Pro with just a couple of mouse clicks in most cases. Here's what to do:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top left corner.

2. Click Shut Down.

3. Want all of your apps and documents to automatically reopen the next time you turn on your MacBook Pro? In the dialog box, check the box next to Reopen windows when logging back in.

4. Click Shut Down to continue turning off the MacBook Pro.

How to Turn Off a MacBook Pro That Won't Respond

If your MacBook Pro won't respond or is frozen, you won't be able to click the Apple menu or use the steps from the last section. In that situation, you have two options:

• Hold Down the Power Button: Hold down the power button, which is usually located in the keyboard's top-right corner, until the computer shuts down.
• Hold Down Other Keys: You can also hold down Control+Option+Command and the power button until the MacBook Pro turns off.

What's the Difference Between MacBook Pro Power Off and Sleep Mode?

While sleep mode and powering off a MacBook Pro seem similar, here are some differences to understand.

When a MacBook Pro is in sleep mode, it suspends the operation of the computer. All your apps and documents are open, but the computer is not active. That also means that it can spring back to life when you open the lid or press a key on the keyboard. Sleep mode is best for temporary usage interruptions but doesn't comply with airline safety regulations.

Fully powering off a MacBook Pro means the computer isn't running at all. All apps and documents are closed, and the computer isn't using battery power. Sleep mode uses very little battery, but some power is still needed. Powering down is best for long stretches when you won't use the computer.