If you've used Windows for any amount of time, you've already had to deal with the dreaded (Not Responding) frozen application—so instead of using task manager, why not create a shortcut to auto-kill them?


The HaxAttack weblog writes up a great tip to create a batch file that automatically kills any applications with a status of Not Responding, but you can actually just create a shortcut directly, omitting the batch file altogether.



To create your own quick-killing mechanism, just create a new shortcut anywhere, using this as the location:

taskkill.exe /f /fi "status eq not responding"

Once you are done, you can change the icon, or even assign a shortcut key in the properties dialog—just make sure the shortcut is on your desktop or in the start menu if you want the hotkey to work, since Windows hotkeys don't work in the Quick Launch. Thanks, Cyrus!


For more, check out how to kill runaway processes with Task Killer, previously mentioned ClickGone, or simply use the very powerful Process Explorer.

G/O Media may get a commission First Bag Free

Tip: Easy Kill Apps That Freeze [HaxAttack]