Overview

This article explains how to force quit the Softdrive Launcher on macOS when the application becomes unresponsive, freezes, or does not close normally. Force quitting the application allows you to restart the Softdrive Launcher and establish a new connection.

Applies To

• Softdrive Launcher for macOS
• Apple Mac computers running macOS

Symptoms

• The Softdrive Launcher is frozen or not responding.
• The application cannot be closed normally.
• Softdrive remains open after attempting to quit.
• The Launcher becomes stuck while connecting to a computer.

Resolution

Method 1: Force Quit Using the Apple Menu (Recommended)

1. Click the Apple menu () in the upper-left corner of your screen.
2. Select Force Quit.
3. Locate and select Softdrive from the list of running applications.
4. Click Force Quit.
5. Confirm by clicking Force Quit again if prompted.
6. Wait a few seconds, then reopen the Softdrive Launcher.

Method 2: Force Quit Using a Keyboard Shortcut

1. Press Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + Escape (Esc) simultaneously.
2. The Force Quit Applications window will appear.
3. Select Softdrive.
4. Click Force Quit and confirm if prompted.
5. Reopen the Softdrive Launcher and try connecting again.

Method 3: Force Quit Using Activity Monitor

If Softdrive does not appear in the Force Quit Applications window, use Activity Monitor to locate the running process.

1. Press Command (⌘) + Space to open Spotlight Search.
2. Type Activity Monitor and press Enter.
3. Use the search field in Activity Monitor to search for Softdrive.
4. Select the Softdrive application process.
5. Click the Stop (X) button at the top of Activity Monitor.
6. Select Force Quit.
7. Reopen the Softdrive Launcher.

Method 4: Force Quit Using Terminal (Advanced)

If the previous methods do not work, advanced users can terminate the application process using Terminal.

1. Open Terminal using Spotlight Search.
2. Run the following command to locate Softdrive-related processes:

pgrep -ifl softdrive

Identify the process ID (PID) belonging to the Softdrive Launcher. Then run:

kill -9 PID

Replace PID with the actual process ID. Only terminate the process after confirming it belongs to Softdrive.

Expected Result

The Softdrive Launcher should close completely. After reopening the application, you should be able to sign in and reconnect to your assigned computer.

Troubleshooting

If the issue persists after force quitting Softdrive:

• Restart your Mac and reopen Softdrive.
• Confirm that your internet connection is working normally.
• Verify that you are running the appropriate Softdrive Launcher version for your organization.
• If the application continues freezing, contact Softdrive Support and provide a description of the issue, the macOS version, and any available error messages or screenshots.

Important: Force quitting Softdrive may disconnect an active remote session. Save your work whenever possible before proceeding. Force quitting the Launcher does not normally shut down your remote computer.