Press Cmd+Option+Esc to force quit the stuck app. Then check Activity Monitor for heavy processes, free up storage, run First Aid in Disk Utility, and update macOS and apps.

The short explanation

macOS shows the spinning wheel when an app's main thread is busy for more than a few seconds. If it happens across all apps, the system itself is short on memory or storage, or waiting on a slow disk.

What you'll see

  • Spinning wheel in one app or everywhere.
  • Clicks and typing delayed.

Why it happens

  • Stuck app.
  • Low free storage or memory pressure.
  • Disk errors.
  • Outdated software.

How to fix it

  1. Force quitCmd+Option+Esc → select app → Force Quit.
  2. Activity MonitorCheck CPU and Memory Pressure.
  3. Free storageSystem Settings → General → Storage.
  4. Disk Utility First AidRun on the startup disk.
  5. UpdateInstall macOS and app updates; restart.
How to confirm the fix: The wheel no longer appears during normal use.

Stop it happening again

Keep storage free and apps updated.