Closing programs in WIndows 8.1

I have been using W 8.1 for a couple of months now. Most of the
programs that I am using run on the desk top, but I have several games
that work on the new interfaces. Some close when I switch back to the
desktop but some do not.

Frequently when I shut down the computer it will halt and say there is a
program running.

First how do I know which user programs are running in W 8.1. Is there
any way to bring up a list of user programs?


If I leave a W 8.1 program how do I close it.

Everything I have tried to bring up a menu for the program has not
worked. Esc, right click in the program etc. Some of the W 8.1
programs I have not even found a menu to change setting, print, etc