Disable Laptop Suspend When Lid Closes in Ubuntu

Disabling laptop suspend when the lid closes in Ubuntu stops your computer from going to sleep when you shut it.

Ubuntu usually puts your laptop into a low-power sleep mode when you close the lid. This saves battery life and lets you pick up where you left off quickly.

However, you might want your laptop to stay awake, for example, when downloading large files or running important background tasks. Changing a specific setting in Ubuntu prevents this automatic sleep function.

How to keep the laptop on when the screen is closed in Ubuntu Linux

You can stop your Ubuntu laptop from going to sleep when you close the lid by changing the ‘lid suspend’ setting. Disabling this setting means your Ubuntu laptop will stay on, even with the lid shut. This is handy if you need your laptop to continue running for downloads or other tasks while the lid is closed.

To stop Ubuntu Linux from suspending when the lid is closed, follow these steps:

First, press the Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shortcut to open the command console, often called a terminal.

Open your terminal and run the following commands:

sudo gedit /etc/systemd/logind.conf

This will open a configuration file. Look for the line:

#HandleLidSwitch=suspend

Change it to:

HandleLidSwitch=ignore

Save your changes and exit the editor.

Next, run the commands below to apply your changes.

sudo systemctl restart systemd-logind.service

Finally, restart your computer and test to see if it works.

If those steps don’t work, another option is available. Consider installing Gnome Tweaks, an application that offers more control over your laptop’s lid close behavior in Ubuntu Linux.

Run the commands below to install.

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

After installing the app, go to the Activities overview and search for Tweaks.

Under General, toggle the switch to Off for Suspend when the laptop lid is closed.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Ubuntu Linux provides a straightforward way to change the laptop lid close behavior to “ignore,” allowing users to avoid automatic suspension when the lid is closed.
• Modifying the HandleLidSwitch parameter in the login.conf file or utilizing the Gnome Tweaks application, users can keep their laptop running even when the screen is closed.
• With these simple steps, Ubuntu Linux users can ensure their work continues uninterrupted when the laptop lid is closed, providing greater flexibility and control over power management.