Disable Laptop Suspend When Lid Closes in Ubuntu

Disabling the laptop lid close action in Ubuntu keeps your system fully awake and running even with the screen shut. Ubuntu normally switches to a low-power sleep mode whenever you shut the lid to save battery power.

Stopping this automatic sleep mode helps you run long file downloads or keep server tasks going without interruption. You just need to edit a quick text setting in the system files to tell Ubuntu to ignore the closed lid.

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

Adjusting the underlying system configuration keeps the hardware running even with the screen shut. 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:

These instructions rely on systemd (the system and service manager that handles startup and background processes in modern Linux distributions).

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.