Ubuntu Linux

Schedule Automatic Shutdown in Ubuntu with Cron

Written by

Richard

Aug 29, 2022 Updated Mar 19, 2026 3 min read

You can schedule an automatic shutdown in Ubuntu Linux using the Cron job scheduler.

Cron is a time-based job scheduler utility that runs commands or scripts automatically at specified intervals. This is incredibly useful if you often forget to shut down your PC and want to save energy.

Unlike Windows Task Scheduler, Ubuntu relies on Cron for these automated tasks. You’ll use the command line to set this up.

For example, you might want to schedule your Ubuntu 22.04 LTS machine to shut down every night at 11 PM.

How to automatically turn off Ubuntu Linux

As mentioned above, keeping your computer on forever may not be suitable for your energy bills. In Ubuntu Linux, you can schedule a job to shut down your computer daily at a specific time.

To do that, you’ll need to read two posts:

After reading the post above, you should know how Cron works and how to shut down Ubuntu Linux.

For example, if you want to shut down your Ubuntu Linux computer every 6:30 PM, you’ll edit crontab, add the shutdown command, and specify the date and time.

Run the commands below to edit the crontab.

🐧Bash / Shell

sudo crontab -e

When you run crontab -e for the first time, you may get a prompt screen to choose an editor.

💻Code

no crontab for root - using an empty one
Select an editor.  To change later, run 'select-editor'.

  1. /bin/nano        <---- easiest
  2. /usr/bin/vim.tiny
  3. /bin/ed

Choose 1-3 [1]: 1

Then add the command on a new line below to shutdown daily at 6:30 PM.

💻Code

30 18 * * * shutdown now

Press Ctrl+X to exit, then press Enter to save your changes, and you’re done.

If you want to restart Ubuntu Linux instead, you’ll use -r.

💻Code

shutdown -r now

Again, using the post above about Cron, you can specify different days, dates, times, and other variables in Cron.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

Regularly shutting down your Ubuntu Linux system using Cron can help save energy and reduce electricity costs.
Familiarizing yourself with the command line console and understanding how Cron works is crucial for scheduling automated tasks.
Be sure to refer to the recommended tutorials for detailed guidance on using Cron and efficiently managing shutdown and restart processes in Ubuntu Linux.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I schedule an automatic shutdown in Ubuntu?

You can schedule an automatic shutdown in Ubuntu using the Cron job scheduler. By editing the crontab with the command 'sudo crontab -e', you can add a line like '30 18 * * * shutdown now' to shut down your computer daily at 6:30 PM.

What is Cron and how does it work in Ubuntu?

Cron is a job scheduler in Ubuntu that allows you to run scripts or commands at specified times. It operates through the command line, where you can set up tasks to automate various functions, including shutting down your system.

Can I restart my Ubuntu system using Cron?

Yes, you can restart your Ubuntu system using Cron by adding a command to the crontab. For a daily restart at a specific time, you would use '30 18 * * * shutdown -r now' in your crontab.

What should I do if I want to change the shutdown time in Cron?

To change the shutdown time in Cron, simply edit the crontab again using 'sudo crontab -e' and modify the timing parameters in the scheduled command. For example, to change it to 10 PM, you would update it to '0 22 * * * shutdown now'.

Is it safe to use Cron for scheduling shutdowns in Ubuntu?

Yes, using Cron to schedule shutdowns in Ubuntu is safe and can help manage your system's energy consumption. Just ensure that you set the correct time and command to avoid any unintended shutdowns.

Was this guide helpful?

Tags: #Windows 11

Was this helpful?

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

2571 articles → Twitter