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Enable Automatic Suspension in Ubuntu Linux Easily

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 2, 2022 Updated Aug 13, 2026 2 min read
Enable Automatic Suspension in Ubuntu Linux Easily
Enable Automatic Suspension in Ubuntu Linux Easily

Automatic suspension in Ubuntu Linux puts your computer into a low-power sleep mode after you stop using it for a set time. This feature saves battery life and electricity while keeping your open apps and work right where you left them.

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions let you set different idle timers for when your laptop runs on battery power versus a wall charger. You can easily change these time limits in the system settings to match your daily habits.

⚡ Quick Answer

Go to Settings , then Power. Under Automatic Suspend, choose On Battery Power or Plugged In, turn the switch on, and select a delay time for your system to suspend when idle.

How to suspend Ubuntu Linux

Manual suspension offers a quick way to pause work without shutting down entirely. Hardware permitting, triggering this state takes a couple of clicks from the top bar.

Here’s how to suspend Ubuntu Linux manually.

Manually suspending Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu Linux supports automatic suspension, a power-saving feature that pauses activity to conserve energy. Hardware permitting, users can quickly initiate this state from the system menu on the top bar of the desktop.

Click the System menu on the top bar. Expand the Power Off / Log Out command, then click the Suspend command, as shown below.

Ubuntu Linux system menu for manual suspension
ubuntu linux manually suspend

This action suspends the computer immediately.

Enable automatic suspension in Ubuntu Linux

Enabling automatic suspension happens through the main System Settings panel. This feature lets the computer go to sleep after a period of inactivity, helping conserve power and extend battery life.

Here's how to do that:

Most system configurations are managed within the main dashboard. This area controls user accounts, system updates, and core hardware preferences.

Ubuntu Linux activities overview interface
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, click the System menu in the top-right corner of the desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings, as shown below.

Ubuntu Linux system menu top bar settings
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

Inside the Settings app, click the Power tile to open the panel.

Head into System Settings -> Power and locate the Automatic Suspend tile under Power Saving Options.

Ubuntu Linux automatic suspension settings toggle
ubuntu turn on or off automatic suspend

Choose On Battery Power or Plugged In, flip the toggle to on, and select a delay duration. Both options configure independently.

Automatic suspension feature in Ubuntu Linux
automatic suspend ubuntu linux

Changes save automatically upon exiting. The Settings app can now be closed.

Conclusion:

  • Enabling automatic suspension in Ubuntu Linux can be a convenient way to save power and preserve your desktop session when the system is idle.
  • Whether you prefer manual or automatic suspension, Ubuntu Linux provides options for your specific preferences and hardware support.
  • Configuring the automatic suspension settings through the System Settings panel allows for customization based on power source and delay preferences. This ensures a tailored approach to power management.

What does automatic suspend do in Ubuntu?

Automatic suspend in Ubuntu Linux saves power by turning off the screen and idling background tasks when the computer sits inactive, keeping all apps and documents ready to resume.

What is automatic suspend?

Enabling automatic suspension conserves energy by ensuring that the system enters a lower power state after a designated period of inactivity.

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Richard

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.

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