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List Apps Blocking Suspend with systemd-inhibit

Find out why your Linux machine won't sleep: list every program holding a suspend or shutdown inhibitor lock.

LinuxPower & SleepsystemdLow risk
Run systemd-inhibit --list to print every process currently blocking suspend, hibernate or shutdown.

01Command

Command
$ systemd-inhibit --list

02What it does

Applications can place inhibitor locks with systemd so that suspend, hibernate or shutdown waits until they finish — useful for updates and burning discs, annoying when something holds the lock forever. systemd-inhibit --list shows all active locks with four columns: what operation is blocked, who holds the lock, why, and the process's mode. Once you spot the culprit you can close it normally instead of rebooting.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • systemd-inhibit(1) — man7.org
    man7.org · community · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Man page documents systemd-inhibit and its --list option to enumerate all current inhibition locks
  • systemd-inhibit(1) — Debian manpage
    Debian · community · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Debian manpage shows --list lists all currently active inhibition locks with what/who/why columns

Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Category: System & Settings

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