Chapter 5. Changing how your system behaves when you close the laptop lid

When you close the lid of your laptop, it suspends by default to save battery. You can customize this behavior according to your preferences.

WARNING
Some laptops can overheat if they are left running with the lid closed, especially in confined spaces. Consider whether changing this setting is safe for your laptop, especially if you intend to keep the laptop running with the lid closed for extended periods of time.

Prerequisites

  • Administrative access.

Procedure

  1. Open the /etc/systemd/logind.conf configuration file.
  2. Look for the line that says HandleLidSwitch=suspend.
  3. If the line starts with the # symbol, remove it to enable the setting.

  4. Replace suspend with one of the following options:

    • poweroff to shut down the computer.
    • lock to lock the screen.
    • ignore to do nothing.

    For example, to lock the screen upon closing the lid, use this setting: 

    HandleLidSwitch=lock
  5. Save your changes and close the editor.