Turn Monitor: Disable Screen Blanking X11/lightdm Crashes Power Button
This article covers the background reason why X11/lightdm crashes when the monitor's power button is pressed. Instead of using the power button, running the command xset dpms force puts the monitor in low-power mode, which works as a viable workaround.
The Problem
Users who use the X11/lightdm display manager may encounter a problem when pressing the monitor's power button. Instead of the monitor entering a low-power mode, the display manager crashes. This behavior can be frustrating, especially for users who rely on the power button to manage their monitor's power consumption.
The Solution: Disable Screen Blanking
One solution to this problem is to disable screen blanking. Screen blanking is a feature that turns off the monitor's display after a period of inactivity. By disabling this feature, the monitor will not blank the screen, and the power button will not cause the display manager to crash.
To disable screen blanking, run the following command:
xset s noblankThe Solution: Use xset dpms force
Another solution to this problem is to use the xset dpms force command. This command forces the monitor into a low-power mode, even if the display manager is running. This bypasses the issue of the display manager crashing when the power button is pressed.
To use this command, simply run it in a terminal window:
xset dpms forceWhy Does This Happen?
The reason why the power button causes the display manager to crash is not entirely clear. However, it is believed that the power button sends a signal to the display manager to shut down the monitor's display. When the display manager receives this signal, it may not be able to handle it properly, leading to a crash.
By disabling screen blanking or using the xset dpms force command, the signal sent by the power button is ignored, preventing the display manager from crashing.
Advantages of Disabling Screen Blanking
Disabling screen blanking has several advantages. For one, it ensures that the monitor's display remains on at all times, which can be useful for users who need constant access to their display. Additionally, disabling screen blanking can help prevent the display manager from crashing, which can be a significant advantage for users who rely on X11/lightdm.
However, it's important to note that disabling screen blanking can lead to increased power consumption. If this is a concern, users may want to consider using the xset dpms force command instead.
Advantages of Using xset dpms force
Using the xset dpms force command has several advantages as well. For one, it allows users to put their monitor into a low-power mode without having to worry about the display manager crashing. Additionally, it can help reduce power consumption, which can be a significant advantage for users who are concerned about energy efficiency.
However, it's important to note that the xset dpms force command can be more complicated to use than disabling screen blanking. Users who are not familiar with terminal commands may find it difficult to use this command effectively.
The issue of X11/lightdm crashing when the monitor's power button is pressed can be frustrating for users who rely on this display manager. However, by disabling screen blanking or using the xset dpms force command, users can bypass this issue and manage their monitor's power consumption effectively.
- X11/lightdm crashes when the monitor's power button is pressed
- Disabling screen blanking or using the
xset dpms forcecommand can bypass this issue - Disabling screen blanking has several advantages, including constant access to the display and preventing the display manager from crashing
- Using the
xset dpms forcecommand has several advantages, including reducing power consumption and preventing the display manager from crashing