Prevent Laptop from Turning Off the Screen When Lid is Closed

This guide explains how to disable the screen from turning off when the laptop lid is closed on a remote machine.

⚠️ Important: Do this over SSH! ⚠️

Step 1: Modify logind configuration

Open the logind.conf file with a text editor like nano:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/logind.conf

Add or modify the following lines:

HandleLidSwitch=ignore
HandleLidSwitchDocked=ignore

Step 2: Restart systemd-logind

To apply the changes, restart the systemd-logind service:

sudo systemctl restart systemd-logind

Step 3: Install vbetool

Install vbetool to control the display power management:

sudo apt install vbetool

Step 4: Manually Turn Off/On the Display

To turn off the display:

vbetool dpms off

To turn it back on:

vbetool dpms on

Now, the display will no longer automatically turn off when the lid is closed.