How to Use Linux’s screen Command

If you spend any time working on remote Linux servers, you’ve probably faced this problem: You start a long-running process, your connection drops, and everything you were working on gets interrupted. Annoying, right? The screen command solves this.

In this post, you’ll learn what the screen command is, why it’s useful, and how to use it effectively—even if you’re a beginner.

What is the screen Command?

screen is a terminal multiplexer. In plain English: it lets you start a terminal session, run commands in it, and disconnect—while your processes keep running in the background. You can log out, lose your connection, and later reattach right where you left off.

Why Use screen?

• Prevents interruptions: Keep your work running if your SSH connection drops.
• Multi-tasking: Run multiple terminal sessions inside a single SSH login.
• Persistence: Start a process, detach, and come back later.

How to Install screen

Most Linux systems have screen pre-installed. If not, install it:

# On Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install screen

# On CentOS/RHEL:
sudo yum install screen

Basic screen Usage

Start a Screen Session

screen

You’re now inside a new screen session. Run whatever commands you need.

Detach from the Session

Press:

Ctrl + A, then D

You’re back at your regular terminal prompt, but your session (and processes) keep running in the background.

List Active Screen Sessions

screen -ls

You’ll see a list of your sessions.

Reattach to a Session

screen -r

You’re back where you left off.

Naming Your Sessions

For easier management, name your sessions:

screen -S mysession

Then reattach with:

screen -r mysession

Closing a Screen Session

To end a session, simply type exit inside it. The session will close when the command finishes.

Handy Tips

• Scroll in screen: Press Ctrl + A, then [. Use arrow keys to scroll.
• Multiple sessions: Run screen -S sessionname for each task you want to keep separate.

Common Use Cases

• Running scripts that take a long time.
• Keeping an interactive program open.
• Running servers or background tasks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re doing serious work on a Linux server, learning the screen command is a must. It’s simple, powerful, and can save you a ton of frustration.

Have questions or tips about screen? Share them in the comments!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!