Windows
Linux
Services & Processes
Diagnostics
Windows handle.exe equivalent in Linux
Lists processes with an open handle to a file.
Windows
→
handle.exe
Linux equivalents
lsof file
lsof file
lsof file
Overview
What this command does
Lists processes with an open handle to a file.
Migration tip: Check the distro-specific rows before copying; package names and service names can differ even when the tool name is similar.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Show process using file
Lists processes with an open handle to a file.
lsof file
Show process using file
lsof --help
Show command help when supported
man lsof
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
lsof file
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: handle.exe
lsof fileReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
lsof file | Show process using file |
lsof --help | Show command help when supported |
man lsof | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The equivalent is shown for Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch. Some rows use a different package manager or helper tool where Linux distributions commonly diverge.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | lsof file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | lsof file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | lsof file |
Same command on this distribution. |
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