Windows
Linux
Services & Processes
Processes
Windows tasklist equivalent in Linux
Shows all currently running processes, like the Processes tab in Task Manager.
Windows
→
tasklist
Linux equivalents
ps aux
ps aux
ps aux
Overview
What this command does
Shows all currently running processes, like the Processes tab in Task Manager.
Migration tip: The
ps aux format is the most commonly used. For an interactive Task Manager, type htop — it's much nicer (install with sudo apt install htop).Practical tasks
Common use cases
List running processes
Shows all currently running processes, like the Processes tab in Task Manager.
ps aux
All processes, full detail (most useful)
ps -ef
All processes, alternate format
ps aux --sort=-%cpu
Sort by CPU usage
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
ps aux
ps aux | grep firefox
ps aux --sort=-%mem
top
htop
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows: tasklist
ps aux # all processes
ps aux | grep firefox # find firefox process
ps aux --sort=-%mem # sort by memory usage
# Interactive (like Task Manager):
top # built-in, press q to exit
htop # nicer version, install firstReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
ps aux | All processes, full detail (most useful) |
ps -ef | All processes, alternate format |
ps aux --sort=-%cpu | Sort by CPU usage |
htop | Interactive process viewer (must install) |
top | Built-in interactive monitor (press q to quit) |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
This command is the same on Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch Linux when the relevant tool is installed.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | ps aux |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | ps aux |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | ps aux |
Same command on this distribution. |
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