$ Linux Command

System

xlsclients

List client applications connected to the X server.

x11clientsdisplaylistxserver

Additional Notes

xlsclients queries the X server for all client applications currently connected and displays their window information. It shows the display name and the command that started each client. This is useful for monitoring which X11 applications are running and on which display.

The command can operate on local or remote X servers. It uses the X Resource Database and the X11 QueryTree and GetAtomName requests to enumerate client windows.

Syntax

xlsclients [options]

Parameters

  • options: Flags that change how xlsclients behaves.
  • target: Optional file, device, interface, user, service, or command target when the command supports one.

Common Options

-a, --all: Show clients on all displays (not just the default). -d display, --display display: Specify a specific display to query. -l, --long: Show detailed information including the window ID and title. -m, --max-cmdlen N: Limit the command line length displayed. -s, --synchronous: Synchronize with the X server (slower but more accurate).

Examples

xlsclients

List all clients on the default display.

xlsclients -l

Show detailed information for each client.

xlsclients -d :1

Query clients on display :1.

xlsclients -a

Show clients on all available displays.

Practical Notes

  • xlsclients shows the process command that created each top-level window.
  • Some window managers may not report all clients correctly, especially with modern compositors or Wayland.
  • For a list of all X11 windows (not just top-level clients), use xwininfo -root -tree or xdotool.
  • On Wayland sessions, xlsclients only shows XWayland clients, not native Wayland applications.