$ Linux Command

System

xset

Set X server user preferences.

x11preferencesscreensaverdpmsbellrepeat

Additional Notes

xset configures various X server preferences that affect the user's interactive experience. It can control the screen saver timeout, the display power management system (DPMS), keyboard repeat rate and delay, the bell volume/pitch/duration, the mouse speed, and font search paths.

Changes made with xset are immediate but temporary — they revert when the X server restarts or the session ends. Persistent configuration should be done through desktop environment settings or by adding xset commands to startup scripts like ~/.xinitrc or ~/.xprofile.

Syntax

xset [options] [setting] [value...]

Common Settings

  • s (screensaver): xset s <timeout> <cycle>, xset s on/off/blank/noblank, xset s activate/reset.
  • dpms (power management): xset dpms <standby> <suspend> <off>, xset dpms force on/off/standby/suspend.
  • b (bell): xset b <volume> <pitch> <duration>, xset b on/off.
  • r (repeat): xset r <rate> <delay> <repeat>, xset r on/off.
  • m (mouse): xset m <acceleration> <threshold>.
  • fp (font path): xset fp+ path (add), xset fp- path (remove), xset fp rehash (refresh).
  • q (query): Show current settings.

Parameters

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

Examples

xset q

Display all current X server settings.

xset s 300 600

Set screensaver timeout to 300 seconds, cycle interval to 600 seconds.

xset s off

Disable the screensaver.

xset dpms 600 900 1200

Set DPMS: standby after 10 min, suspend after 15 min, off after 20 min.

xset dpms force off

Immediately turn off the display (as far as the X server allows).

xset r rate 250 30

Set keyboard repeat: 250ms delay, 30 characters per second.

xset b 50 500 100

Set bell volume to 50%, pitch 500 Hz, duration 100 ms.

xset m 2 4

Set mouse acceleration to 2, threshold to 4 pixels.

Practical Notes

  • xset q is a quick diagnostic tool to check all current X settings.
  • Screen saver settings in modern desktop environments may override xset.
  • DPMS control is hardware-dependent and may not work with all monitors or graphics drivers.
  • The bell (xset b) controls the audible or visual terminal bell; on modern systems it is often disabled by default.
  • Font path manipulation with xset fp is less relevant today due to fontconfig.
  • On Wayland, xset only applies to XWayland clients and has limited effect.