In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of disabling a non-existent VGA monitor on Ubuntu from the command line. This can be a common issue for users who have migrated from a dual-monitor setup to a single monitor, yet Ubuntu still detects the second, non-existent monitor. The tool we’ll use to resolve this issue is xrandr, a powerful command-line utility that allows you to configure your monitors.
To disable a non-existent VGA monitor on Ubuntu from the command line, you can use the xrandr command. First, identify the name of the VGA monitor using the xrandr --current command. Then, use the xrandr --output VGA_NAME --off command to disable it. You can also automate this process by creating a script that runs on startup.
Understanding xrandr
xrandr is a command-line tool for interacting with the X RandR extension of the X Window System, which allows for live (re)configuration of the display server. This tool is used to set the size, orientation and/or reflection of the outputs for a screen.
Identifying Your VGA Monitor
Firstly, you need to identify the name of the non-existent VGA monitor. Open a terminal and run the following command:
xrandr --currentThis command will display the current state of your system’s monitors. Look for the VGA monitor in the output. It could be named VGA, VGA-0, VGA1, VGA2, or something similar.
Disabling the VGA Monitor
Once you have identified the name of your VGA monitor, you can disable it using the xrandr command. The general syntax is as follows:
xrandr --output VGA_NAME --offReplace VGA_NAME with the name of your VGA monitor. For example, if your VGA monitor is named VGA2, the command would be:
xrandr --output VGA2 --offThe --output parameter specifies which output you want to configure (in this case, your VGA monitor), and the --off parameter tells xrandr to turn off the specified output.
Automating the Process
If the above command works and your non-existent VGA monitor is disabled, you can automate this process by creating a script that runs on startup.
- Create a new script file (for example,
disable_vga.sh) in your preferred text editor. - Add the following lines to the file:
Remember to replace#!/bin/bash xrandr --output VGA_NAME --offVGA_NAMEwith the name of your VGA monitor. - Save and close the file.
- Make the script executable by running the following command:
chmod +x disable_vga.sh - Add the script to your startup applications. The exact method may vary depending on your desktop environment, but generally, you can find this option in the system settings.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered how to disable a non-existent VGA monitor on Ubuntu from the command line using the xrandr command. Remember, the xrandr command is a powerful tool, so use it with caution. Always make sure to replace VGA_NAME with the actual name of your VGA monitor. If you have any questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to consult the man xrandr manual or seek help from the Ubuntu community.
Remember, the command line is a powerful tool for system administration. With a bit of knowledge and practice, you can resolve many system issues on your own. Happy computing!
To identify the name of your VGA monitor using the xrandr command, open a terminal and run the following command: xrandr --current. The output will display the current state of your system’s monitors, including the name of the VGA monitor.
If you can’t find the name of your VGA monitor in the xrandr output, it’s possible that the monitor is not being detected by the system. In this case, you may need to check the physical connections of the monitor and ensure that it is properly connected to your computer. If the issue persists, you may need to troubleshoot further or seek assistance from the Ubuntu community.
Yes, you can use the same process to disable other types of monitors, such as HDMI or DisplayPort. Instead of specifying the VGA output, you would need to identify the name of the HDMI or DisplayPort output using the xrandr --current command, and then use the xrandr --output OUTPUT_NAME --off command to disable it. Replace OUTPUT_NAME with the name of your HDMI or DisplayPort output.
To enable a disabled monitor using the xrandr command, you can use the xrandr --output OUTPUT_NAME --auto command. Replace OUTPUT_NAME with the name of the monitor you want to enable. This command will automatically configure the monitor with the optimal settings.
Yes, you can use the xrandr command to change the resolution, orientation, and other settings of your monitors. xrandr provides various options to customize your display configuration. Refer to the man xrandr manual or search for specific tutorials to learn more about the available options and syntax for modifying the settings of your monitors using xrandr.
