How to close gracefully all opened apps?

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1

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS new install
Gnome, X11, dash-to-panel plugin
I have SSD & HD in my pc, most of my apps’ data are stored on the HD, therefore each time before shutdown, I have to close all opened apps, otherwise, I might get error messages due to forced app closure. Is there a command to do this or it has to be done through script? Currently I’m using ‘wmctrl -c :ACTIVE:’ command to close each app,

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To gracefully close all opened applications on Ubuntu with GNOME, you can use the gnome-session-quit command. This command can be used to log out or shut down the current session, which will close all running applications without user confirmation. For example:

gnome-session-quit --logout --no-prompt

And you already know about wmctrl, and I’ll bet even the killall <app name> but I prefer this on killall:

killall -SIGTERM <ApplicationName>

For a more automated approach, you can create a script that combines these methods to close all applications before a shutdown or logout. This can be particularly useful if you want to ensure all applications are closed before the system shuts down.

Remember to test these commands in a safe environment to ensure they work as expected for your specific use case.

EDIT1: Remember that forcefully closing applications (using SIGKILL) can lead to file corruption and OS breakage, so it’s best to use graceful termination methods whenever possible.

3

I have suggested x-tile in another discussion a few minutes ago. While I have x-tile open I see that all or selected app sessions can be closed.

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@1fallen thanks for this tip, I remembered I tested this solution awhile ago, and it did not save unsaved apps due to the no prompt flag.

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@dragonfly41 thanks for this tip and solution.

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TBH This is the first I’ve heard of the application. (x-tile)

Reading up on it is interesting, but I just use my system differently is all.

It seems very useful though.

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x-tile is developed by the same creator of CherryTree … another tool recommended where hierarchical notes and blocks of code can be weaved together. Truly a gem. I use it as “Houston control” for various workflows.

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@dragonfly41 you do come up with some gems. :+1:

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