Windows handle.exe equivalent in Linux
Lists processes with an open handle to a file.
handle.exe
lsof file
lsof file
lsof file
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "handle.exe" is used to show process using file. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "lsof file". Lists processes with an open handle to a file. This reference is grouped under Services & Processes → Diagnostics.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows handle.exe maps to lsof file for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux services and processes.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Show process using file
Lists processes with an open handle to a file.
lsof file
Show process using file
lsof --help
Show command help when supported
man lsof
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
lsof file
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: handle.exe
lsof fileReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
lsof file | Show process using file |
lsof --help | Show command help when supported |
man lsof | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "lsof file" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | lsof file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | lsof file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | lsof file |
Same command on this distribution. |
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