Windows tasklist equivalent in Linux
Shows all currently running processes, like the Processes tab in Task Manager.
tasklist
ps aux
ps aux
ps aux
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "tasklist" is used to list running processes. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "ps aux". Shows all currently running processes, like the Processes tab in Task Manager. This reference is grouped under Services & Processes → Processes.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows tasklist maps to ps aux 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
List running processes
Shows all currently running processes, like the Processes tab in Task Manager.
ps aux
All processes, full detail (most useful)
ps -ef
All processes, alternate format
ps aux --sort=-%cpu
Sort by CPU usage
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
ps aux
ps aux | grep firefox
ps aux --sort=-%mem
top
htop
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows: tasklist
ps aux # all processes
ps aux | grep firefox # find firefox process
ps aux --sort=-%mem # sort by memory usage
# Interactive (like Task Manager):
top # built-in, press q to exit
htop # nicer version, install firstReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
ps aux | All processes, full detail (most useful) |
ps -ef | All processes, alternate format |
ps aux --sort=-%cpu | Sort by CPU usage |
htop | Interactive process viewer (must install) |
top | Built-in interactive monitor (press q to quit) |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "ps aux" 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 | ps aux |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | ps aux |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | ps aux |
Same command on this distribution. |
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