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To keep a process running after SSH disconnects, start it inside tmux. Run tmux new -s work, start your command, then press Ctrl+b followed by d to detach. The command keeps running on the server after you log out. Reconnect later with tmux attach -t work. GNU screen works the same way with screen -S work, Ctrl+a then d, and screen -r work.

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Before you start

  • Normally, every program you start in an SSH session stops when the connection drops. tmux and screen are “terminal multiplexers”: they keep a session alive on the server, independent of your connection.
  • Use them for long jobs (updates, large copies, compiling, a game server console) and to survive flaky Wi-Fi.
  • For services that must run permanently and restart after a reboot, use a systemd service instead.

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Should I use tmux or screen?

Use tmux on new servers. It is in the main repositories of every distribution we cover. screen is older and still widespread; on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux 9 and 10 it is only available from the EPEL repository.

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How to install tmux

It may already be installed: tmux -V prints the version if it is.

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How to keep a command running with tmux

1

Start a named session

A green status bar appears at the bottom. You are now inside tmux.
2

Run your command

Start the long job as usual, for example:
3

Detach

Press Ctrl+b, let go, then press d. You return to your normal shell and see [detached (from session work)]. You can now close SSH.
4

Reattach later

Log in again and run:
You are back in the session, with the command still running and all its output.

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Useful tmux keys

All shortcuts start with the prefix Ctrl+b. Press it, release, then press the next key.

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How to use screen instead

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How to check it worked

After detaching, list the sessions:
For screen:

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Frequently asked questions

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Does tmux survive a server reboot?

No. A reboot ends every tmux and screen session and the programs in them. Use a systemd service for anything that must start on boot.

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What about nohup or the & sign?

nohup command & keeps a single command running after logout and writes its output to nohup.out, but you can’t get back to it interactively. tmux lets you reattach and type into it.

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I get “sessions should be nested with care”. What does it mean?

You ran tmux inside an existing tmux session. Detach first, or attach to the session you already have with tmux attach.

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Can two people share one tmux session?

Yes, if they log in as the same user: both run tmux attach -t work and see the same screen. This is handy for supporting someone remotely.

VPS and dedicated server guides

Every guide in this section.

SSH into a server

Connect before you start tmux.

Create a systemd service

Run programs permanently.

SSH config shortcuts

Keep idle SSH sessions alive.

Essential Linux commands

The basics for new admins.
Checked against the official tmux manual and GNU Screen manual on 4 November 2026; sessions, detach keys and ls output were tested with tmux 3.4 and screen 4.09 on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. EPEL package availability checked on Fedora Packages.

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Last Updated: November 2026