On some Linux-based operating systems including Ubuntu and Debian, Control + Alt + Delete is a shortcut for logging out. On Ubuntu Server, it is used to reboot a computer without logging in.

What does Ctrl-Alt-Delete do on a Linux system?

In the Linux console, by default in most distributions, Ctrl + Alt + Del behaves as in the MS-DOS – it restarts the system. In the GUI, Ctrl + Alt + Backspace will kill the current X server and start a new one, thus behaving like the SAK sequence in Windows ( Ctrl + Alt + Del ).

What is Ctrl-Alt-Delete used for?

The key combination in Windows that enables a user to terminate an unresponsive application. When all three keys are pressed at the same time, the Task Manager utility, which displays all open apps, can be selected from a menu. The Task Manager enables the user to shut down the computer.