# man > ctrlaltdel(8)

---
type: CommandReference
command: ctrlaltdel
mode: man
section: 8
source: man-pages
---

## Quick Reference
- `ctrlaltdel hard` — Immediately reboot without sync.
- `ctrlaltdel soft` — Send SIGINT to init (PID 1) for graceful shutdown.
- `ctrlaltdel` — Display current setting.
- `ctrlaltdel --help` — Show help text.
- `ctrlaltdel --version` — Show version.

## Name
ctrlaltdel - set the function of the Ctrl-Alt-Del combination

## Synopsis
`ctrlaltdel hard|soft`

## Options
- `-V, --version` — Display version information and exit.
- `-h, --help` — Display help text and exit.

## Description
The `ctrlaltdel` command configures the kernel’s response to the Ctrl-Alt-Del key combination.

- `hard` — Immediately reboot the computer without calling `sync(2)` or any preparation. This is the default.
- `soft` — Make the kernel send SIGINT to the init process (PID 1). The init program must support this feature; consult your init’s documentation.

When run without arguments, `ctrlaltdel` displays the current setting.

The function is typically set in `/etc/rc.local`.

## Examples
shell
# Set hard reboot
ctrlaltdel hard

# Set soft reboot (SIGINT to init)
ctrlaltdel soft

# Check current setting
ctrlaltdel
## See Also
- [init(8)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/init/8/markdown)
- [systemd(1)](http://localhost/phpMan.php/man/systemd/1/markdown)