1 lightsout.sh
~/docs $ grep
~/docs $ cat getting-started.md

Getting started

Install Lights Out with one line, open it, start an agent, and press Lights Out.

Requirements

SystemNeeds
WindowsWindows 10 or 11, a 64-bit Intel or AMD PC that starts with UEFI (most PCs from 2012 on), about 6 GB free on C:. A TPM security chip if C: is encrypted with BitLocker.
LinuxA 64-bit Intel or AMD PC with systemd. Lights Out mode installs sway if it is missing.
MacmacOS 11 or newer, Apple chip or Intel.

Not supported yet: Snapdragon and other ARM laptops.

Install

Windows. Open PowerShell (no need to run it as administrator) and paste:

powershell
irm https://lightsout.sh | iex

Windows asks once for admin rights. The installer checks that your PC can run Lights Out before it changes anything, then asks you to choose a PIN for the Lights Out lock screen.

Linux and Mac. Open a terminal and paste:

sh
curl -fsSL https://lightsout.sh | sh

It asks for your password once (sudo).

Open it

sh
lightsout

On Windows it's also in the Start menu, on a Mac in Launchpad, and on Linux in your apps menu. It opens a normal terminal with your own shell.

Start an agent

Type claude, codex or any other command, as in any terminal. Or press Ctrl+Shift+A to pick an agent from a list.

Agents show up in the sidebar with a mark that tells you their state at a glance:

MarkMeans
●It needs you: it asks a question or waits for a yes
◌It's working
○It's done
·Idle

Switch to Lights Out

Press Lights Out at the bottom left of the sidebar, or Ctrl+Shift+L, and confirm.

  • Windows saves your tabs and restarts into Lights Out: Windows is fully off, and the same terminal comes back with your tabs. Conversations continue where they were.
  • Linux stops the desktop, with no restart. Only Lights Out runs.
  • Mac moves your agents into a small background service and logs you out: only macOS’s core and your agents keep running. Apps with unsaved work ask first.

Your agents keep working on your real files. Close the lid or press Ctrl+Shift+O to switch the screen off.

Come back

Press Lights On at the bottom left (or Ctrl+Shift+L): you're back in Windows or on your Linux desktop, with your tabs. On a Mac, just sign in: Lights Out opens and takes your tabs back.

Next

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