Turns out this *is* systemd-logind and xfce4-power-manager fighting over the lid close event.
It can be solved with: echo "HandleLidSwitch=ignore" | sudo tee -a /etc/systemd/logind.conf echo "HandleLidSwitchExternalPower=ignore" | sudo tee -a /etc/systemd/logind.conf If you're doing this change from a TTY console whilst the GUI session has gone dark, then simply: $ sudo systemctl restart lightdm ** Also affects: systemd (Ubuntu) Importance: Undecided Status: New -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1759950 Title: Lid-close suspend: blank screen when switching to user session To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/light-locker/+bug/1759950/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs