= Fix: CTRL + S Freezes Putty =

**Summary**: How to fix the behavior on linux with putty that pressing 'CTRL' + 'S' seems to freeze the box. \\
**Date**: Around 2015 \\
**Refactor**: 9 January 2025: Checked links and formatting. \\
{{tag>fix putty linux}}

Whenever I press CTRL+S in putty the terminal seems to freeze. It's actually not, but it doesn't show anything. That is because CTRL+S initiates the XOFF command, which means it accepts keystrokes but doesn't show it. There are two fixes:

= Fix One - Temporary =
Press CTRL+Q to initiate the XON command. Anything you pressed will be shown.

= Fix Two - Permanent =

Add this line to your .bashrc file:

<code>
stty ixany
</code>

Now, when you hit CTRL+S the XOFF gets initiated but any character will start XON.