Use read-only mode in production troubleshooting.
Section: Permissions and visibility
Avoid accidental process changes
bash
bash
htop --readonlyExplanation
Prevents accidental renice or signal operations from the UI.
Learn the surrounding workflow
Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.
Related commands
Same sheet · prioritizing Permissions and visibility
Run as root for fuller visibility
See more processes and use privileged actions.
Check /proc hidepid settings
Determine whether procfs restrictions hide details.
Limit noise to your own processes
Use a user filter when system-wide lists are overwhelming.
Use a focused PID list in narrow terminals
Reduce clutter when columns wrap or truncate heavily.
Interpret CPU% carefully on multicore systems
One process can exceed 100% if it uses multiple cores.