Enable Auto Login on Ubuntu Linux: Step-by-Step Guide
You enable auto login on Ubuntu Linux by configuring the display manager’s settings so your user account automatically logs in upon startup.
Auto-login bypasses the need to manually enter your password each time you boot your PC, making PC access quicker by letting you log in automatically.
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and later versions typically involve editing the `custom.conf` file to enable auto-login for the GDM3 display manager. This file controls how GDM3, the default login screen for Ubuntu, handles user sessions.
You can achieve auto login in just a few simple steps by changing the display manager settings, saving you precious seconds during each boot-up of your Ubuntu Linux system.
Open System Settings, click Users, unlock the panel, and toggle the Automatic Login switch to On. Your computer will now boot directly to your desktop without a password prompt.
How to automatically sign into Ubuntu without a password
Setting up Ubuntu automatic login means your computer will sign in without asking for a password each time it starts. This makes logging in faster, especially if you’re the only person using your PC. Follow these simple steps to get your Ubuntu system to log in automatically.
Here’s how to set up your account for automatic login.
Ubuntu Linux keeps most of its settings in one central place. You can manage system configurations, create new users, and update software all from the System Settings panel.

Alternatively, click the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop’s top bar.
From the System menu, select Settings, like you see here.

The 'Users' tile in Ubuntu Linux's Settings app opens the user account panel. This panel allows you to manage your login settings, including enabling auto-login.

In the System Settings > Users panel, pick the account you want to log in automatically at startup.
You’ll need to click ‘Unlock’ in the top right and enter your password when prompted.

The 'Automatic Login' switch controls whether your Ubuntu Linux system logs you in automatically. To enable automatic login, you toggle the 'Automatic Login' switch to 'On'. This setting, found in the 'Users' section of your system settings, allows Ubuntu to bypass the password prompt when you start your computer, saving you a step each time you boot.

When you start your computer, you’ll be logged in automatically.
That should do it! You can now close the Settings app.
Conclusion:
- Ubuntu Linux provides the option to automatically log in to your account without having to type a password every time you start your computer.
- You can easily enable or disable automatic login for your user account by navigating to the System Settings and then the Users panel.
- This feature can save time and streamline the login process for users who prefer not to enter their password each time they boot up their PC.
How to set auto login in Linux?
So we're just going to uncomment these lines. And where it says user one you need to put the user that you want to automatically log in so I'm going to put my account. And save the file.
How do I turn off auto login in Ubuntu?
In your Ubuntu system, go to settings -> Users. In this window, uncheck the "Automatic Login" option listed under your user. Note: You can only disable this option once you unlock it using the option at the top of the window.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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