Enable or Disable ‘Switch User’ in Ubuntu Linux
The “Switch User” feature in Ubuntu Linux lets two or more people share one computer without closing open apps or saving files. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions turn this option on by default so you can jump between accounts right from the system menu.
Hiding the account switcher gives you a cleaner desktop and stops extra names from showing up if you are the only person using the PC. You can turn this setting off by editing a simple system file on your machine.
To enable or disable the ‘Switch User’ option in Ubuntu, use the Terminal. Type “gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.lockdown disable-user-switching true” to hide it, or “gsettings reset org.gnome.desktop.lockdown disable-user-switching” to show it. Changes may require logging out and back in.
Enable or disable the ‘Switch User’ command on the system menu
Controlling the system menu options takes a quick command in the Terminal (a text-based command-line interface). Look for this menu in the top-right corner of your screen. Using the Terminal grants quick control over whether this option appears for all users. Open the Terminal first. Press the Super (Windows) key, type ‘Terminal,’ and then hit Enter. Alternatively, press Ctrl+Alt+T.
To hide the “Switch User” button, type this command and press Enter:
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.lockdown disable-user-switching trueTo show the button again, run this command:
gsettings reset org.gnome.desktop.lockdown disable-user-switching
Enable or Disable fast switching using the Dconf Editor
The Dconf Editor is a tool that lets you turn the 'Switch User' option on or off in Ubuntu using a visual interface, functioning like a control panel for system settings. Utilizing this application requires installing the Dconf Editor package from the Ubuntu App Center or executing a command in the Terminal.
Acquire the app first. Find it in the Ubuntu App Center by searching for "Dconf Editor," or run this command in your Terminal:
sudo apt install dconf-editor
Once installed, open Dconf Editor and follow this path:
org -> gnome -> desktop -> lockdown
Find the entry called disable-user-switching. Toggle the switch to "On" to hide the feature, or "Off" to show it.
How do I switch users in sudo?
How do I switch users in sudo?
sudo -u root: Equivalent to the standardsudocommand.sudo -u <username>: Runs a command as a specific user.sudo su: Switches to the superuser account.sudo su -: Switches to the superuser account, adopting its full environment.
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About the Author
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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