Enable or Disable ‘Switch User’ in Ubuntu Linux
The ‘Switch User’ option in Ubuntu Linux lets you swap between different user accounts on your computer without closing programs. This setting controls if you see other user accounts listed in your system menu.
You can choose to hide or show this feature. For example, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions often show it by default, letting you easily switch between users.
Hiding ‘Switch User’ can be handy if you’re the only person using the computer, giving you a cleaner look. Changing this involves editing a system file.
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
To toggle the ‘Switch User’ option on or off in Ubuntu’s system menu, you’ll use a command in the Terminal. Look for this menu in the top-right corner of your screen. Using the Terminal gives you quick control over whether this option appears for all users. Open the Terminal first. You can do this by pressing the Super (Windows) key, typing ‘Terminal,’ and then hitting 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, like a control panel for your system’s settings. To use it, you first need to install the Dconf Editor application from the Ubuntu App Center or by running a command in the Terminal.
First, install the app. You can 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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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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