How to switch users in the graphical interface login

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How to switch users in the graphical interface login

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The content below is generated by AI for reference only:

Summary

When switching users in a graphical interface, it is recommended to use the “Switch User” menu option to return to the login screen, then select or manually enter the new user account. If the target user is not visible, check whether greeter-show-manual-login=true is configured, and ensure the graphical display service (e.g., LightDM) is running properly.

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1. Switching Users via System Menu

After logging into the graphical desktop environment, follow these steps to switch users:

  • Click the user menu in the top-right or top-left corner of the screen (usually showing the current username or account icon).
  • Select “Switch User” from the dropdown menu.
  • The system will return to the login screen, allowing another user to enter their username and password for login, while the original user’s session remains active.

:light_bulb: Note: This feature allows switching accounts without logging out the current session, ideal for shared systems with multiple users.

2. Switching Users from Lock Screen or Logout Screen

  • From the lock screen: Press Ctrl + Alt + L to lock the screen, then on the login screen click “Other User” or manually enter a different username to log in.
  • From the logout screen: Click “Log Out”, which brings you to the login screen where you can select another account.

3. Enabling Manual Login for Non-Default Users

For openEuler systems using the UKUI or LightDM display manager, if you need to manually enter a username (e.g., switching to root or a regular user), ensure manual login is enabled in the configuration:

:white_check_mark: Modify Configuration File:

sudo nano /usr/share/lightdm/lightdm.conf.d/95-ukui-greeter.conf

Add or update the following lines:

greeter-show-manual-login=true
all-guest=false

:repeat_button: Reboot to Apply Changes:

sudo reboot

:white_check_mark: After this change, the login screen will display an option to manually enter a username. You can then switch or log in using names such as root or other accounts.

4. Important Notes

  • Root User Graphical Login Restrictions: For security reasons, openEuler by default does not allow root to log in directly via the graphical interface. Even with manual login enabled, additional configuration (e.g., PAM settings or unlocking the root account) may be required.
  • Non-Root Users Supported: Standard users (non-root) can log in and switch normally through the graphical interface.
  • Graphical Interface Stability: According to knowledge base information, there may be issues with the graphical interface failing to load after installation on openEuler 24.03-LTS. Ensure compatibility between the system version and the desktop environment (e.g., UKUI, XFCE).

5. Component Overview

Component Function
LightDM-GTK Provides the graphical login interface (GUI Greeter)
95-ukui-greeter.conf Controls whether the login screen shows the manual login option
Switch User The graphical menu item for switching users
User Interface Includes account list, login fields, and other interactive elements

Summary

When switching users in a graphical interface, it is recommended to use the “Switch User” menu option to return to the login screen, then select or manually enter the new user account. If the target user is not visible, verify that greeter-show-manual-login=true is set, and confirm that the graphical display service (e.g., LightDM) is running correctly.