How to change login screen background image in Ubuntu?

It turns out that Linux sets a default configuration, where the user is required to enter their password to start using the computer.

This it is very useful for those who share computers with other people or for those who are public. It is in this aspect that some recognize that the content set as the background of the login screen becomes a bit boring.

That's why you will find several methods here, depending on the version of Ubuntu you use, to change this aspect and determine an image that you like best.




Check out the session manager to change the background of the login screen

Since Ubuntu does not allow a direct option to perform these kinds of changes, it is necessary open routes via the settings of the operating system.

Don't be afraid, as these series of steps are simpler than they seem. Therefore, you will only need to follow the instructions in this article to the letter.

One of the main features of Linux is the ability to install a session manager for computer use. Which can be done by default or manually by the person.

How to change login screen background image in Ubuntu?

In case of not knowing which session manager is being used. The first step is to find out which one is installed on your version of Ubuntu.

To achieve this, you will start by opening the "Command Window" or "Terminal" recognized by the shortcut " Control + Alt + T ”Where you just have to type” sudo cat / etc / X11 / default-display-manager “.

Pressing “Enter”, the name of the manager you are using will be automatically returned, and how in this example we are using GDM3. The next step is to search for the image you want to establish through a search engine like Google.




Identify the image that will be the new login screen wallpaper

To start making the change, you will need to locate the image (regardless of format) within the system background folder.

This can be done in two ways, both via the "Terminal", which will be accessed again via the shortcut. The first one automatically sets the image inside the file, which you will get with the following command:

  • “Sudo cp ~ / Pictures / Picture.png / usr / share / backgrounds”

It should be noted that where the name of "Image.png" goes, the name of the new wallpaper must go along with its format. Accompanied by the path you are on.

The second method is through the file manager, which can be opened from the "Terminal" by typing the command "sudo nautilus / usr / share / backgrounds".

Once the window opens, you just need to copy the image you downloaded into this folder. And then proceed to the next step.

Edit the CSS file

The last step in changing the Ubuntu login screen background requires the programming language modification which constitutes this approach.


How to change login screen background image in Ubuntu?


This can be achieved by entering the command "sudo vim /etc/alternatives/gdm3.css" in "Terminal", where you should find the line for “LockDialogGroup” and insert the following change:

  • “#LockDialogGroup {
  • background: url (file: ///usr/share/backgrounds/Imagen.png);
  • background-repeat: no-repeat;
  • background size: cover;
  • background position: center; } "

Finally, it will only be necessary save your changes and close the editor. Then proceed to log off or restart your computer to see if the change has been made.


In this simple way you can change this interesting aspect of your Ubuntu team. Where you can enjoy a very attractive image every time you start your computer.

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