Ubuntu 18.04 opening system setting logs me out

Question

I've recently installed Ubuntu 18.04 in a dual-boot configuration with Windows 10. I noticed today that, when trying to open system settings, Ubuntu seems to log me out to the lock screen. When I log back in, all previously-running applications are now closed. Very unsure what to do from here, any help much appreciated.

score 5 · Accepted Answer · edited Jun 24 '18 at 15:26

5

I had a look in /var/log/kern.log and noticed nouveau was crashing about the time I tried to open gnome-control-center.

So I installed the latest stable nvidia drivers (I'm using an nvidia graphics card), rebooted and now it works.

edited Jun 24 '18 at 15:26

WinEunuuchs2Unix

102,282

answered Jun 24 '18 at 15:00

jomobro

111

Glad you solved it. Remember to click the grey check mark next to your question to let others know what the solution is. – WinEunuuchs2Unix Jun 24 '18 at 15:27
Shall do as soon as I’m able (2 days) – jomobro Jun 24 '18 at 16:43

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 24 '18 at 10:54

2

When I upgraded to 18.04 same problem happened to me. Ubuntu logs out unexpectedly and even after suspend. I figured out there was something wrong with .Xauthority.

First of all remove .Xauthority and then relogin using

sudo rm -v .Xauthority
sudo service gdm restart

Don't worry system will recreate .Xauthority.

answered Jun 24 '18 at 10:54

Kulfy

17,696

4

Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately, there's no .Xauthority file in my home directory. – jomobro Jun 24 '18 at 14:45
Worked for me, thanks. The file name was .ICEAuthority, though. – Milo Jul 12 '19 at 20:46

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Feb 06 '20 at 20:46

Super late answer here, but for me it seemed to be a combo of nVidia drivers, greeter, and theme. When troubleshooting, particularly after an update, try reverting to one of the default themes via Gnome Tweaks, Adwaita, for example. It can sound trivial, but the semi-colon in the wrong place in ubuntu.css can prevent the system from booting.

score 0 · Answer 4 · edited Apr 08 '20 at 02:24

0

Like xor7ommy, I found the fix to be a combo of

Updating the NVidia driver via
```
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-390
```
and renaming .ICEauthority and restarting.

After that, I was able to open the Ubuntu settings without getting logged out.

edited Apr 08 '20 at 02:24

zx485

2,426

answered Apr 07 '20 at 21:43

BillTheITGeek

1
2

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Feb 03 '21 at 15:09

I have had a similar problem on ubuntu 20.04 and the solution was indeed to update the nvidia driver as proposed by @BillTheITGeek.

sudo apt install nvidia-driver-390

For those wondering where to find the .ICEauthority. This is a file found in the home directory. I renamed mine to .ICEauthority.backup. After doing these two things i still had the issue, a restart resolved everything. So restarting is required!

score 0 · Answer 6 · edited Apr 06 '21 at 00:33

0

I also had a same problem. After couple of trials here and there finally able to solve it.

Go to Additional Drivers
There click on using X.org server and hit apply changes.
Restart your system

Link for Additional Drivers Image

edited Apr 06 '21 at 00:33

Kevin Bowen

19,615
55
79
83

answered Apr 05 '21 at 12:13

Akhil Teja

1

Ubuntu 18.04 opening system setting logs me out

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