How to Enable Restricted Guest Session Support on Ubuntu

If you run Ubuntu in an environment where shared or public access is needed—like a library, school, or internet café—offering a restricted guest session can keep your system secure while letting visitors use your computer. By default, newer versions of Ubuntu don’t include guest sessions out of the box. But with a few quick steps, you can enable this feature and add another layer of security.

What Is a Restricted Guest Session?

A guest session lets someone use your Ubuntu machine without giving them access to your main user accounts or files. When they log out, everything they did is wiped clean. No files, settings, or browsing history are saved.

Step 1: Install LightDM

Ubuntu switched to GDM as the default display manager, but LightDM is easier for enabling guest sessions.

Open your terminal and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install lightdm

During installation, you’ll be asked to choose a display manager. Select lightdm using the arrow keys and hit Enter.

Step 2: Enable Guest Sessions

After installing LightDM, you need to enable guest sessions.

1. Edit the LightDM configuration file:
   sudo nano /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf
2. Add these lines:
   [Seat:*]
allow-guest=true
3. Save and close the file (press CTRL+O, Enter, then CTRL+X to exit Nano).

Step 3: Restart Your System

For changes to take effect, reboot:

sudo reboot

Step 4: Test the Guest Session

After rebooting, you’ll see a “Guest Session” option on your login screen. Select it, and Ubuntu will log in with a temporary account. When the guest logs out, everything is erased.

Lock It Down Further (Optional)

By default, the guest session is limited, but you can restrict it even more:

• Block access to specific applications: Use AppArmor or custom scripts.
• Limit internet access: Adjust firewall rules or network permissions.
• Set time limits: Use cron jobs or session timeouts.

Why Use Guest Sessions?

• Privacy: No personal data is shared.
• Security: Limits what guests can do and see.
• Convenience: No need to create or clean up user accounts.

Summary:
Enabling restricted guest sessions on Ubuntu is straightforward with LightDM. You get an easy way to share your system safely, ensuring that every guest leaves your PC just as they found it.

Have questions or need more security tips? Drop them in the comments below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!