Manjaro Linux is a user-friendly, Arch-based Linux distribution that is well-loved by many in the Linux community. However, users sometimes encounter quirks, like the need to restart SDDM (Simple Desktop Display Manager) after logging out. If you’ve faced this issue, in this guide, we’ll break down why this happens, how to fix it, and how to make your system more reliable.
Why Does SDDM Stop Working After Logout?
There are several reasons why SDDM might need to be restarted after logging out. Let’s explore the common causes:
System Resources Not Properly Released
When a user logs out, the system should free up memory and CPU resources used during the session. If this process fails, SDDM might hang or crash.
Example: You log out of a KDE Plasma session, but some background processes, like widgets or open applications, don’t terminate correctly. This can cause SDDM to stop responding.
Graphics Driver Issues
Manjaro supports a wide variety of hardware, but graphics drivers, especially proprietary ones like NVIDIA, can sometimes cause conflicts.
Example: The NVIDIA driver might not handle the switch from the desktop session back to the login screen properly, leading to a blank screen or a frozen system.
SDDM Configuration Errors
Misconfigured SDDM files or outdated settings can cause problems.
Example: A customization in the SDDM theme might not be compatible with your system, leading to crashes when returning to the login screen.
Bugs in Manjaro or SDDM Updates
Sometimes, updates to Manjaro or SDDM introduce bugs that affect logout behavior.
Example: An update might introduce a bug where SDDM doesn’t automatically restart after logout.
How to Fix SDDM Issues After Logout
Here are the steps you can take to fix this issue.
Restart SDDM Manually
If you’re stuck at a blank screen after logging out, you can restart SDDM manually from the terminal:
Press Ctrl + Alt + F2 to switch to a terminal. Log in with your username and password. Run the following command and Press Ctrl + Alt + F1 to return to the graphical login screen:
sudo systemctl restart sddm
This is a quick workaround, but it’s not a permanent fix.
Check and Update Graphics Drivers
If you suspect graphics driver issues: Open a terminal and check your current driver:
mhwd -li
Update your graphics drivers:
sudo mhwd -a pci nonfree 0300
Restart your system and test if the issue persists.
Reset SDDM Configuration
Misconfigured SDDM settings can cause problems. Resetting them to default might help:
Open a terminal and backup your current SDDM configuration:
sudo cp /etc/sddm.conf /etc/sddm.conf.bak
Reset the configuration:
sudo rm /etc/sddm.conf
Restart SDDM:
sudo systemctl restart sddm
Reinstall SDDM
If none of the above works, reinstalling SDDM might solve the problem:
Uninstall SDDM:
sudo pacman -R sddm
Reinstall SDDM:
sudo pacman -S sddm
Re-enable SDDM:
sudo systemctl enable sddm sudo systemctl start sddm
Preventing Future SDDM Problems
Here are some tips to ensure you don’t face this issue again:
Keep Your System Updated: Manjaro’s rolling release model means regular updates. Always keep your system updated to benefit from bug fixes and improvements:
sudo pacman -Syu
Use Stable Drivers: Avoid experimental or beta drivers unless absolutely necessary. Stick to the stable versions provided by Manjaro.
Monitor Logs: If the problem persists, check system logs for clues:
journalctl -xe
Look for errors related to SDDM, graphics drivers, or session management.
Conclusion
Restarting SDDM after logout can be frustrating, but it’s a solvable issue. By understanding the possible causes and following the steps outlined here, you can fix the problem and prevent it from happening again.
