Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions and it offers a choice between two display servers: Wayland and Xorg. In this article, we will explore the differences between Wayland and Xorg, the benefits of using each, and how to switch between them in Ubuntu.
Understanding the differences between Wayland and Xorg
Wayland and Xorg are both display servers that handle the graphical display on your Ubuntu system. However, they differ in their architecture and design philosophies. Xorg has been the default display server in Ubuntu for many years, while Wayland is a newer and more modern alternative.
Xorg is known for its stability and compatibility with a wide range of hardware and software. It has been around for decades and has a large user base. On the other hand, Wayland is designed to be more lightweight and efficient. It aims to provide a smoother and more responsive user experience, with better support for modern graphics technologies.
Benefits of using Wayland
There are several benefits of using Wayland as the display server in Ubuntu. Firstly, Wayland offers better performance compared to Xorg. It is designed to take advantage of modern graphics hardware and software, resulting in smoother animations and faster rendering.
Secondly, Wayland provides improved security. It implements stricter access controls, which reduces the risk of malicious programs exploiting vulnerabilities in the display server. This makes Wayland a more secure choice, especially for systems that are connected to the internet or used in multi-user environments.
Lastly, Wayland is more future-proof. It supports advanced graphics technologies like Vulkan and allows for better integration with applications. As more software developers adopt Wayland, you can expect better compatibility and support for new features in the future.
Benefits of using Xorg
While Wayland has its advantages, Xorg still remains a viable choice for many users. Xorg is known for its stability and compatibility. It has been extensively tested and is compatible with a wide range of hardware and software. If you have older hardware or rely on specific applications that are not yet fully compatible with Wayland, sticking with Xorg might be the better option.
Another benefit of using Xorg is its flexibility. Xorg allows for more customization options and advanced configurations. If you have specific requirements or prefer to fine-tune your display settings, Xorg provides the necessary tools and options to do so.
Furthermore, Xorg has a larger user base and a vast community of developers. This means that there are more resources available online, including documentation, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides. If you encounter any issues with Xorg, chances are you will find a solution quickly.
Checking the display server in use on Ubuntu
Before we dive into the process of switching between Wayland and Xorg, let’s first check which display server is currently in use on your Ubuntu system. Open a terminal and enter the following command:
echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE
If the output is “wayland”, it means that Wayland is currently running. If the output is “x11”, it means that Xorg is running. Make a note of the current display server as we will need this information later.
Switching from Wayland to Xorg
If you are currently using Wayland and want to switch to Xorg, follow these steps:
- Log out of your current session and return to the login screen.
- Click on your username to bring up the login options.
- Before entering your password, click on the gear icon next to the “Sign In” button.
- You should see a list of available sessions. Select “Ubuntu on Xorg” and enter your password to log in.
- Once logged in, Ubuntu will use Xorg as the display server for your session.
Switching from Xorg to Wayland
If you are currently using Xorg and want to switch to Wayland, follow these steps:
- Log out of your current session and return to the login screen.
- Click on your username to bring up the login options.
- Before entering your password, click on the gear icon next to the “Sign In” button.
- You should see a list of available sessions. Select “Ubuntu” (without the “on Xorg” suffix) and enter your password to log in.
- Once logged in, Ubuntu will use Wayland as the display server for your session.
Troubleshooting common issues when switching between Wayland and Xorg
Switching between Wayland and Xorg may sometimes cause issues, especially if you have custom graphics drivers or non-standard configurations. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Black screen or no display: If you encounter a black screen or no display after switching, try pressing Ctrl+Alt+F3 to switch to a virtual console. From there, you can try reinstalling your graphics drivers or resetting your display settings.
- Applications not working correctly: Some applications may not work correctly with Wayland or Xorg. If you experience issues with specific applications, try running them with the
xhostcommand to explicitly use Xorg or Wayland. - Performance issues: If you notice performance issues after switching, try updating your graphics drivers to the latest version. You can also try disabling any unnecessary visual effects or animations in your desktop environment settings.
Alternatives to Wayland and Xorg
While Wayland and Xorg are the two main display servers available in Ubuntu, there are other alternatives worth exploring. Some of these alternatives include Mir, OpenBox, and Weston. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s worth researching and experimenting with different display servers to find the one that best suits your needs.
