When you close the lid of your Ubuntu laptop or leave your desktop idle for too long, the system automatically suspends to save power. When you wake the computer back up by pressing a key or opening the lid, Ubuntu immediately presents a lock screen, forcing you to type your password before you can resume your work.
This is a vital security feature for laptops used in public spaces. However, if you are running Ubuntu on a desktop PC securely located inside your own home, typing your password 15 times a day every time the monitor goes to sleep is incredibly frustrating. You can disable this wake-up password requirement.
How to Turn Off the Password Prompt After Sleep in Ubuntu
You can manage this security setting directly from the GNOME Privacy menu.
- Click the network/battery icon cluster in the top-right corner of the Ubuntu top bar and select Settings (the gear icon).
- In the left-hand navigation sidebar, scroll down and click on Privacy (or Privacy & Security depending on your exact Ubuntu version).
- In the main window on the right, click on Screen Lock.
- A new dialogue box will appear with your security preferences.
- Look for the toggle switch labelled Lock Screen on Suspend.
- Click the toggle switch to turn it Off.
- (Optional): If you also want to stop the computer from locking itself when the screen merely blanks (without fully suspending), turn off the Automatic Screen Lock toggle switch in the same menu.
Now, when you leave your PC and it goes to sleep, simply wiggling the mouse or tapping the spacebar will instantly wake the monitors and drop you right back onto your active desktop, with no password required.