How to Completely Disable the ‘Wayland’ Display Server and Force X11 in Ubuntu

Modern versions of Ubuntu default to using the “Wayland” display server architecture. While Wayland is more secure and modern than the legacy X11 (X.Org) system, it is still notorious for causing severe compatibility issues. If you are trying to use older screen recording software (like OBS Studio), advanced remote desktop tools, or specific proprietary graphics drivers, you will often find that they crash, refuse to launch, or only capture a black screen under Wayland.

To restore full compatibility with these legacy applications, you must force Ubuntu to completely ignore Wayland and boot into the classic X11 display server.

Switching to X11 on the Login Screen

You do not need to permanently uninstall Wayland. You can simply choose which display server to use on a per-session basis right from the login screen.

1. Turn on your computer or log out of your current Ubuntu session to return to the main lock screen.
2. Click on your username to bring up the password entry field.
3. Before typing your password, look at the bottom-right corner of the screen for a small Gear icon.
4. Click the Gear icon. A small menu will appear.
5. You will see options like “Ubuntu” and “Ubuntu on Xorg”. Select Ubuntu on Xorg.
6. Type your password and press Enter to log in.

Your desktop will look exactly the same, but you are now running the legacy X11 server. Your screen recording tools and remote desktop software will now function correctly. Furthermore, Ubuntu will remember this choice; the next time you reboot, it will automatically default to Xorg until you manually change it back via that same Gear icon.

Forcing X11 System-Wide (Disabling Wayland Completely)

If you manage a server or a system with automated logins where you never see the login screen to click the Gear icon, you must disable Wayland entirely at the system configuration level.

1. Open a terminal window (Ctrl + Alt + T).
2. Type the following command to edit the display manager configuration file and press Enter:
   sudo nano /etc/gdm3/custom.conf
3. Type your administrator password.
4. Look for the line that says:
   #WaylandEnable=false
5. Delete the hashtag (#) at the beginning of the line to “uncomment” it, so it reads exactly:
   WaylandEnable=false
6. Save the file by pressing Ctrl + O and then Enter. Exit by pressing Ctrl + X.
7. Reboot your computer.

From this point forward, the Wayland architecture is completely disabled, and your system will only ever boot into the X11 environment.