Why doesn't my screen lock in XFCE?

Do I need to install a screensaver package or something?

Yes, according to the wiki, you need to choose and install a locker. xflock4 will then activate it.


First install light-locker.

$ xfconf-query -c xfce4-session -p /general/LockCommand -s "light-locker-command -l"

or if you don't have the variable yet:

$ xfconf-query -c xfce4-session -p /general/LockCommand -s "light-locker-command -l" --create -t string



Old stuff:

Looks like xflock4 does support external config now. What I did is:

$ xfconf-query -c xfce4-session -p /general/LockCommand -s "dm-tool lock"

Now that command is used for locking. I guess gnome-screen-saver broke on upgrade.

This is for XFCE. If you don't have that property already, you add it by:

$ xfconf-query -c xfce4-session -p /general/LockCommand -s "dm-tool lock" --create -t string

VERY IMPORTANT: you need a screensaver running to securely lock your screen. light-locker is one choice. At the end make sure switching consoles with ctrl+alt+F1 or some other F# does not let you circumvent the lock screen. See:

  • https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/lxsession/+bug/1205384
  • https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1300178

Edit /usr/bin/xflock4 and append light-locker-command -l or dm-tool lock to the list.

for lock_cmd in \
"xscreensaver-command -lock" \
"gnome-screensaver-command --lock" \
"light-locker-command -l"\
"dm-tool lock"