How To Add Autostart Programs in Lubuntu

Lubuntu, a lightweight derivative of Ubuntu, is a popular choice for older machines or systems with limited resources. One of the many features it offers is the ability to add programs to autostart upon booting up. This article provides a detailed guide on how to add autostart programs in Lubuntu.

Understanding Autostart in Lubuntu

Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand what autostart means. Autostart is a feature that allows certain applications to start up automatically when you boot your system. This can save you time and ensure that essential programs are ready for use as soon as your system is up and running.

Adding Autostart Programs in Different Lubuntu Versions

The process of adding autostart programs varies slightly depending on the version of Lubuntu you are using. Here are the methods for different versions:

Lubuntu 11.10 to 16.04

1. Open the file manager (PCManFM): Navigate to the /usr/share/applications directory.
2. Copy the desired program: Right-click on the program you want to autostart and select “Copy”.
3. Paste the program in the autostart directory: Navigate to the ~/.config/autostart directory in PCManFM, right-click, and select “Paste”.
4. Verify the addition: Click the LXMenu, then “Settings”, and finally “Desktop Session Settings” to confirm that the program has been added to the autostart list.

Lubuntu 19.04 and Above

1. Access the Session Settings: Click on “Menu”, then “Preferences”, then “LXQt settings”, and finally “Session Settings”.
2. Navigate to Autostart: In the left pane of the window that appears, click on “Autostart”.
3. Add the program: In the Autostart window, you can type in the appropriate command or search for an application to be included. You can also remove items you don’t want to autostart.

Lubuntu 13.10

In Lubuntu 13.10, the ~/.config/autostart trick does not work. Instead, you can add commands to the ~/.config/lxsession/Lubuntu/autostart file, which will be run automatically after login. Alternatively, you can go to “Preferences/Default applications for LX Session” and select the “Autostart” tab to manage autostart applications graphically.

Adding Autostart Programs Using Terminal

Another way to add autostart programs in Lubuntu is by using the terminal. Here’s how:

1. Create a new file: Create a file called .starter in your home directory and make it executable.
2. Write the command: Write the command you want to autostart in the .starter file.
3. Edit the autostart file: Edit the autostart file in the lxsession directory by entering sudo leafpad /etc/xdg/lxsession/Lubuntu/autostart in the terminal.
4. Add the line: Add the line @/home/user/.starter (replace “user” with your username) to the file.
5. Save and reboot: Save the file, reboot your system, and the program should now run automatically.

Conclusion

Adding autostart programs in Lubuntu can save you time and make your system more efficient. Whether you’re using an older version of Lubuntu or the latest one, this guide should help you add programs to autostart with ease. Remember to verify the addition of each program to ensure it has been properly added to the autostart list.