This article explains how to configure a login screen message (banner) on Linux devices using Swif, similar to the Windows login message policy. This feature helps organizations display important legal or informational messages to users before login.
Overview
The Linux Login Message Policy allows administrators to set a custom message that appears on the login screen of supported Linux distributions and desktop environments. This is useful for compliance, legal notices, or organizational communication.
Prerequisites
Swif agent installed on the target Linux device(s).
Device running a supported Linux distribution and desktop environment (see compatibility table below).
Administrator access to the Swif console.
Supported Distributions and Desktop Environments
| Ubuntu | Fedora | Manjaro |
Gnome | √ | √ | √ |
KDE Plasma | √ | √ | √ |
Xfce | √ | X | X |
Cinnamon | √ | X | X |
Mate | √ | X | X |
LXQt | √ | √ | - |
Pantheon | √ | X | X |
Notes:
Xfce on Fedora is not supported.
Xfce on Manjaro is unstable and not recommended (may crash after reboot, especially on virtual machines).
Cinnamon, Mate, and Pantheon are only supported on Ubuntu.
How to Configure the Linux Login Message Policy
Navigate to the Swif Console and select the target device(s) or group.
Create or Edit a Policy:
Choose to add a new policy and select Linux Login Message Policy.
Enter your desired message in the policy configuration.
Example policy JSON:
{
"policyName": "LINUX LOGIN MESSAGE POLICY",
"policyType": "LINUX_LOGIN_MESSAGE_POLICY",
"policy": {
"message": "Your organization's login message goes here."
}
}
Apply the Policy to the selected devices.
Restart the Device to ensure the message appears on the login screen.
What Users See
After applying the policy and restarting, users will see the configured message displayed on the login screen before they log in.
Updating or Removing the Policy
To update the message: Edit the policy in the Swif console, change the message, and reapply. Restart the device to see the updated message.
To remove the message: Delete the policy from the device or group. Restart the device; the login message will be removed.
Test Scenarios
The following test steps are recommended for validation:
Set login message policy using the example JSON above.
Restart the device and verify the message appears on the login screen.
Update the login message in the policy.
Restart the device and verify the updated message appears.
Delete the login message policy.
Restart the device and verify the message is removed.
Tested Scenarios
Scenario | Result |
Ubuntu + GNOME | Supported |
Ubuntu + KDE Plasma | Supported |
Ubuntu + Xfce | Supported |
Fedora + GNOME | Supported |
Fedora + KDE Plasma | Supported |
Fedora + Xfce | Not Supported |
Manjaro + GNOME | Supported |
Manjaro + KDE Plasma | Supported |
Manjaro + Xfce | Unstable (not recommended) |
Known Limitations & Troubleshooting
Xfce on Fedora: Not supported due to a lack of a compatible LightDM package.
Xfce on Manjaro: Unstable, may crash after reboot, especially on VMs.
If the login screen fails to load after policy changes: Remove or correct the policy via Swif and reboot. If issues persist, contact Swif support.