How to install default window manager in Fedora 21?

Question

Fedora 21 comes with ugly Gnome 3, and I installed XFCE and MATE, but I don’t know how to install any of them as the default X window manager. After exiting Gnome 3, I see no choice from installed window managers.

Answer 1

As I understand your question, do you want to install switchdesk

$ yum install switchdesk switchdesk-gui 

and run it. You can also try changing the settings in /etc/sysconfig/desktop , as described here .

If you just want to try a different desktop environment while logging in, try installing lightdm or kdm (from the great people who bring KDE to us) and choose one before you log in.

EDIT Tip may be out of date.

GDM does not seem to allow you to choose your desktop environment like KDM and lightdm (and others) do. Using my favorite DM, lightdm, as an example (use sudo or switch to root):

 $ sudo yum install lightdm ... $ sudo systemctl reboot 

This can be done without rebooting.

 $ sudo systemctl stop gdm # this will abruptly halt your session and take you to a text console 

Log in as root and then type

 $ systemctl start lightdm 

When I change DM, I like to reboot so that my changes are saved. If (like mine) your machine does not boot to the graphic screen, log in as root and enter:

 $ systemctl start lightdm 

Both KDM and lightdm allow you to select DE from the drop-down menu.

If you want to return to the Gnome display manager:

 $ sudo systemctl enable gdm $ sudo systemctl disable lightdm 

Answer 2

GDM supports choice during login, but it seems to be hidden.

When I enter my login, press Return, and before I enter my password, a small transfer will appear. This is a drop down menu to select your desktop environment.

Unfortunately, it is not sticky. I have to do it every time. If the first time I receive my password, it is reset in GDM.