Upwork Screenshots are not supported on Wayland, please switch to Xorg

The Linux users, particularly those using GNOME or other desktop environments that default to Wayland, might encounter the error message: “Upwork Screenshots are not supported on Wayland, please switch to Xorg.” This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to resolve this error, allowing you to continue using Upwork’s Desktop App without issues.

The Problem

The error arises because Upwork’s Desktop App currently does not support Wayland, a newer display server protocol used by many Linux distributions. Wayland is the default in Ubuntu (since version 17.10), Fedora, and other popular distributions, especially for GNOME users. Wayland aims to replace Xorg (X11) due to its modern architecture and improved security features. Unfortunately, not all applications have been updated to work seamlessly with Wayland, including the Upwork Desktop App.

The Solution

The solution is to switching back to Xorg. Follow the below instruction based on your operating system.

Ubuntu 22.04 and Newer Versions

The older versions of Ubuntu had option on login screen to select Xorg but it is removed now. Now you need to edit the configuration file directly. Here’s a simple way to do it using a text editor:

1. Open the Terminal: It’s like the command center for your computer. You can find it in your list of applications.
2. Edit a File: With the Terminal open, type this command to open a file in nano, vim or gedit, where you can make changes:

   sudo nano /etc/gdm3/custom.conf
   

   This command opens up a file that controls whether Wayland is used. You’ll need to use “sudo” because you need special rights to edit this file.

3. Change the Setting: A window will pop up showing the file. Look for a line that looks like this: #WaylandEnable=false. The “#” means this instruction is being ignored. To activate it, remove the “#” so it just says:

   
   WaylandEnable=false
   
   

   This step tells your computer you don’t want to use Wayland anymore.

4. Restart GDM3: Once you save your changes and close the file, go back to the Terminal and type:

   sudo systemctl restart gdm3
   

This command refreshes the part of your computer that handles the display, making it switch to using Xorg instead of Wayland.

Conclusion

While the transition from Xorg to Wayland represents progress in the Linux world, it can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with certain applications. By switching to Xorg or exploring alternative solutions, you can overcome the “Upwork Screenshots are not supported on Wayland, please switch to Xorg” error and continue working on your projects without interruption. Always ensure your system and applications are up to date to benefit from the latest fixes and improvements.