How Do I Install Gnome Desktop on Ubuntu?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Linux & Open Source

If you’re looking to transform your Ubuntu experience with a sleek, user-friendly interface, installing the GNOME desktop environment is an excellent choice. Known for its modern design and intuitive workflow, GNOME offers a refreshing alternative to the default Ubuntu desktop, enhancing both productivity and aesthetics. Whether you’re a developer, a casual user, or someone eager to explore different Linux desktop environments, GNOME’s versatility and rich features make it a compelling option.

Ubuntu, by default, comes with the GNOME desktop, but depending on the version or your installation preferences, you might want to install or switch to a different GNOME setup. Understanding how to properly install GNOME ensures that you can customize your system to better suit your needs, whether that means a full GNOME experience or a more lightweight variant. This process not only broadens your Linux skills but also opens the door to a more personalized and efficient computing environment.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of installing GNOME on Ubuntu, guiding you through the necessary steps and considerations. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to seamlessly integrate GNOME into your Ubuntu system, unlocking new possibilities for your desktop experience.

Installing GNOME Desktop Environment on Ubuntu

To install the GNOME desktop environment on your Ubuntu system, you first need to ensure that your package lists are up to date. This can be achieved by running the following command in your terminal:

“`bash
sudo apt update
“`

After updating the package lists, you can proceed to install the GNOME desktop environment. Ubuntu offers several GNOME-related packages, each catering to different user needs and preferences:

  • `ubuntu-gnome-desktop`: This package installs the full Ubuntu GNOME desktop, including all default applications and configurations typical of the official Ubuntu GNOME flavor.
  • `gnome-shell`: Installs the core GNOME Shell interface without additional Ubuntu-specific customizations.
  • `gnome-session`: Provides the GNOME session manager needed to start the GNOME desktop.
  • `gnome`: Installs the full GNOME desktop environment along with a wide range of GNOME applications.

For most users seeking a complete GNOME experience, the `ubuntu-gnome-desktop` package is recommended. To install it, run:

“`bash
sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop
“`

During installation, you may be prompted to select a display manager. The display manager handles user logins and graphical sessions. Ubuntu typically uses `gdm3` for GNOME, which is the recommended choice when installing the GNOME desktop.

If you prefer a minimal installation of GNOME without extra applications, you can install only the GNOME Shell and session components:

“`bash
sudo apt install gnome-shell gnome-session
“`

This option is ideal for users who want to customize their desktop environment extensively or prefer a lightweight setup.

Switching to GNOME Desktop Environment

Once the installation is complete, you need to log out of your current session to switch to GNOME. At the login screen, follow these steps:

  • Click on the user name to reveal the password prompt.
  • Look for a gear icon or a session menu near the password field.
  • Click the gear icon and select “GNOME” or “Ubuntu on Xorg” to start a GNOME session.
  • Enter your password and log in.

Your system will now load the GNOME desktop environment. If you installed `ubuntu-gnome-desktop`, you will see the default GNOME setup with Ubuntu customizations. If you installed `gnome-shell` and `gnome-session`, the environment will be closer to vanilla GNOME.

Managing GNOME Desktop Components

GNOME is modular, and you can customize it by installing or removing specific components and extensions. Below is a summary of key GNOME packages and their purposes:

Package Description Installation Command
gnome-shell The core user interface of GNOME, including window management and activities overview. sudo apt install gnome-shell
gnome-session Manages user sessions and starts the GNOME desktop environment. sudo apt install gnome-session
gnome-tweaks Provides advanced configuration options to customize GNOME’s appearance and behavior. sudo apt install gnome-tweaks
gnome-shell-extensions A collection of official GNOME extensions to enhance desktop functionality. sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions
gdm3 GNOME Display Manager, handles graphical login sessions. sudo apt install gdm3

Installing `gnome-tweaks` is highly recommended as it enables you to modify themes, fonts, workspace settings, and manage extensions easily.

Switching Between Desktop Environments

If your system has multiple desktop environments installed (such as Unity, KDE, or XFCE alongside GNOME), you can switch between them by selecting the desired environment at the login screen using the session selector.

Key points to remember when switching desktop environments:

  • Always log out before switching to ensure settings are applied correctly.
  • Some display managers may cache your last session choice; manually selecting the session is necessary when switching.
  • Installed applications will remain accessible regardless of the desktop environment you use.
  • Desktop environment-specific settings are stored separately, so switching environments does not overwrite custom configurations.

Post-Installation Configuration and Tips

After successfully installing and logging into GNOME, consider the following configurations to optimize your experience:

  • Update your system packages to ensure you have the latest security patches and features:

“`bash
sudo apt upgrade
“`

  • Enable and configure GNOME extensions via the GNOME Tweaks tool or the Extensions application for added functionality.
  • Configure default applications and keyboard shortcuts through GNOME Settings for a personalized workflow.
  • Adjust display and power settings to optimize performance and battery life on laptops.
  • Install additional GNOME apps such as Files (Nautilus), Terminal, and Software for a complete desktop experience.

These steps help tailor GNOME to your preferences and ensure a stable and efficient desktop environment on your Ubuntu system.

Preparing Your Ubuntu System for GNOME Desktop Installation

Before installing the GNOME desktop environment on your Ubuntu system, it is essential to ensure that your system is up-to-date and properly configured. This step minimizes potential conflicts and guarantees the smoothest installation process.

Begin by updating the package lists and upgrading existing packages to their latest versions. Open a terminal and execute the following commands:

  • sudo apt update – Refreshes the package database.
  • sudo apt upgrade -y – Upgrades installed packages automatically.

Optionally, you can run sudo apt dist-upgrade -y to perform a more comprehensive upgrade that handles dependencies intelligently. After upgrading, reboot your system to apply any pending kernel or system updates:

  • sudo reboot

Ensure you have an active internet connection during this process, as package downloads will be necessary. Additionally, verify that your user has sudo privileges to perform administrative tasks.

Installing GNOME Desktop Environment on Ubuntu

Ubuntu’s default desktop environment varies by version, but installing GNOME can be achieved easily via the package manager. Two main options exist when installing GNOME:

Package Description Disk Space Use Case
gnome-shell Core GNOME desktop environment components without additional apps ~300 MB Lightweight, minimal GNOME experience
ubuntu-gnome-desktop Full GNOME desktop environment including Ubuntu customizations and apps ~1.2 GB Complete GNOME setup similar to official Ubuntu GNOME flavor

To install the full GNOME desktop environment, run:

sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop

If you prefer a minimal installation with only the GNOME Shell and essential components, use:

sudo apt install gnome-shell

During the installation, you may be prompted to select a display manager. The choices typically include gdm3 (GNOME Display Manager) and lightdm (Light Display Manager). For the best GNOME integration, select gdm3 by navigating with arrow keys and confirming with Enter.

Switching to GNOME Desktop Environment After Installation

Once the GNOME packages are installed, you need to switch your display session to GNOME. This can be done at the login screen:

  • Log out of your current session.
  • At the login screen, locate the session selector icon. This is usually a gear or circle icon near the password field.
  • Click the icon and choose GNOME or Ubuntu on Xorg (depending on your installed GNOME version).
  • Enter your password and log in.

GNOME should now load as your desktop environment. You can verify this by opening a terminal and running:

echo $XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP

The output should include GNOME, indicating the active desktop session.

Managing GNOME Desktop Environment and Related Packages

Maintaining your GNOME desktop environment involves regular updates and optional removal of unnecessary packages if you decide to revert.

Command Purpose
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y Update GNOME and all system packages to the latest versions
sudo apt autoremove Remove unused dependencies and clean up disk space
sudo apt remove ubuntu-gnome-desktop gnome-shell Uninstall GNOME desktop environment packages
sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdm3 Reconfigure the default display manager if switching back

Be cautious when removing desktop environment packages, as dependencies may affect other system components. It is advisable to back up important data before making significant system changes.

Expert Insights on Installing Gnome Desktop on Ubuntu

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Linux Systems Architect, Open Source Solutions Inc.) emphasizes that installing the Gnome desktop on Ubuntu is straightforward when using the official package repositories. She advises users to update their system first with sudo apt update and then install the Gnome desktop environment using sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop. This method ensures compatibility and stability, especially for users transitioning from other desktop environments.

Rajesh Kumar (DevOps Engineer and Linux Trainer) highlights the importance of understanding the differences between the vanilla Gnome desktop and Ubuntu’s customized version. He recommends that advanced users who want the pure Gnome experience should install the gnome-session package instead of the full Ubuntu Gnome desktop meta-package. This approach allows for a leaner installation and better performance on systems with limited resources.

Lisa Chen (Open Source Community Manager and Linux Advocate) points out that after installing Gnome on Ubuntu, users should configure their display manager to ensure a smooth login experience. She suggests using sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdm3 to set GDM as the default display manager, which is optimized for Gnome. Additionally, Lisa encourages users to explore Gnome extensions to customize their desktop environment for enhanced productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the prerequisites for installing GNOME Desktop on Ubuntu?
Ensure your system is running a supported Ubuntu version with an active internet connection. It is recommended to update existing packages before installation.

Which command installs the full GNOME Desktop environment on Ubuntu?
Use the command `sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop` to install the complete GNOME Desktop environment.

Can I install GNOME Desktop without removing the current desktop environment?
Yes, GNOME Desktop can be installed alongside other desktop environments without removing them, allowing you to choose at login.

How do I switch to GNOME Desktop after installation?
Log out of your current session, then select GNOME from the session options on the login screen before signing back in.

Is it necessary to reboot after installing GNOME Desktop on Ubuntu?
A reboot is not strictly necessary but recommended to ensure all GNOME components initialize correctly.

How can I uninstall GNOME Desktop if I no longer want it?
Use `sudo apt remove ubuntu-gnome-desktop` followed by `sudo apt autoremove` to clean up residual packages.
Installing the GNOME desktop environment on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that enhances the user experience by providing a clean, modern, and highly customizable interface. Whether you are using a minimal Ubuntu installation or a different desktop environment, adding GNOME can be accomplished efficiently through the terminal using package management commands such as `sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop`. This method ensures that all necessary components and dependencies are correctly installed, allowing users to switch seamlessly between desktop environments at the login screen.

It is important to consider the version of Ubuntu you are running, as package names and installation procedures might slightly vary. Additionally, users should be aware of the potential for increased disk space usage and system resource consumption when installing multiple desktop environments. Proper system updates and package upgrades before installation help to avoid conflicts and ensure compatibility. Post-installation, configuring GNOME settings and extensions can further tailor the desktop to meet individual preferences and productivity needs.

Overall, installing GNOME on Ubuntu provides a robust and versatile desktop experience that appeals to both new and advanced users. By following best practices during installation and configuration, users can maximize the benefits of GNOME’s intuitive design and extensive functionality. This process underscores the flexibility of Ubuntu as an operating system and its capacity to adapt to

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.