Restore Default Minimize Maximize Close Buttons In Ubuntu

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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you've customized your Ubuntu desktop environment, only to realize that you want to revert to the default settings? One common scenario involves the minimize, maximize, and close buttons – those essential controls that allow you to manage your application windows. If you've experimented with custom window controls and now wish to restore the default Ubuntu buttons, this comprehensive guide is here to help. We'll walk you through the steps to get your default window buttons back, ensuring a smooth and familiar user experience. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to restore the default window controls in Ubuntu, focusing on scenarios where customizations, such as mimicking macOS button placements or using custom extensions, have altered the original settings. We'll explore various methods, including using GNOME Tweaks, command-line solutions, and resetting GNOME settings, to ensure you can effectively revert to the default behavior. This guide aims to be both comprehensive and easy to follow, ensuring that users of all skill levels can successfully restore their window buttons to the default configuration.

Understanding the Issue: Customized Window Controls

Before diving into the solutions, let's understand why this issue occurs. Ubuntu, by default, uses the GNOME desktop environment, which provides a specific arrangement for window controls. Users often customize their desktop environment to suit their preferences. One popular customization is changing the placement or appearance of the minimize, maximize, and close buttons. This is often achieved through GNOME Tweaks, a powerful tool that allows users to adjust various GNOME settings. Another method involves installing custom GNOME extensions that modify window controls and other aspects of the desktop environment. While these customizations can enhance the user experience, they sometimes lead to unexpected results. For instance, removing a custom extension might not automatically revert the changes it made, leaving you with missing or misplaced window buttons. Similarly, incorrect settings in GNOME Tweaks can alter the default behavior. The goal of this guide is to provide clear, actionable steps to undo these changes and restore the default window controls. Whether you've accidentally changed a setting or intentionally experimented with customizations, we'll help you navigate the process of reverting to the standard Ubuntu window button configuration.

Method 1: Using GNOME Tweaks to Restore Default Buttons

One of the easiest ways to restore the default window buttons in Ubuntu is by using GNOME Tweaks. GNOME Tweaks is a powerful utility that allows you to customize various aspects of your GNOME desktop environment, including the placement and appearance of window controls. If you don't already have GNOME Tweaks installed, you can install it via the terminal by running the command sudo apt install gnome-tweaks. Once installed, you can launch GNOME Tweaks and navigate to the "Window Titlebars" section. Here, you'll find options to control the placement of the window buttons. To restore the default settings, ensure that the "Placement" option is set to the default configuration. This usually means having the minimize, maximize, and close buttons on the right side of the window titlebar. You can also check if any custom themes or extensions are affecting the button display. Sometimes, a theme might override the default button settings, causing them to disappear or appear incorrectly. In such cases, switching back to the default theme can resolve the issue. Additionally, disabling any extensions related to window controls can help identify if an extension is the culprit. By systematically adjusting these settings within GNOME Tweaks, you can often restore the default window buttons without resorting to more complex methods. This approach is particularly effective if the issue stems from a simple configuration change within the GNOME Tweaks application.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using GNOME Tweaks

  1. Install GNOME Tweaks: If you don't have GNOME Tweaks installed, open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and run the following command:
    sudo apt install gnome-tweaks
    Enter your password when prompted and press Enter to continue.
  2. Launch GNOME Tweaks: Once the installation is complete, you can launch GNOME Tweaks by typing gnome-tweaks in the terminal and pressing Enter, or by searching for "Tweaks" in the application menu.
  3. Navigate to Window Titlebars: In the GNOME Tweaks window, click on the "Window Titlebars" option in the left sidebar. This section controls the appearance and placement of window buttons.
  4. Adjust Button Placement: Under the "Placement" section, you'll see options to control where the window buttons are located. The default setting for Ubuntu is to have the buttons on the right side of the window titlebar. Ensure that the buttons are set to the right.
  5. Check for Theme Overrides: Sometimes, custom themes can override the default button settings. To check this, go to the "Appearance" section in GNOME Tweaks and ensure that you are using a default theme like "Adwaita" or the standard Ubuntu theme. If you are using a custom theme, try switching to a default theme to see if it resolves the issue.
  6. Disable Extensions: If you suspect that a GNOME extension is affecting the window buttons, go to the "Extensions" section in GNOME Tweaks and disable any extensions related to window controls or themes. Restart your system or log out and log back in to apply the changes.
  7. Verify the Changes: After making these adjustments, close GNOME Tweaks and check if the window buttons have been restored to their default positions. Open a few applications to confirm that the minimize, maximize, and close buttons are present and functioning correctly.

By following these steps, you can effectively use GNOME Tweaks to restore the default window buttons in Ubuntu. This method is straightforward and often resolves issues caused by accidental or intentional configuration changes within the GNOME desktop environment.

Method 2: Using the Command Line to Reset Window Button Settings

If GNOME Tweaks doesn't resolve the issue, or if you prefer using the command line, you can directly manipulate the GNOME settings database to restore the default window button configuration. This method involves using the gsettings command, a powerful tool for reading and writing GNOME settings. The gsettings command allows you to interact with the GNOME configuration system directly, bypassing graphical interfaces and providing a more precise way to control settings. To restore the default window buttons, you'll need to reset the relevant settings keys to their default values. This typically involves specifying the schema and key associated with window button placement. One common setting to adjust is org.gnome.desktop.wm.preferences button-layout, which controls the order and presence of window buttons. By resetting this setting to its default value, you can often restore the standard minimize, maximize, and close buttons. Additionally, if you've modified other related settings, such as those controlling the button layout on specific windows or applications, you may need to reset those as well. The command line offers a flexible and efficient way to manage these settings, particularly for users comfortable with terminal operations. This method can be especially useful when dealing with complex customization scenarios or when graphical tools are insufficient to resolve the issue. Remember to exercise caution when using the command line to modify system settings, as incorrect commands can lead to unintended consequences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Command Line

  1. Open the Terminal: To begin, open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. This will give you access to the command line interface.
  2. Reset the button-layout Setting: The primary setting that controls the placement of window buttons is org.gnome.desktop.wm.preferences button-layout. To reset this setting to its default value, use the following command:
    gsettings reset org.gnome.desktop.wm.preferences button-layout
    This command tells gsettings to reset the specified key to its default value. After running this command, the window buttons should revert to their default positions.
  3. Verify the Change: After running the command, you can verify the change by opening a new window or restarting an existing application. The minimize, maximize, and close buttons should now be in their default locations.
  4. Check for Additional Settings: In some cases, additional settings might be affecting the window buttons. If resetting the button-layout setting doesn't fully resolve the issue, you might need to check other related settings. For example, if you have specific applications or windows that are not displaying the buttons correctly, there might be application-specific settings overriding the global settings.
  5. Reset All Window Manager Settings (If Necessary): If you've made extensive customizations and are unsure which settings are causing the issue, you can reset all window manager settings to their defaults. This is a more drastic step but can be effective in complex scenarios. To do this, use the following command:
    gsettings reset-recursively org.gnome.desktop.wm.preferences
    This command resets all settings under the org.gnome.desktop.wm.preferences schema. Be aware that this will revert any other customizations you've made to window management settings.
  6. Restart GNOME Shell (If Necessary): In some cases, the changes might not be immediately visible. To ensure the changes are applied, you can restart the GNOME Shell. Press Alt + F2, type r, and press Enter. This will restart the GNOME Shell without requiring a full system reboot.

By following these steps, you can use the command line to effectively reset the window button settings in Ubuntu. This method provides a direct and precise way to manage GNOME settings, ensuring that your window buttons are restored to their default configuration.

Method 3: Resetting GNOME Settings to Factory Defaults

If the previous methods haven't fully resolved the issue, or if you've made numerous customizations and want a clean slate, resetting GNOME settings to factory defaults might be the most effective solution. This approach essentially wipes out all your custom GNOME configurations, including themes, extensions, and window button settings, and reverts them to their original state. While this method can be drastic, it ensures that any conflicting settings or configurations are eliminated, providing a fresh start. Resetting GNOME settings can be particularly useful if you've experimented extensively with customizations and are unsure which specific settings are causing the problem. It's also a good option if you're experiencing broader issues with your desktop environment beyond just the window buttons. However, it's essential to understand the implications of this method. Resetting GNOME settings will undo all your personalizations, requiring you to reconfigure your desktop environment to your liking. This includes reinstalling extensions, reapplying themes, and adjusting other settings. Before proceeding with this method, it's advisable to back up any important configurations or data that you don't want to lose. This ensures that you can restore your preferred settings if needed. The process of resetting GNOME settings typically involves using command-line tools or specific utilities designed for this purpose. We'll walk you through the steps to safely and effectively reset your GNOME settings, ensuring a clean and functional desktop environment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting GNOME Settings

  1. Open the Terminal: As with the previous methods, begin by opening the terminal. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to access the command line interface.
  2. Use the dconf reset Command: The primary tool for resetting GNOME settings is the dconf reset command. Dconf is a configuration system that GNOME uses to store settings. To reset all GNOME settings to their defaults, you'll use the dconf reset -f / command. However, it's crucial to understand that this will reset all settings, so make sure you're prepared to reconfigure your desktop environment.
    dconf reset -f /
    This command tells Dconf to forcefully reset all settings under the root path (/), effectively reverting them to their factory defaults.
  3. Restart GNOME Shell: After running the dconf reset command, it's necessary to restart the GNOME Shell to apply the changes. Press Alt + F2, type r, and press Enter. This will restart the GNOME Shell and load the default settings.
  4. Verify the Changes: After the GNOME Shell restarts, check if the window buttons have been restored to their default positions. Open a new window or restart an existing application to confirm that the minimize, maximize, and close buttons are present and functioning correctly.
  5. Reconfigure Your Desktop Environment: Since resetting GNOME settings reverts all customizations, you'll need to reconfigure your desktop environment to your liking. This includes reapplying themes, reinstalling extensions, and adjusting other settings such as keyboard shortcuts, display settings, and more.
  6. Consider Backing Up Settings (Optional): Before resetting GNOME settings, you might want to back up your current configurations. While there isn't a built-in tool to back up all GNOME settings, you can manually back up specific configurations that are important to you. For example, you can save a list of installed extensions or note your preferred keyboard shortcuts.

By following these steps, you can effectively reset GNOME settings to factory defaults, providing a clean slate for your desktop environment. This method is particularly useful when dealing with complex configuration issues or when you want to start fresh with a default setup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the methods outlined above should resolve most issues with window buttons, there are situations where additional troubleshooting might be necessary. One common problem is that the changes don't take effect immediately. In such cases, restarting the GNOME Shell or logging out and logging back in can often resolve the issue. Another potential issue is conflicting settings from multiple sources. For example, a custom theme might override the settings configured in GNOME Tweaks or via the command line. In this scenario, it's essential to ensure that all conflicting settings are addressed. This might involve switching to a default theme, disabling problematic extensions, or manually adjusting the relevant settings keys. If you're using multiple desktop environments, such as GNOME and KDE, settings from one environment might interfere with the other. In this case, you might need to configure each environment separately or consider using a single desktop environment to avoid conflicts. Additionally, hardware or driver issues can sometimes manifest as unexpected behavior in the desktop environment. If you suspect a hardware or driver problem, consider updating your drivers or checking for any known issues with your hardware configuration. Finally, if you've exhausted all other troubleshooting steps, seeking help from the Ubuntu community can be invaluable. Online forums, such as the Ubuntu Forums or Ask Ubuntu, are excellent resources for finding solutions to specific issues. When seeking help, be sure to provide detailed information about your system configuration, the steps you've already taken, and any error messages or unexpected behavior you've encountered. This will help others provide more targeted and effective assistance.

Common Issues and Their Solutions

  1. Changes Not Taking Effect:
    • Issue: After applying a setting change, the window buttons don't revert to their default positions.
    • Solution: Try restarting the GNOME Shell by pressing Alt + F2, typing r, and pressing Enter. If that doesn't work, log out of your user session and log back in. In some cases, a full system reboot might be necessary.
  2. Conflicting Settings:
    • Issue: Multiple settings sources (e.g., themes, extensions, GNOME Tweaks) are conflicting, preventing the window buttons from displaying correctly.
    • Solution: Start by switching to a default theme to rule out theme-related issues. Disable any extensions related to window controls or themes. Then, use GNOME Tweaks or the command line to ensure the window button settings are configured as desired. If conflicts persist, consider resetting GNOME settings to factory defaults.
  3. Multiple Desktop Environments:
    • Issue: If you have multiple desktop environments installed (e.g., GNOME and KDE), settings from one environment might interfere with the other.
    • Solution: Ensure that you are configuring the settings within the correct desktop environment. Each environment has its own configuration system, so changes made in one might not affect the other. If necessary, consider using a single desktop environment to avoid conflicts.
  4. Hardware or Driver Issues:
    • Issue: In rare cases, hardware or driver problems can manifest as unexpected behavior in the desktop environment, including issues with window buttons.
    • Solution: Check for any known issues with your hardware configuration. Ensure that your drivers are up to date. If you suspect a specific hardware component is causing the problem, try testing with different hardware or drivers.
  5. Seeking Community Help:
    • Issue: If you've exhausted all other troubleshooting steps and are still unable to resolve the issue.
    • Solution: Seek help from the Ubuntu community. Online forums such as the Ubuntu Forums, Ask Ubuntu, and Reddit's r/Ubuntu are excellent resources for finding solutions to specific issues. When seeking help, provide detailed information about your system configuration, the steps you've already taken, and any error messages or unexpected behavior you've encountered.

By addressing these common issues and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can effectively resolve most problems related to window buttons in Ubuntu. Remember to approach troubleshooting systematically, starting with the simplest solutions and progressing to more complex ones as needed.

Conclusion

Restoring the default minimize, maximize, and close buttons in Ubuntu after customization is a common task that can be accomplished through various methods. Whether you prefer using GNOME Tweaks for its user-friendly interface, the command line for its precision, or resetting GNOME settings for a clean slate, this guide has provided you with the necessary steps to regain control over your window buttons. By understanding the underlying issues and systematically applying the solutions, you can ensure a smooth and efficient user experience in your Ubuntu desktop environment. Customizing your desktop environment is a great way to personalize your computing experience, but it's equally important to know how to revert changes when needed. This guide has equipped you with the knowledge and tools to confidently manage your window button settings, allowing you to tailor your desktop environment to your preferences while maintaining a stable and functional system. Remember to approach customization with caution, and always back up important settings before making significant changes. With the information provided in this article, you can confidently restore your default window buttons and continue to enjoy the flexibility and power of the Ubuntu operating system.