How to Remove Items from Ubuntu Linux Launcher – Simple & Effective Method
🔹 Welcome to Moses TCG! In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to remove items from the Ubuntu Linux Launcher using simple, step-by-step methods. Whether you want to clean up your desktop, remove unwanted icons, or customize your Ubuntu experience, this guide has got you covered!
🖥️ Ubuntu Launcher (or Dock) Overview
The Ubuntu Launcher (also known as the Dock) is the bar on the left side of your screen where you can access frequently used applications. Over time, it can get cluttered with unnecessary icons. If you’re looking for ways to remove these items, you’re in the right place!
⏩ Topics Covered in This Video
✅ What is the Ubuntu Launcher?
✅ How to remove app icons from the launcher
✅ How to unpin system applications
✅ How to delete shortcuts permanently
✅ Removing stubborn icons via Terminal
🔹 Method 1: Removing Icons Using Right-Click Menu
The simplest way to remove an app from the Ubuntu Launcher is through the right-click method:
1️⃣ Locate the icon in the Launcher.
2️⃣ Right-click on the icon.
3️⃣ Click "Remove from Favorites."
4️⃣ The icon disappears from the launcher, but the app remains installed.
✅ Best for: Quickly decluttering without uninstalling apps.
🔹 Method 2: Removing Icons via Drag and Drop
If the right-click method doesn’t work, try dragging the icon out of the Launcher:
1️⃣ Click and hold the icon you want to remove.
2️⃣ Drag it away from the dock until a “Remove” notification appears.
3️⃣ Release the icon, and it should disappear.
✅ Best for: Users who prefer a visual method.
🔹 Method 3: Using GNOME Tweaks to Customize the Dock
If you want more control over your Ubuntu Launcher, GNOME Tweaks is a great tool:
1️⃣ Install GNOME Tweaks by running this command in the Terminal:
sudo apt install gnome-tweaks
2️⃣ Open GNOME Tweaks from the applications menu.
3️⃣ Navigate to "Extensions" ) "Dash to Dock" (if installed).
4️⃣ Disable or customize which apps appear in the Launcher.
✅ Best for: Advanced users who want deeper customization.
🔹 Method 4: Using Terminal to Remove Persistent Icons
Some applications refuse to be removed from the launcher. If this happens, try using the Terminal:
1️⃣ Open Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T)
2️⃣ Run this command to check pinned apps:
gsettings get org.gnome.shell favorite-apps
3️⃣ You’ll see a list like this:
['firefox.desktop', 'org.gnome.Terminal.desktop', 'nautilus.desktop']
4️⃣ Remove an app by running:
gsettings set org.gnome.shell favorite-apps "['org.gnome.Terminal.desktop', 'nautilus.desktop']"
(Just remove the app’s .desktop entry from the list.)
✅ Best for: Power users needing precise control.
🔹 Method 5: Removing Stubborn App Shortcuts Manually
Sometimes, shortcuts remain in the system even after removal. To delete them manually:
1️⃣ Navigate to:
cd ~/.local/share/applications
2️⃣ List the files:
ls
3️⃣ Find the file matching the app’s name (e.g., firefox.desktop).
4️⃣ Delete it with:
rm firefox.desktop
✅ Best for: Removing leftover shortcuts from uninstalled apps.
🔹 Method 6: Resetting the Ubuntu Dock
If your Launcher is broken or unresponsive, reset it with this command:
dconf reset -f /org/gnome/shell/extensions/dash-to-dock/
This will restore default settings and remove any unwanted icons.
✅ Best for: Fixing Ubuntu Launcher issues.
🔥 BONUS TIPS: Customizing Ubuntu Launcher for a Better Experience!
Once you’ve removed unnecessary icons, optimize your Launcher by:
🔹 Changing Position: Move the Launcher to the bottom or right side using:
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock dock-position BOTTOM
🔹 Auto-hide: Enable auto-hide for a cleaner look:
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock autohide true
🔹 Increase Transparency:
gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock transparency-mode FIXED
❓ Troubleshooting Tips
💡 Can’t remove an icon? Restart GNOME Shell:
Alt + F2, type 'r', and hit Enter.
💡 Icons return after restart? Check if the app is set to autostart:
cd ~/.config/autostart
ls
Delete any unwanted .desktop files.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will removing an app from the Launcher uninstall it?
👉 No, removing an icon only unpins it. The app remains installed.
Q2: How do I prevent new apps from adding themselves to the Launcher?
👉 Open Settings ) Dock ) Disable “Show new apps in the dock”
Q3: I don’t have the GNOME Tweaks option. What should I do?
👉 Run:
sudo apt install gnome-tweaks
🎯 Final Thoughts
Now you know multiple ways to remove items from the Ubuntu Launcher! Whether you prefer right-clicking, dragging, using GNOME Tweaks, or Terminal commands, you can customize your Ubuntu desktop exactly the way you want.
✅ If this video helped, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT!
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This Video belongs to this Playlist:
• UBUNTU LINUX
#Ubuntu #Linux #Customization #GNOME #TechTips 🚀