How to Manage GNOME Shell Extensions on Linux

GNOME is a popular desktop environment used by many Linux users, known for its simplicity, elegance, and user-friendliness. One of the reasons for its popularity is the availability of various extensions that can be installed to enhance its functionality and customize the user experience. GNOME extensions are small plugins that can add new features, improve existing ones, or modify the appearance of the desktop environment. These extensions can range from simple tweaks, such as adding a weather widget or changing the background image, to more advanced features, like adding new system tray icons or customizing the way windows are managed. In this guide, we will explore how to install and manage them.

Using gnome-extensions-cli

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard or by searching for it in the applications menu.

Step 2: Install gnome-extensions-cli

On Debian/Ubuntu-based distros, run:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions

On Fedora/RPM-based distros, run:

sudo dnf install gnome-shell-extensions

On Arch-based distros, run:

sudo pacman -S gnome-shell-extensions

Step 3: Find Extensions

gnome-extensions search <keyword>

Replace <keyword> with the name of the extension you are searching for. This will display a list of extensions matching your search query.

Step 4: Install Extensions

gnome-extensions install <extension-uuid>

Replace <extension-uuid> with the UUID of the extension you want to install. You can find the UUID of an extension on its GNOME Shell Extensions website page.

Step 5: Update Extensions

To update all installed extensions to their latest versions, run:

gnome-extensions update

Step 6: (Optional) Enable/Disable Extensions

To enable an extension, run:

gnome-extensions enable <extension-name>

Replace <extension-name> with the name of the extension you want to enable.

To disable an extension, run:

gnome-extensions disable <extension-name>

Replace <extension-name> with the name of the extension you want to disable.

Step 7: (Optional) Uninstall Extension

To uninstall an extension, run:

gnome-extensions uninstall <extension-uuid>

Replace <extension-uuid> with the UUID of the extension you want to remove.

Step 8: (Optional) List Extensions

gnome-extensions list

This will display a list of all the extensions that are currently installed on your system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing GNOME Shell extensions on Linux is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your desktop environment’s functionality and customization options. Whether you want to add new features, customize the appearance of your desktop, or optimize your workflow, GNOME Shell extensions offer a vast range of possibilities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily manage your GNOME Shell extensions on your Linux distribution, including installing, updating, enabling, disabling, and removing them. By taking advantage of the power and flexibility of GNOME Shell extensions, you can create a personalized desktop environment that matches your workflow and preferences, making your Linux experience even more enjoyable and productive.