Keeping Windows Visible while Switching Workspaces in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (X11)

Understanding Workspace Behavior in GNOME

The default window manager in Ubuntu, GNOME, traditionally treats workspaces as distinct virtual screens. When you switch from Workspace 1 to Workspace 2, any application not present on Workspace 2 disappears from view. While this is efficient for organizing large numbers of unrelated tasks, it disrupts workflows that require constant reference across different contexts, such as comparing a source document against a live editor. In Ubuntu 24.04 LTS running on X11, this behavior is controlled by specific dconf settings that govern how the window manager handles workspace transitions.

Enabling Persistent Windows via Settings

The most straightforward method to achieve persistent visibility involves changing the workspace mode through the graphical interface. This approach requires no command-line intervention and applies immediately to your current session. Follow these steps to configure your system:

• Open System Settings: Click the system menu in the top-right corner and select Settings, or press the Super key and type "Settings".
• Navigate to Multitasking: In the left-hand sidebar, locate and click on the Multitasking section. This area controls how virtual desktops and window snapping behave.
• Adjust Workspaces Mode: Find the dropdown menu labeled Workspaces. Change the selection from "Automatic" or "Static" to Workspaces only on screen.

Once selected, this configuration ensures that all windows remain attached to your physical display regardless of which virtual workspace is currently active. You can still organize windows into logical groups using keyboard shortcuts, but they will never leave your sight. This is particularly useful for users who frequently toggle between a coding environment and a documentation viewer, as both remain accessible simultaneously.

Alternative Method: Using dconf Editor

If the graphical settings do not persist or if you prefer a more granular control over the window manager's behavior, you can modify the underlying configuration database directly. The dconf-editor tool provides access to deep system parameters that are not exposed in the standard UI. This method is recommended for advanced users who need to ensure the setting survives updates or custom scripts.

1. Install dconf-editor: Open a terminal and run sudo apt install dconf-editor.
2. Launch the Editor: Search for "dconf Editor" in the application menu and open it.
3. Navigate to the Path: In the tree structure on the left, expand org, then gnome, then desktop, and finally wm.
4. Modify the Key: Locate the key named workspaces-only-on-screen. Toggle its value to true.

This change writes directly to the GNOME configuration schema. Unlike some settings that may reset after a major OS upgrade, dconf keys often persist because they are stored in the user's profile directory. However, always backup your configuration before making manual changes to critical system paths.

Managing Windows Across Multiple Monitors

When using multiple monitors, the "Workspaces only on screen" setting behaves slightly differently than single-monitor setups. Each physical monitor effectively becomes its own set of workspaces, but the windows remain fixed to their respective screens. If you drag a window from Monitor 1 to Monitor 2, it stays on that monitor even if you switch workspaces on Monitor 1. This creates a hybrid environment where you have the organizational benefits of virtual desktops without the disorientation of hidden windows.

For users managing complex layouts with several external displays, this feature significantly reduces cognitive load. You no longer need to remember which workspace an application was assigned to; it is simply wherever you placed it physically. This is ideal for creative professionals who use one screen for reference material, another for editing, and a third for communication tools.

Troubleshooting Visibility Issues

If you have enabled the setting but windows still disappear, there are a few common culprits. First, ensure you are indeed running on the X11 session. Ubuntu 24.04 defaults to Wayland, which has different workspace management rules. To verify, go to Settings > About and check the "Windowing system" field. If it says Wayland, log out and select "GNOME on Xorg" from the login screen.

Second, check for conflicting extensions. GNOME extensions can override window manager behaviors. Disable any workspace-related extensions temporarily to see if the issue resolves. Finally, restart the GNOME Shell by pressing Alt + F2, typing r, and pressing Enter. This reloads the shell configuration without requiring a full logout, applying your changes immediately.

For more insights on optimizing your Ubuntu experience, consider exploring related guides on workspace management and hardware compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this setting affect Wayland sessions?

No, the "Workspaces only on screen" option is specific to the X11 backend in GNOME. Wayland handles window management differently and does not support this exact behavior in the same way. You must switch to the Xorg session in the login menu to utilize this feature.

Can I pin specific windows to always stay on top?

Yes, you can right-click a window's title bar and select "Always on Visible Workspace" or use the extension "Dynamic Workspaces" for more advanced pinning options. However, the global setting discussed here affects all windows uniformly rather than targeting individual applications.

What happens to window positions when I switch workspaces?

With this setting enabled, window positions remain static relative to your physical monitor. They do not move to a new coordinate space based on the virtual workspace index. This means your layout remains consistent regardless of which virtual desktop is currently active.

Is it possible to revert to the original behavior?

Absolutely. You can return to the default behavior by setting the workspaces-only-on-screen key back to false in dconf or selecting "Automatic" in the GUI settings. This restores the traditional model where windows move between virtual desktops upon switching.

Why are my windows still moving despite the setting?

This usually indicates that you are running a Wayland session instead of X11. Check your session type in Settings > About. Additionally, some third-party window managers or tiling tools may override GNOME's default behavior, so ensure no conflicting software is installed.