Why does Gnome 3 not display files on the desktop?

I put some files in my "desktop" folder to be displayed on the screen but nothing happens, why?

Example screenshot

Caio

Posted 2011-04-03T00:32:18.953

Reputation: 637

Are you aware of our Unix & Linux sister site? It's generally a better place to ask Linux questions than here.

– Mawg says reinstate Monica – 2019-01-04T07:45:56.710

Answers

just install "gnome-tweak-tool" and turn it on. You have to enable "Have file manager handle the desktop".

Arash M

Posted 2011-04-03T00:32:18.953

Reputation: 156

1this option is not available in the tweak tool anymore. Extension is the way to go. – krivar – 2019-08-08T13:38:39.013

2This does only work with gnome-shell installed, otherwise gnome-tweak-tool will refuse to run at all. – drahnr – 2011-06-08T14:42:23.973

It's easier to set the appropriate gconf key with the following command:

gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.background show-desktop-icons true

Peter Bojtos

Posted 2011-04-03T00:32:18.953

Reputation: 141

failed to commit changes to dconf: Failed to execute child process “dbus-launch” (No such file or directory) – Moh Arjmandi – 2020-01-03T08:17:03.250

doesn't work for me, even after restarting nautilus after that command. I'm on Gnome 3.34. Also tried logging out/in. Something else we need to do? – trusktr – 2020-01-22T04:09:26.583

Update Jan 2019

GNOME 3.28 has removed the ability to place files on the desktop (rationale, annoucement).

Install the "Desktop icons" GNOME shell extension (GNOME extensions website, git).

vk5tu

Posted 2011-04-03T00:32:18.953

Reputation: 231

Thanks to a comment on Desktop Icons extension by this user, the solution was found (all other solutions didn't work for me). It worked for me on Fedora 31 (and also fixed a bug in another extension).

Here is the solution:

Install the Desktop Icons extension, either using Software application (by searching "desktop-icons") or installing it from here.
Open Terminal, copy and paste the following command to it and press enter:
```
sudo setcap -r /usr/bin/gnome-shell
```
When it prompts for password, enter your password (the password is hidden).
Logout and log back in.

Hooray! You have your desktop icons. Enjoy using Fedora!

Note: Remember that, as it is mentioned by OP, you should repeat these steps if you upgrade your Gnome Environment.

MAChitgarha

Posted 2011-04-03T00:32:18.953

Reputation: 113

First, Gnome 3 is still in beta so don't expect things to work 100%. Next, it seems to me that the new design does not include desktop icons. It's a feature.

Keith

Posted 2011-04-03T00:32:18.953

Reputation: 7 263

1Gnome 3 is in RC and will be released on april 6. – Caio – 2011-04-03T11:19:25.803