Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution, uses GNOME as its default desktop environment. GNOME Software, also known as Ubuntu Software, is an integral part of this environment. It’s a utility that allows you to add, remove, and update software packages. However, there may be instances where you’d want to disable GNOME Software from loading at startup. This article will guide you through the process.
To disable GNOME Software from loading at startup in Ubuntu, you can modify the gnome-software-service.desktop file, use the gsettings command to disable updates, or disable the PackageKit service.
Understanding GNOME Software
Before we delve into the steps, it’s important to understand what GNOME Software is and its role in the Ubuntu operating system. GNOME Software is essentially a front-end for package management in Ubuntu. It provides a user-friendly interface for installing, removing, and updating software.
However, GNOME Software can sometimes consume a significant amount of system resources, especially if it’s set to automatically check for updates at startup. This can slow down your system boot time, which is why some users prefer to disable it from loading at startup.
Solution 1: Modifying the gnome-software-service.desktop File
The first solution involves modifying the gnome-software-service.desktop file. This file is responsible for launching GNOME Software at startup.
Step 1: Open the File
Open a terminal window and type the following command:
sudo nano /etc/xdg/autostart/gnome-software-service.desktopThis command opens the gnome-software-service.desktop file in the nano text editor. The sudo command is used to execute the command with root privileges, while nano is a command-line text editor.
Step 2: Modify the File
In the file, look for the line that reads NoDisplay=true. Change true to false and save the file.
Step 3: Copy the File
If GNOME Software still appears in the Startup Applications list, you need to copy the gnome-software-service.desktop file to the ~/.config/autostart/ directory. Use the following command:
cp /etc/xdg/autostart/gnome-software-service.desktop ~/.config/autostart/Step 4: Modify the Copied File
Open the copied file with a text editor and repeat Step 2. Alternatively, you can append the line X-GNOME-Autostart-enabled=false to the copied .desktop file. This line prevents GNOME Software from loading at startup.
Solution 2: Using gsettings
The second solution involves using the gsettings command to disable GNOME Software from downloading updates.
Step 1: Open a Terminal
Open a terminal window.
Step 2: Run the gsettings Command
Type the following command:
gsettings set org.gnome.software download-updates falseThis command disables GNOME Software from downloading updates. The gsettings command is a simple tool for manipulating the settings of GNOME desktop environment, while set is used to change the value of a key.
Solution 3: Disabling the PackageKit Service
If the above methods don’t work, you can try disabling the backend service, PackageKit, which is used by GNOME Software.
Step 1: Open a Terminal
Open a terminal window.
Step 2: Run the systemctl Command
Type the following command:
sudo systemctl mask packagekit.serviceThis command masks (disables) the PackageKit service. The systemctl command is used to control the systemd system and service manager, while mask is used to prevent a service from being started, manually or otherwise.
Conclusion
Disabling GNOME Software from loading at startup can help improve your system’s boot time. However, keep in mind that this may affect your ability to manage software and updates through the graphical interface. Ensure you have an alternative method in place if you still need to perform these tasks.
You can check if GNOME Software is running at startup by opening the Startup Applications settings. Go to the Activities overview, search for "Startup Applications," and open the application. Look for an entry related to GNOME Software. If it’s listed, it means GNOME Software is set to run at startup.
Yes, you can disable GNOME Software from loading at startup without using the terminal. Instead of modifying the gnome-software-service.desktop file, you can use the GNOME Tweaks tool. Install GNOME Tweaks from the Ubuntu Software Center, open it, go to the "Startup Applications" tab, and toggle off the switch next to GNOME Software.
Disabling GNOME Software from loading at startup will only prevent it from automatically launching when you log in. You can still manually open GNOME Software from the Applications menu or by searching for it in the Activities overview. Disabling it from startup will not affect your ability to use it for managing software and updates.
Yes, even if you disable GNOME Software from loading at startup, you can still receive software updates. Ubuntu has a separate system for managing updates called update-manager that runs in the background. This system will continue to check for updates and notify you when they are available, regardless of whether GNOME Software is set to run at startup.
Yes, you can re-enable GNOME Software to load at startup if you change your mind. Simply follow the steps mentioned in Solution 1 and modify the gnome-software-service.desktop file again. Change NoDisplay=false to NoDisplay=true to hide it from the Startup Applications list. Alternatively, you can remove the copied .desktop file from the ~/.config/autostart/ directory to revert the changes.
