In this article, we will explore how to address the issue of high RAM usage by Gnome-Shell in Ubuntu 20.04. This is a common problem many Ubuntu users face, and we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to mitigate this issue.
To fix high RAM usage by Gnome-Shell in Ubuntu 20.04, you can try disabling extensions, switching graphics card drivers, or filing a bug report.
Understanding the Issue
Gnome-Shell is the default interface in Ubuntu 20.04, providing the core user experience for the operating system. However, some users have reported that Gnome-Shell consumes a significant amount of RAM, even when the system is idle. This can lead to a sluggish system and a degraded user experience.
Solution 1: Disable Extensions
Gnome extensions are a powerful feature that allows users to customize their desktop environment and add new functionality. However, some poorly written or incompatible extensions can cause high RAM usage.
To disable all extensions, you can use the Gnome Tweak Tool. If you do not have it installed, you can install it by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt install gnome-tweak-toolOnce installed, open the Gnome Tweak Tool and navigate to the “Extensions” section. Here, you can disable all extensions and then restart your system to see if the issue persists.
If disabling all extensions resolves the issue, you can then enable one extension at a time to identify the problematic extension. Once identified, you can choose to keep it disabled or look for an alternative extension.
Solution 2: Switch Graphics Card Driver
In some cases, the graphics card driver could be causing the high RAM usage. Ubuntu allows you to switch between different drivers through the “Additional Drivers” option in the system settings.
To access this, navigate to “Software & Updates” > “Additional Drivers”. Here, you can switch to a different driver and then restart your system to see if the issue is resolved.
Solution 3: File a Bug Report
If the above solutions do not resolve the issue, it is recommended to file a bug report on the GNOME or Ubuntu bug tracker. When filing the bug report, provide as much information as possible, including your system specifications, the issue you are facing, and the steps you have taken to debug it.
Investigating the Issue
For those interested in investigating the issue themselves, you can use the pmap command to get a detailed report of the gnome-shell memory usage. Here’s how to do it:
- Run the following command when you first start gnome-shell:
pmap $(pgrep gnome-shell) | grep -v -i deleted > /tmp/gnome-pmap1.dump- After some time when the RAM usage increases, run the command again and save the output to a different file:
pmap $(pgrep gnome-shell) | grep -v -i deleted > /tmp/gnome-pmap2.dump- Compare the two files using the
diffcommand:
diff -y --suppress-common-lines /tmp/gnome-pmap1.dump /tmp/gnome-pmap2.dumpThis will identify any differences between the two memory snapshots, which can be useful in identifying the cause of the high RAM usage.
In conclusion, high RAM usage by Gnome-Shell in Ubuntu 20.04 can be a frustrating issue, but it can often be resolved by disabling extensions or switching graphics card drivers. If the issue persists, filing a bug report can help the developers identify and fix the problem.
Gnome-Shell is the default interface in Ubuntu 20.04, providing the core user experience for the operating system. It is responsible for managing the desktop environment, including the taskbar, application launcher, and window management.
There can be several reasons for high RAM usage by Gnome-Shell, including poorly written or incompatible extensions, graphics card driver issues, or potential bugs in the software.
You can disable Gnome extensions using the Gnome Tweak Tool. Install it using the command sudo apt install gnome-tweak-tool, open it, and navigate to the "Extensions" section. From there, you can disable all extensions and restart your system to check if the high RAM usage issue persists.
To switch graphics card drivers in Ubuntu 20.04, go to "Software & Updates" > "Additional Drivers" in the system settings. Here, you can choose a different driver and apply the changes. Afterward, restart your system to see if the high RAM usage issue is resolved.
When filing a bug report, provide as much information as possible. Include your system specifications, details about the issue you are facing, steps you have taken to debug it (such as disabling extensions or switching drivers), and any relevant error messages or logs.
You can use the pmap command to get a detailed report of the gnome-shell memory usage. Run the command pmap $(pgrep gnome-shell) | grep -v -i deleted > /tmp/gnome-pmap1.dump when you first start gnome-shell and save the output to a file. After some time when the RAM usage increases, run the command again and save the output to a different file. Finally, compare the two files using the diff command to identify any differences, which can help in identifying the cause of the high RAM usage.
To file a bug report for Gnome-Shell, visit the GNOME bug tracker and provide detailed information about the issue. For Ubuntu, you can file a bug report on Launchpad with relevant details, including the version of Ubuntu you are using, the issue you are facing, and steps to reproduce it.
