24

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

Example screenshot

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14

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

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  • 2
    This does only work with gnome-shell installed, otherwise gnome-tweak-tool will refuse to run at all. – drahnr Jun 8 '11 at 14:42
  • 2
    this option is not available in the tweak tool anymore. Extension is the way to go. – krivar Aug 8 '19 at 13:38
14

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

gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.background show-desktop-icons true
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  • failed to commit changes to dconf: Failed to execute child process “dbus-launch” (No such file or directory) – Moh Arjmandi Jan 3 '20 at 8:17
  • 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 Jan 22 '20 at 4:09
12

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).

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  • Fedora packages this extension: sudo dnf install gnome-shell-extension-desktop-icons – vk5tu May 14 '20 at 5:49
1

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.

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  • 1
    Gnome 3 is in RC and will be released on april 6. – Caio Apr 3 '11 at 11:19
1

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:

  1. Install the Desktop Icons extension, either using Software application (by searching "desktop-icons") or installing it from here.

  2. Run the following command in Terminal:

    sudo setcap -r /usr/bin/gnome-shell

  3. When it prompts for password, enter your password (the password is hidden).

  4. Logout and log back in.

Hooray! You have your desktop icons. Enjoy!

Note: Remember that, as it is mentioned by OP, you should repeat these steps if you upgrade your Gnome Environment. You could also add to as a boot script, see here for that.

Revert Back

This solution may (or may not) affect Gnome performance and stability (although should not). If you are experiencing further problems, do one of the followings to revert changes back (the first one is recommended):

  1. Reinstall Gnome Shell via DNF (or DnfDragora):

    sudo dnf reinstall gnome-shell

  2. Run the following command in Terminal:

    sudo setcap cap_sys_nice+epi /usr/bin/gnome-shell
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