Getting Started to Use GNOME Shell Extensions on Ubuntu 24.04

This tutorial will help you in a simple way how to install, remove and configure GNOME Shell Extensions (GSEs) on Ubuntu 24.04 “Noble Numbat”. We present you here both ways of managing them by Firefox web browser as well as by Extension Manager so you can find which one easier for you. We also give you some recommended extensions such as Clipboard History below so you can practice. Now let’s start reading!

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(Picture 1: installing two required software packages for GNOME Shell Extensions)

Where:

• First package is the Extension Manager app.
• Second package is the required connector between web browser and Ubuntu system to install extensions from the official webpage.

2. Prepare Firefox: click the link at the top of the web page saying “Click here to install browser extension” > an add-on will be offered > click Install Addon > OK > the addon installed > you are ready to install extensions. 

(Picture 2: installing a required Firefox addon to work with GSE)

3. Find extensions: visit extensions.gnome.org > search for an extension e.g. Places Status Indicator or else.

(Picture 3: browsing for GSEs on the webpage)

4. To install an extension: once you found an extension above > switch OFF to ON > click Install Extension > extension installed > the button switch will turn blue > the extension can be found in the Extension Manager app.

(Picture 4: installing a GSE directly from the webpage)

Another useful and interesting extensions to try:

• Apps Menu: shows a new button on top bar showing applications menu in drop-down style instead of full-screen one.
• Removable Drive Menu: shows a new button showing a listing of currently attached USb flash disk or external hard disk drives.
• GSConnect: a connector as well as remote control between your laptop and your phone. It is the GNOME version of KDE Connect.
• Freon: shows a realtime indicator of computer temperature, fan speed, and more.
• Clipboard History: a useful copy-paste history archiver. If you used KDE for a long time, you would appreciate the usefulness of utility like this. A must have for an author.
• and many more…

5. To disable an extension: visit extensions.gnome.org > switch ON to OFF > extension disabled. Note: this requires internet access.

(Picture 5: disabling a GSE using the webpage)

6. To remove an extension: visit extensions.gnome.org > find your extension > you will see a red cross button on the web page (if not, refresh (F5) the page) > click it > extension removed.

(Picture 6: removing a GSE using the webpage)

7. To configure an extension: visit extensions.gnome.org > find your extension > if it has extra settings, there will be a configuration button (a cross of screwdriver and bench) next to ON/OFF switch > click configuration button > extension Settings will show up.

(Picture 6: position of the configuration button on the webpage)

This section discusses managing your extensions using Extension Manager app instead of Firefox web browser. This is an alternative way.

1. Run Extension Manager. 

If you didn’t have it, repeat step 1 from previous section.

(Picture 7: on app menu, it is a blue puzzle piece named Extension Manager)

2. Open Browse page.

3. Find an extension such as “Clipboard History” or anything mentioned above.

4. Click Install Extension. 

5. Extension installed. 

6. To remove one: on Extension Manager: go to Installed page > find your installed extension > click the button to the right-side of it > Remove > Yes > extensions removed.

7. To configure one: on Extension Manager> go to Installed page > find your installed extension > if your extension has extra settings, it will show a gear button > click the gear button > extension Settings will show > feel free to configure it. 

(Picture 8: Extension Manager app showing some of User-Installed and System Extensions with Browse page visible on top)

Finally, happy customizing!

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This article is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.