What the window button does and why you might hide it

Ubuntu's top bar shows a button labeled with your active window's name — the program you are currently using. Clicking that button minimizes the window. Some people find this button useful; others find it takes up space or gets in the way of other top-bar functions. You can turn it off in Ubuntu's settings without affecting how your windows work.

The button appears next to the Activities menu on the left side of the top bar. It changes name as you switch between programs. Hiding it does not change window behavior — you can still minimize windows by clicking the title bar, using keyboard shortcuts, or right-clicking the window itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The window button in Ubuntu's top bar shows your active window's name and minimizes the window when clicked.
  • You can disable it through GNOME Settings under the Appearance section, which takes about one minute.
  • Hiding the button does not affect window management — you can still minimize, maximize, and close windows normally.
  • The setting applies when ready and requires no restart or terminal commands.

Access the Appearance settings in GNOME

Open the Activities menu in the top-left corner of your screen and type "Appearance" into the search box. Click the Appearance icon when it appears in the results. This opens GNOME Settings to the Appearance section, where display and interface options live.

If you prefer, you can also open Settings directly by clicking the system menu (the icons in the top-right corner) and selecting the gear icon, then navigating to Appearance from the left sidebar.

Find the window title bar toggle

In the Appearance section, scroll down until you see the option labeled "Show Window Titles" or "Window Controls". The exact wording varies slightly depending on your Ubuntu version, but the setting controls whether the active window's name appears in the top bar.

This toggle is usually in the middle of the Appearance page, below options for dark mode and light mode. If you do not see it when ready, scroll down — it may be below the fold on your screen size.

Turn off the window button

Click the toggle switch next to "Show Window Titles" or the equivalent option to turn it off. The switch will change color or position to show it is now disabled. The window button disappears from your top bar when ready — no restart needed.

If you change your mind later, return to the same setting and toggle it back on. The button reappears in the same position.

What changes when you disable it

With the window button hidden, your top bar shows only the Activities menu, the system clock, and the system menu (volume, network, power). You lose the quick-click minimize function, but window management itself does not change.

You can still minimize any window by right-clicking its title bar and selecting "Hide" or "Minimize", or by using the keyboard shortcut Alt+F9 on most Ubuntu systems. Maximizing, closing, and moving windows work exactly as before.

Alternative ways to minimize windows without the button

If you disable the window button but still want a fast way to minimize, use the keyboard shortcut Super (Windows key) + H, which minimizes the active window on most Ubuntu setups. You can also click and drag a window's title bar to move it off-screen, then click its name in the taskbar or Activities to bring it back.

Some Ubuntu users install a taskbar extension like Dash to Panel or Taskbar, which shows open windows at the bottom or side of the screen. These extensions give you a different way to switch between and minimize windows without using the top-bar button.

Troubleshooting if the setting does not appear

If you cannot find the window title option in Appearance, you may be using an older version of Ubuntu or a different desktop environment like KDE or XFCE. Check your Ubuntu version by opening Settings, scrolling to the bottom, and looking for "About". Versions 21.04 and newer have this setting in the standard location.

If you are using a different desktop environment, the setting will be in a different place. KDE Plasma has window button controls in System Settings under Appearance > Window Decorations. XFCE has similar options under Settings > Window Manager. Check your desktop environment's documentation if you are unsure which one you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hiding the window button affect my taskbar or dock?

No. The window button is part of the top bar only. If you use a separate taskbar or dock extension, hiding the top-bar button does not change it. Those tools work independently and show open windows the way they are configured to show them.

Can I hide the window button for only some programs?

No. The setting is global — it either shows the window button for all programs or hides it for all programs. You cannot turn it on and off per process. If you need per-program control, you would need to use a third-party extension, which is beyond the standard Ubuntu settings.

What if I want the button back after hiding it?

Return to Settings > Appearance and toggle the window title option back on. The button reappears when ready in the top bar. There is no waiting period or restart required.

Does this setting work on all Ubuntu versions?

The setting is available in Ubuntu 21.04 and newer versions using GNOME. Older versions may not have this option in the same location. If you are using Ubuntu 20.04 or earlier, check your Appearance settings, but the option may be labeled differently or located elsewhere.