Window Manager Configuration

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 10 views

Resolving Invisible Windows on Ubuntu 18.04

Are you experiencing issues with windows appearing as "invisible" on your Ubuntu 18.04 system? You're not alone. Many users have reported this problem, and it can be frustrating when you can't see the windows of your applications. In this article, we'll explore the possible causes of invisible windows on Ubuntu 18.04 and provide you with step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue.

Invisible windows on Ubuntu 18.04 can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Graphics Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can lead to window rendering problems.
Window Manager Configuration: Incorrect or corrupted window manager settings can cause windows to appear invisible.
Desktop Environment Issues: Problems with the desktop environment, such as GNOME or KDE, can also contribute to invisible windows.
System Configuration: System configuration issues, such as incorrect display settings or monitor configurations, can also cause invisible windows.

Before we dive into the solutions, let's confirm your Ubuntu version. You can check your Ubuntu version by following these steps:

Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.
Type the command lsb_release -a and press Enter.
The output will display your Ubuntu version, including the release number and codename.

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause window rendering problems. To update your graphics drivers, follow these steps:

Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.
Type the command sudo apt update and press Enter to update the package list.
Type the command sudo apt full-upgrade and press Enter to upgrade all packages, including the graphics drivers.
Reboot your system by typing sudo reboot and pressing Enter.

Incorrect or corrupted window manager settings can cause windows to appear invisible. To reset the window manager configuration, follow these steps:

Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.
Type the command sudo apt install gnome-tweak-tool and press Enter to install the GNOME Tweak Tool.
Launch the GNOME Tweak Tool by searching for "GNOME Tweak Tool" in the application menu.
Navigate to the "Windows" section and click on the "Reset" button.
Reboot your system by typing sudo reboot and pressing Enter.

Problems with the desktop environment can also contribute to invisible windows. To reconfigure the desktop environment, follow these steps:

Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.
Type the command sudo apt install gnome-shell and press Enter to reinstall the GNOME Shell.
Reboot your system by typing sudo reboot and pressing Enter.

System configuration issues, such as incorrect display settings or monitor configurations, can also cause invisible windows. To check your system configuration, follow these steps:

Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.
Type the command sudo apt install xrandr and press Enter to install the xrandr utility.
Type the command xrandr -s 0 and press Enter to reset the display settings.
Reboot your system by typing sudo reboot and pressing Enter.

Q: What causes invisible windows on Ubuntu 18.04?

A: Invisible windows on Ubuntu 18.04 can be caused by a variety of factors, including graphics driver issues, window manager configuration problems, desktop environment issues, and system configuration issues.

Q: How do I check my Ubuntu version?

A: To check your Ubuntu version, open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu. Type the command lsb_release -a and press Enter. The output will display your Ubuntu version, including the release number and codename.

Q: How do I update my graphics drivers?

A: To update your graphics drivers, open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu. Type the command sudo apt update and press Enter to update the package list. Then, type the command sudo apt full-upgrade and press Enter to upgrade all packages, including the graphics drivers. Reboot your system by typing sudo reboot and pressing Enter.

Q: How do I reset the window manager configuration?

A: To reset the window manager configuration, open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu. Type the command sudo apt install gnome-tweak-tool and press Enter to install the GNOME Tweak Tool. Launch the GNOME Tweak Tool by searching for "GNOME Tweak Tool" in the application menu. Navigate to the "Windows" section and click on the "Reset" button. Reboot your system by typing sudo reboot and pressing Enter.

Q: How do I reconfigure the desktop environment?

A: To reconfigure the desktop environment, open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu. Type the command sudo apt install gnome-shell and press Enter to reinstall the GNOME Shell. Reboot your system by typing sudo reboot and pressing Enter.

Q: How do I check my system configuration?

A: To check your system configuration, open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu. Type the command sudo apt install xrandr and press Enter to install the xrandr utility. Type the command xrandr -s 0 and press Enter to reset the display settings. Reboot your system by typing sudo reboot and pressing Enter.

Q: What if none of the above solutions work?

A: If none of the above solutions work, it's possible that the issue is more complex and requires further troubleshooting. In this case, you may want to consider seeking help from the Ubuntu community or a professional Linux administrator.

Q: How can I prevent invisible windows from appearing in the future?

A: To prevent invisible windows from appearing in the future, make sure to:

Regularly update your graphics drivers
Keep your window manager configuration up to date
Reconfigure your desktop environment as needed
Check your system configuration regularly

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your windows appear correctly and avoid the frustration of invisible windows.