Unlike standard GNOME, Canonical ships Ubuntu with a custom extension called “Desktop Icons NG (DING).” This extension allows you to place files directly on your desktop wallpaper. By default, Ubuntu uses this extension to pin two permanent icons to your screen: your Home folder and the Trash bin.
If you prefer a perfectly clean, minimalist desktop that showcases your wallpaper, these two icons are an eyesore. Because they are system icons generated by the extension, you cannot simply right-click and delete them like normal files. You must disable the extension’s specific configuration to hide them.
How to Hide the Home and Trash Icons in Ubuntu
You can remove these system icons directly from the Appearance settings menu.
- Click the network/battery icon cluster in the top-right corner of the Ubuntu top bar and select Settings (the gear icon).
- In the left-hand navigation sidebar, scroll down and click on Appearance (or Ubuntu Desktop depending on your exact version).
- Scroll down the main window until you find the section titled Desktop Icons.
- You will see a toggle switch labelled Show Personal folder. Click the toggle to turn it Off.
- Just below it, you will see a toggle switch labelled Show Trash icon. Click the toggle to turn it Off.
The icons will instantly vanish from your desktop. You can still access your Home folder normally by opening the Files application, and you can still empty your Trash by navigating to it within the file manager sidebar. Your desktop, however, will remain completely clear of clutter.