In Ubuntu (GNOME desktop), the Super Key (the key on your keyboard with the Windows logo) is heavily integrated into the operating system. By default, pressing and releasing the Super Key instantly launches the “Activities Overview,” zooming out all your windows and pulling up the application launcher.
While this is intended to be a convenient shortcut, it causes major conflicts for users who rely on custom keyboard shortcuts, or for gamers who use Wine/Proton to play Windows games on Linux. If you accidentally tap the Super Key while gaming, Ubuntu will violently minimize the game to show the Activities Overview. You can disable this single-key shortcut.
How to Stop the Super Key from Opening the Activities Overview
Because there is no graphical toggle for this specific keybinding in the standard settings menu, you must use the GNOME Tweaks tool or the terminal to disable it.
The fastest and most reliable method is using a single terminal command:
- Open the Terminal application (press Ctrl + Alt + T).
- Copy and paste the following exact command:
gsettings set org.gnome.mutter overlay-key '' - Press Enter.
The change takes effect immediately. Pressing the Super Key by itself will now do absolutely nothing. The Activities Overview will no longer interrupt your workflow or your video games.
Note: Disabling the overlay key does not break your other Super Key combinations. You can still use shortcuts like Super+Left to snap windows or Super+Tab to switch applications. Only the single, standalone tap is disabled.