Ubuntu (GNOME desktop) utilizes dynamic workspaces to help you organize your open windows. When you switch between workspaces using the keyboard shortcut (Super + Page Up/Down) or swipe gestures, Ubuntu flashes a large grey pop-up box in the centre of your screen, displaying a grid of dots to indicate which workspace you just moved to.
If you are a power user who switches between workspaces dozens of times a minute, this constant visual flashing in the dead-centre of your monitor is incredibly distracting. You already know which workspace you are moving to because you initiated the command. You can easily disable this pop-up indicator.
How to Hide the Workspace Switcher Pop-up in Ubuntu
To disable this core GNOME animation, you must use the GNOME Extensions tool.
- Open your terminal and ensure the extension manager is installed:
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-manager - Open the Extension Manager application from your app grid.
- Click on the Browse tab at the top of the window.
- Search for an extension named Disable Workspace Switcher Popup (often created by developers like tommcthegreat).
- Click the blue Install button next to the extension.
- Switch back to the Installed tab and ensure the extension’s toggle is turned On.
Try switching workspaces immediately (press Super + Page Down). The transition will still occur perfectly, but the large grey indicator box will be completely gone, providing a much smoother, distraction-free workflow.