How to Enable and Use Hot Corner in Ubuntu for Instant Activities Overview Navigation

Multitasking between web browsers, code editors, file managers, and terminal windows in Ubuntu often requires repeatedly pressing the Super (Windows) key or manually clicking the Activities button in the top-left corner of the screen. While keyboard shortcuts are fast, moving between open applications using only your mouse can feel sluggish. Enabling Ubuntu’s native Hot Corner allows you to trigger the Activities Overview instantly simply by pushing your cursor into the top-left corner of the display.

Why Enable Hot Corner Navigation in Ubuntu?

Hot Corner functionality accelerates desktop multitasking significantly:

• Fluid Mouse Navigation: Launch the application switcher and view all open windows across virtual workspaces with a single flick of your mouse wrist.
• Zero Keyboard Dependency: Review background tasks, manage workspace desktops, and launch search queries while holding a cup of coffee or keeping one hand free.
• Instant Muscle Memory: Because corners are “infinite targets” on screen edges, you cannot overshoot the gesture, making it exceptionally reliable and fast.

How to Enable Hot Corner via Ubuntu Settings

The standard GNOME desktop environment in modern Ubuntu releases provides a direct graphical switch:

1. Click the Quick Settings menu in the top-right corner of the Ubuntu panel and click the Settings gear icon.
2. In the left sidebar of the Settings window, click on Multitasking.
3. At the top of the Multitasking panel, locate the General section.
4. Find the setting labelled Hot Corner (described as “Touch the top-left corner to open the Activities Overview”).
5. Toggle the switch to the ON position.
6. Test the gesture immediately: push your mouse cursor firmly into the very top-left pixel corner of your screen. The screen will glide into the Activities Overview instantly.

How to Enable Hot Corner Using Terminal (GSettings)

If you are deploying setup scripts or prefer command-line configuration, you can toggle Hot Corner via GSettings:

1. Open the Terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
2. Run the following command to enable Hot Corner immediately:

   gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface enable-hot-corners true

3. To verify the change, run:

   gsettings get org.gnome.desktop.interface enable-hot-corners

   The terminal will output true.

Customising Multi-Monitor Hot Corner Behaviour

If you work with multiple monitors, note that Ubuntu’s Hot Corner is pinned to the top-left corner of your primary display. In the same Settings > Multitasking window, you can also configure whether the Activities Overview shows windows on all displays or only the display currently containing your cursor.