How to Enable or Disable Animations in Ubuntu

This article explains how to turn desktop animations on or off in Ubuntu Linux. Why do this? Animations make your desktop look smooth and modern, but they can sometimes make an older computer feel sluggish. What happens when done? You will either enjoy a more polished visual experience or a snappier, more responsive desktop interface.

Note: Modern Ubuntu versions use the Wayland display system by default. This makes animations run much smoother than they did on the older X11 system. Disabling them is less critical for performance today, but it remains a great way to customize your workflow.

Turn on or off desktop animations on Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu keeps most of its controls in one place called the Settings panel. To open it, click the top-right corner of your screen and select the Settings icon. You can also press the Super key (Windows key) and type “Settings” into the search bar.

In the Settings window, look at the menu on the left side. In 2026, the “Enable Animations” toggle is found under the Accessibility tab. Once you click Accessibility, look for the Seeing section.

Here, you will see a switch for Enable Animations. Toggle the switch to “On” if you want the visual effects. Toggle it to “Off” if you want to remove them for a faster feel.

Advanced: Managing specific animations

If you do not want to turn off every single animation, you can use more advanced tools to pick and choose. The Extensions app %%LNK0%% allows you to install plugins that can disable specific effects, like window fading or workspace sliding, while keeping others active.

For power users, the dconf-editor %%LNK1%% tool offers deep control. You can navigate to the GNOME interface settings to adjust individual animation speeds or behaviors. Be careful, as changing these settings can affect how your desktop windows behave.

Conclusion

Changing your animation settings is a simple way to make Ubuntu feel exactly how you want it. Whether you prefer a flashy desktop or a bare-bones, high-speed interface, these settings give you full control. Just head to your Accessibility menu to toggle the global switch, or use the Extensions app to fine-tune your experience.