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How to Enable or Disable Animations in Ubuntu

Richard
Written by
Richard
Jan 14, 2023 Updated Jun 19, 2026 2 min read
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You enable or disable desktop animations in Ubuntu to control visual effects and improve system responsiveness.

Desktop animations are visual flourishes that make windows open, close, and minimize smoothly, and menus slide in. Disabling them can significantly boost performance on older hardware or if you simply prefer a snappier interface.

For example, in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, disabling animations can free up resources that might otherwise be used by these graphical effects.

This simple tweak lets you choose between a more polished, modern look or a faster, more utilitarian desktop experience.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Settings, navigate to Accessibility, and toggle the “Enable Animations” switch. Turn it on for visual effects or off for a snappier desktop.

Turn on or off desktop animations on Ubuntu Linux

You can turn desktop animations on or off in Ubuntu directly from the main Settings app. This simple change can make your system feel snappier if you disable them, or more visually pleasing if you keep them enabled.

ubuntu linux activities overview search box
ubuntu Linux activities overview search box
ubuntu linux system menu settings button
Ubuntu Linux system menu settings button

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.

Ubuntu Linux System Settings Accessibility
Ubuntu Linux System Settings Accessibility

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.

Ubuntu Linux enable or disable animations button
Ubuntu Linux enables or disables the animation button

Advanced: Managing specific animations

If you want more control than just turning all animations off, Ubuntu lets you manage specific effects. Tools like the Extensions app or the dconf-editor give you finer control over how animations behave on your system.

⚠️Warning
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 faster, no-frills interface.

How do I turn off animations in Ubuntu Reddit?

In general settings => Accessibility => Seeing => Animation Effects you can turn those off.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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