How to Reset Ubuntu Dock to Default Settings

This article explains how to reset the Dock Panel to its default settings in Ubuntu Linux.

Ubuntu has a Dock Panel that sits on the left of your screen. The Dock (or apps launcher) in Ubuntu Linux has application icons left-aligned from top to bottom.

There are many ways one can customize or change how the Dock appears. One can hide it automatically, change its position, increase or decrease the icons, show it on all monitors, and more.

If all the changes applied to the Dock cause it to behave differently or appear incorrect, there’s a way to reset it to its default settings in Ubuntu Linux.

While you can reset the Dock and restore all default settings, if you removed or uninstalled applications (e.g., LibreOffice, Firefox snap package, etc.) that originally appeared on the Dock, those apps won’t return when reset.

Reset the Dock Panel in Ubuntu Linux

As mentioned above, users can reset the Dock Panel in Ubuntu to its default settings if things appear different or behave differently.

Here’s how to do it.

Open the Ubuntu Terminal app or press the CTRL + ALT + T shortcut on your keyboard to launch the Terminal app.

Then copy and paste the comments below and press the Enter/Return key.

dconf reset -f /org/gnome/shell/extensions/dash-to-dock/

Once completed, the Dock Panel should store its default settings.

If some hardcoded favorite apps are missing, run the command below to restore those.

dconf reset -f /org/gnome/shell/extensions/favorite-apps

Again, if the favorite apps are uninstalled, they won’t reappear when you reset the settings.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Resetting the Dock Panel in Ubuntu Linux can help restore its default settings if it behaves differently or appears incorrect after customization.
• Following the steps, users can easily reset the Dock Panel using the Terminal application.
• It is important to note that if favorite apps are uninstalled, they won’t reappear when reset settings.