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Asked: 2024-09-24T16:44:57+05:30 In:

How can I launch the graphical user interface directly from the command line in Ubuntu?

I’ve been diving into Ubuntu lately, trying to get more comfortable with the command line, but I keep getting stuck on one thing. You know how sometimes you just want to jump straight into the graphical user interface without all the fuss? Like, I’m in the terminal, maybe juggling a couple of applications, and then suddenly I have this urge to access my files or tweak some settings through the GUI.

I know there are some commands floating around that could let me do this, but I have no idea where to start. I’ve tried googling it, but a lot of the answers feel overly complicated or just miss the point. I mean, I’m looking for something straightforward, you know? Just a simple way to launch the GUI directly from the command line.

I tried using ‘startx’ once, thinking that might be the golden ticket, but it turned out to be a bit of a dead end for me. It just ended up being a bit confusing and didn’t quite accomplish what I wanted. I thought maybe I could use ‘gnome-session’ or something, but it just made me wonder if I was even on the right track. There are also those times when I just don’t remember the exact command I need to use, and by then, I’ve lost my motivation to even keep trying!

Also, would the command differ based on which desktop environment I’m using? Like, I’ve dabbled a little with XFCE and KDE in the past, so if there’s any variation I should know about, that would really help!

It seems like such a basic thing, yet here I am, scratching my head. Has anyone figured out a user-friendly way to pop open the GUI from the command line? I’d love to hear what you all do, especially if you have some cool shortcuts or tips that could make my life easier while working in Ubuntu. I’d really appreciate any insights before I lose my last shred of sanity!

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    2 Answers


    1. If you’re looking to jump from the command line into the GUI in Ubuntu, there are definitely some straightforward ways to do this! First off, if you want to launch the desktop environment quickly, using a command like
      gnome-session can be a good start if you’re using GNOME. This command should kick you into the graphical environment from the terminal.

      Now, if you’re using a different desktop environment, the command changes. Here are a couple of common ones:

      • XFCE: Use startxfce4.
      • KDE: Go for startkde.
      • For lightweight options: startlxde for LXDE, and startmate for MATE.

      And remember, if you are just looking to open GUI applications without switching the entire session, you can always type nautilus to open the file manager or settings to directly access the settings. This way, you can stay in the terminal but still have access to the graphical tools you need!

      Don’t forget, if you’re trying to remember commands, you could create a little cheat sheet. Keep it handy so you don’t lose your momentum when you’re diving deep into the command line. It’s all about making it easier for yourself!

      Lastly, if you ever run into weird issues, make sure your GUI is actually installed and properly configured. Sometimes it’s not about the commands but the setup itself!

      Happy exploring, and remember, the goal is to keep it simple and seamless!


    2. To quickly launch the graphical user interface (GUI) from the command line in Ubuntu, you can use specific commands depending on your desktop environment. For the GNOME desktop, simply typing `gnome-session` in the terminal should suffice. Additionally, if you want an even faster approach, you can use the command `xdg-open .` to open the current directory in the default file manager. This can seamlessly bridge your work in the terminal with GUI tasks such as managing files and settings. If you ever find yourself in a non-GNOME environment like XFCE or KDE, a similar command would be `startxfce4` for XFCE or `startkde` for KDE, which will initiate the respective desktop environments if they are installed on your system.

      Moreover, there are also handy keyboard shortcuts that could help you toggle between GUI and terminal more effectively. For example, if you’re running in a graphical session, you can often use `Ctrl + Alt + T` to open a new terminal. Also, keeping your desktop environment and terminal sessions manageable can be helpful; consider customizing your terminal with aliases or shortcuts for common tasks. If you’re continuously switching between multiple environments, make sure to familiarize yourself with their respective commands and functions since they can differ based on the desktop environment. By knowing these commands, you’ll reduce frustration and enhance your efficiency in navigating Ubuntu’s mixed-use setup.

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