How to Fix: Keyboard shortcut to move windows between monitors?
Move windows between monitors with keyboard shortcuts in Ubuntu-based systems.
📋 Table of Contents
The issue of moving windows between monitors using a keyboard shortcut is a common problem faced by many users. This specific error affects Ubuntu users who are looking for an alternative to the traditional Ctrl-Alt-Shift arrow keys for switching between screens. The frustration caused by this limitation stems from the need for a more efficient and user-friendly way to manage multiple monitor setups.
Fortunately, there is a workaround available for Unity users. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve the desired functionality using a custom keyboard shortcut.
⚠️ Common Causes
- The primary reason for this issue lies in the fact that Unity does not support the same level of screen management as Compiz, which is now used by default in Ubuntu. This limitation is due to the differences in how these desktop environments handle multiple monitor setups and keyboard shortcuts.
- An alternative explanation is that some users may have accidentally removed or disabled the Compiz settings that allowed for this functionality, resulting in the loss of the original keyboard shortcut.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes
Custom Keyboard Shortcut Method
- Step 1: To implement a custom keyboard shortcut for moving windows between monitors, open the Unity Tweak Tool. Navigate to the 'Keyboard' section and click on the '+' button to add a new keybinding. Enter the desired shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+←) and select 'Move window to adjacent screen'. Click 'Save' to apply the changes.
- Step 2: Next, you need to configure the keyboard shortcut to work with the newly created keybinding. Open the 'Keyboard Settings' by pressing Alt+F2 and typing 'keyboard-settings'. In the Keyboard Settings window, click on the 'Shortcuts' tab and select the desired shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+←). Assign an action to this shortcut, such as 'Move window to adjacent screen'. Click 'Save' to apply the changes.
- Step 3: Finally, test your custom keyboard shortcut by moving a window between monitors using the newly assigned shortcut. If it doesn't work as expected, try resetting the Unity Tweak Tool or reinstalling the 'compizconfig-settings-manager' package.
Compizconfig Settings Manager Method
- Step 1: As an alternative solution, you can use the Compizconfig Settings Manager to create a new keybinding for moving windows between monitors. Open the Compizconfig Settings Manager by typing 'compizconfig-settings-manager' in the terminal and following the on-screen instructions.
- Step 2: In the Compizconfig Settings Manager window, navigate to the 'Overview' tab and click on the '+' button to add a new setting. Select 'Screen' as the type of setting and enter a name for your custom shortcut (e.g., 'Move windows between monitors'). Click 'Save' to apply the changes.
🎯 Final Words
By following one of the methods outlined in this guide, you should now be able to move windows between monitors using a keyboard shortcut on Ubuntu. If you encounter any issues or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🛠️ Related Fixes
How to Fix: Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow
Fix Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow six siege). Compl
How to Fix: Installing an APK on a locked down phone
Installing an APK on a locked down phone: Try using a rooted device, e
How to Fix: New PC build- no signal and no clue
Fix New PC build- no signal and no clue. Complete troubleshooting guid