Show/Hide Hidden Startup Applications in Ubuntu 14.10
Revealing Hidden Startup Applications in Ubuntu 14.04
We have previously demonstrated how to manage applications that launch automatically in Ubuntu 14.04, mirroring functionality found in Windows operating systems. However, the Startup Applications Preferences tool doesn't always display every application configured to start with the system. Some remain concealed from view.
This article will guide you through the process of making these hidden applications visible.
Related: How to Manage Startup Applications in Windows 8 or 10 and How to Manage Startup Applications in Windows 8 or 10
Identifying the Initial Startup Application List
Consider the following as an example of the startup applications visible when initially opening the Startup Applications Preferences tool.
Displaying Concealed Applications
To reveal the hidden startup applications, initiate a Terminal window by pressing the key combination Ctrl + Alt + T. Then, input the following command at the prompt and execute it by pressing Enter.
sudo sed –i ‘s/NoDisplay=true/NoDisplay=false/g’ /etc/xdg/autostart/*.desktop
Note: Utilizing copy and paste for this command is recommended to ensure accuracy and avoid potential errors.
You will be prompted to enter your user password; type it and press Enter to proceed.
Accessing the Startup Applications Tool
To relaunch the Startup Applications Preferences tool, click the Search button located at the top of the Unity bar.
Begin typing “startup applications” into the Search box. Matching items will dynamically appear below the search field. Select the Startup Applications tool from the displayed results by clicking its icon.
Viewing and Managing All Startup Applications
All previously hidden startup applications will now be visible within the tool. You can now make any desired modifications to the list. Click Close to exit the Startup Applications Preferences tool when finished.
Re-hiding Startup Applications
If you wish to conceal the startup applications again, enter (or copy and paste) the following command at the prompt in the Terminal and press Enter.
sudo sed –i ‘s/NoDisplay=false/NoDisplay=true/g’ /etc/xdg/autostart/*.desktop
Closing the Terminal
To close the Terminal window, click the 'X' icon in the upper-left corner, or type “exit” (without quotation marks) and press Enter.