---
name: "gnome-shell"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "gnome-shell"
version: "1:51.1-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/gnome-shell"
---

# gnome-shell(1)

Graphical shell for the GNOME desktop

## Name

gnome-shell - Graphical shell for the GNOME desktop

## SYNOPSIS

**gnome-shell** \[*OPTION*...\]

## DESCRIPTION

GNOME shell provides core user interface functions for the GNOME 3 desktop, like switching to windows and launching applications. GNOME shell takes advantage of the capabilities of modern graphics hardware and introduces innovative user interface concepts to provide a visually attractive and easy to use experience.

gnome-shell is a required component of the GNOME desktop, i.e. it is listed in the RequiredComponents field of /usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/gnome.session. It is started in the window manager phase of the session.

## OPTIONS

- **--wayland**

  Run as a wayland compositor

- **--display-server**

  Run as a full display server, rather than nested

- **--no-x11**

  Run wayland compositor without starting Xwayland

- **--wayland-display**=*DISPLAY*

  Wayland display name to use

- **--mode=MODE**

  Use a specific mode, e.g. "gdm" for login screen

- **--list-modes**

  List possible modes and exit

- **--version**

  Print version and exit

- **--help**

  Display help and exit

## FILES

/usr/share/gnome-session/sessions/gnome.session, /usr/share/applications/org.gnome.Shell.desktop.

## BUGS

The bug tracker can be reached by visiting the website \<https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-shell/issues\>. Before sending a bug report, please verify that you have the latest version of gnome-shell. Many bugs (major and minor) are fixed at each release, and if yours is out of date, the problem may already have been solved.

## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For further information, visit the website \<https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-shell/-/blob/main/README.md\>.