Products · Product

GNOME

Raised as a usability problem by 1,194 people on Hacker News over 19 years (2008–2026), in 842 threads.

Ranked by people · period

This year (last 12 months)Last 5 yearsSince the beginning (2007)

1
Functionality hidden behind one hamburger menu, hard to discoverUnreviewed
7 people this year · 6 threads
2
Minimize and maximize buttons and desktop icons missing by defaultUnreviewed
6 people this year · 5 threads
3
Accidental pasting from middle-click that is hard to turn offUnreviewed
5 people this year · 4 threads
4
Some configuration options are hidden and hard to findUnreviewed
4 people this year · 4 threads
5
Extensions needed to customize; some break after upgradesUnreviewed
3 people this year · 3 threads

1
Extensions needed to customize; some break after upgradesUnreviewed
32 people in the last 5 years · 29 threads
2
Functionality hidden behind one hamburger menu, hard to discoverUnreviewed
25 people in the last 5 years · 21 threads
3
Some configuration options are hidden and hard to findUnreviewed
21 people in the last 5 years · 21 threads
4
Minimize and maximize buttons and desktop icons missing by defaultUnreviewed
19 people in the last 5 years · 17 threads
5
Fractional scaling looks poor on high-DPI screensUnreviewed
15 people in the last 5 years · 14 threads
6
Stripped-down defaults and no easy customization optionsUnreviewed
11 people in the last 5 years · 10 threads
7
Top bar wastes space and hides functions macOS menu bar exposesUnreviewed
11 people in the last 5 years · 10 threads
8
Alt-Tab no longer works as expected, harder to switch windowsUnreviewed
9 people in the last 5 years · 9 threads
9
UI elements are far too big or too small on many screensUnreviewed
8 people in the last 5 years · 8 threads
10
Experimental redesign hard to use and less discoverableUnreviewed
7 people in the last 5 years · 6 threads
11
Typing a filename starts recursive search instead of selecting the fileUnreviewed
7 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
12
App names truncated with no way to see full namesUnreviewed
7 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
13
File picker shows no thumbnails, making images hard to findUnreviewed
7 people in the last 5 years · 7 threads
14
Laggy and sluggish on older hardwareUnreviewed
6 people in the last 5 years · 6 threads
15
Animations become jarring and slow when switching windows oftenUnreviewed
6 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
16
Each update changes behavior, breaking relied-on functionalityUnreviewed
6 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
17
Trackpad scroll speed can't be adjusted on WaylandUnreviewed
6 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
18
Default scaling leaves too little usable screen spaceUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
19
Window overview is nearly useless with many identical windowsUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
20
Noticeable lag between pressing a key and the letter appearingUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
21
Forces abandoning familiar workflows and customizationsUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
22
Hard to drag windows; title bar unclear, some widgets don't dragUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
23
Disappearing scrollbars make content hard to useUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
24
Window borders too big and buttons feel wrongUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 5 threads
25
Inconsistent menu and control placement across apps hard to learnUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
26
Removed path entry box, so full paths cannot be typed or pastedUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
27
Accidental pasting from middle-click that is hard to turn offUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
28
Low contrast by default in light theme makes things hard to seeUnreviewed
5 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
29
Title bar buttons waste space and are hard to useUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
30
UI scaling cannot be set per monitor, hurting mixed HD and 4KUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
31
Removed tray icons leave Skype and Spotify inaccessible to novicesUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
32
Design favors touchscreens over keyboard and mouse usersUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
33
Poor multiple-monitor support makes desktop use awkwardUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
34
Insufficient keyboard controls for operating the desktopUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
35
Drag and drop missing system-wide, complicating everyday file handlingUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
36
Needs many extensions before the desktop is usableUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
37
Buttons without outlines hard to tell from titles and iconsUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
38
Switching full screens needed to pick apps, unlike a dockUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
39
No default dock showing running apps, needing extra setupUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 4 threads
40
Caps Lock remap buried in miscellaneous list, not main settingsUnreviewed
4 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
41
Full-screen launcher on three monitors jarring to openUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
42
Desktop files removed; icons can't be dragged to file managerUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
43
No conventional taskbar or dock, confusing for normal usersUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
44
App launcher is hard to use for finding appsUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
45
Going up a folder doesn't keep previous folder selectedUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
46
Emacs editing keys clash with GNOME shortcuts, needing kernel remappingUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
47
Changing window decorations needs extra tools, leaves app glitchesUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
48
Can't read window titles; windows auto-stack; dock holds few appsUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
49
Colors and fonts locked behind accessibility; global shortcuts unsupported on WaylandUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
50
Focus-follows-mouse and other file manager and audio options are hiddenUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
51
Combined menu, toolbar and title bar make controls confusingUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
52
New users cannot tell how to start or do basic actionsUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
53
File browser has limited viewing options, confusing navigationUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads
54
No visible password field, so typing start is a guessUnreviewed
3 people in the last 5 years · 3 threads

1
Extensions needed to customize; some break after upgradesUnreviewed
48 people since the beginning · 44 threads
2
Functionality hidden behind one hamburger menu, hard to discoverUnreviewed
40 people since the beginning · 36 threads
3
Some configuration options are hidden and hard to findUnreviewed
36 people since the beginning · 35 threads
4
Alt-Tab no longer works as expected, harder to switch windowsUnreviewed
33 people since the beginning · 32 threads
5
Minimize and maximize buttons and desktop icons missing by defaultUnreviewed
31 people since the beginning · 29 threads
6
Stripped-down defaults and no easy customization optionsUnreviewed
27 people since the beginning · 26 threads
7
Laggy and sluggish on older hardwareUnreviewed
25 people since the beginning · 25 threads
8
Fractional scaling looks poor on high-DPI screensUnreviewed
21 people since the beginning · 20 threads
9
Top bar wastes space and hides functions macOS menu bar exposesUnreviewed
20 people since the beginning · 20 threads
10
UI elements are far too big or too small on many screensUnreviewed
17 people since the beginning · 17 threads
11
File picker shows no thumbnails, making images hard to findUnreviewed
16 people since the beginning · 11 threads
12
Title bar buttons waste space and are hard to useUnreviewed
15 people since the beginning · 14 threads
13
Default scaling leaves too little usable screen spaceUnreviewed
14 people since the beginning · 13 threads
14
Experimental redesign hard to use and less discoverableUnreviewed
14 people since the beginning · 13 threads
15
Animations become jarring and slow when switching windows oftenUnreviewed
14 people since the beginning · 13 threads
16
Typing a filename starts recursive search instead of selecting the fileUnreviewed
14 people since the beginning · 11 threads
17
Each update changes behavior, breaking relied-on functionalityUnreviewed
12 people since the beginning · 11 threads
18
Accidental pasting from middle-click that is hard to turn offUnreviewed
14 people since the beginning · 6 threads
19
UI scaling cannot be set per monitor, hurting mixed HD and 4KUnreviewed
11 people since the beginning · 11 threads
20
Removed tray icons leave Skype and Spotify inaccessible to novicesUnreviewed
11 people since the beginning · 11 threads
21
Noticeable lag between pressing a key and the letter appearingUnreviewed
11 people since the beginning · 10 threads
22
Window overview is nearly useless with many identical windowsUnreviewed
10 people since the beginning · 9 threads
23
Full-screen launcher on three monitors jarring to openUnreviewed
10 people since the beginning · 9 threads
24
Forces abandoning familiar workflows and customizationsUnreviewed
10 people since the beginning · 10 threads
25
App names truncated with no way to see full namesUnreviewed
10 people since the beginning · 8 threads
26
Design favors touchscreens over keyboard and mouse usersUnreviewed
9 people since the beginning · 9 threads
27
Poor multiple-monitor support makes desktop use awkwardUnreviewed
9 people since the beginning · 9 threads
28
Inconsistent menu and control placement across apps hard to learnUnreviewed
9 people since the beginning · 7 threads
29
Hard to drag windows; title bar unclear, some widgets don't dragUnreviewed
8 people since the beginning · 8 threads
30
Disappearing scrollbars make content hard to useUnreviewed
8 people since the beginning · 8 threads
31
Window borders too big and buttons feel wrongUnreviewed
8 people since the beginning · 8 threads
32
Non-technical users struggle with the file picker and give upUnreviewed
8 people since the beginning · 7 threads
33
Removed path entry box, so full paths cannot be typed or pastedUnreviewed
8 people since the beginning · 7 threads
34
Insufficient keyboard controls for operating the desktopUnreviewed
7 people since the beginning · 7 threads
35
Switching windows brings forward all windows of an appUnreviewed
7 people since the beginning · 6 threads
36
Buttons without outlines hard to tell from titles and iconsUnreviewed
7 people since the beginning · 6 threads
37
Trackpad scroll speed can't be adjusted on WaylandUnreviewed
7 people since the beginning · 6 threads
38
Desktop files removed; icons can't be dragged to file managerUnreviewed
6 people since the beginning · 6 threads
39
Drag and drop missing system-wide, complicating everyday file handlingUnreviewed
6 people since the beginning · 6 threads
40
Needs many extensions before the desktop is usableUnreviewed
6 people since the beginning · 6 threads
41
No conventional taskbar or dock, confusing for normal usersUnreviewed
6 people since the beginning · 6 threads
42
Desktop search always slow, even on indexed filesUnreviewed
6 people since the beginning · 6 threads
43
Top panel can't move to side, wasting vertical spaceUnreviewed
6 people since the beginning · 5 threads
44
Switching full screens needed to pick apps, unlike a dockUnreviewed
6 people since the beginning · 6 threads
45
Close buttons moved sides and the option to revert was removedUnreviewed
6 people since the beginning · 6 threads
46
Pressing Super alone opens overview, with no way to disable itUnreviewed
5 people since the beginning · 5 threads
47
Hamburger menus broke Alt+letter shortcuts, hard to use by keyboardUnreviewed
5 people since the beginning · 5 threads
48
App launcher is hard to use for finding appsUnreviewed
5 people since the beginning · 5 threads
49
Low contrast by default in light theme makes things hard to seeUnreviewed
5 people since the beginning · 4 threads
50
No default dock showing running apps, needing extra setupUnreviewed
5 people since the beginning · 5 threads
51
Going up a folder doesn't keep previous folder selectedUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 4 threads
52
Mouse navigation harder for experienced power usersUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 4 threads
53
Notifications auto-dismissed, so important ones get missedUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 3 threads
54
On-screen keyboard is hard to replace with anotherUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 3 threads
55
Emacs editing keys clash with GNOME shortcuts, needing kernel remappingUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 4 threads
56
Many shortcuts cannot be changed in settingsUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 4 threads
57
Changing window decorations needs extra tools, leaves app glitchesUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 4 threads
58
Oversimplified file manager lacks basic featuresUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 4 threads
59
Some notifications cannot be disabledUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 4 threads
60
Alt-tabbing has 150ms delay even with animations disabledUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 4 threads
61
Two clipboard mechanisms make paste behavior unpredictable across appsUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 3 threads
62
Caps Lock remap buried in miscellaneous list, not main settingsUnreviewed
4 people since the beginning · 3 threads
63
Submenus need extra clicks and replace the parent menuUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
64
Every folder opens a new window, cluttering the desktop by defaultUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
65
Popup locks focus to one app; must click elsewhere firstUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
66
Settings hard to navigate, forcing manual config file editsUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
67
Features removed and a big button can't be clickedUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
68
Theme formats are confusing and few themes existUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
69
Website does not explain what GnomeOS isUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
70
Can't read window titles; windows auto-stack; dock holds few appsUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
71
Forces non-average users to contort workflows to fitUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
72
Important features hidden behind arbitrary keyboard shortcutsUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
73
Stock apps hard to read and waste space from server-side decorationsUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
74
Colors and fonts locked behind accessibility; global shortcuts unsupported on WaylandUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
75
Grouping windows by app adds a step to reach a windowUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
76
Focus-follows-mouse and other file manager and audio options are hiddenUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
77
Interface remade every few years, disrupting familiar workflowsUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
78
Combined menu, toolbar and title bar make controls confusingUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
79
Managing extensions requires a separate tweak toolUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
80
Open apps and shortcuts not shown on desktop, needing an extra clickUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
81
Switching to a specific window requires two shortcuts in sequenceUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
82
Copy shortcut differs from Ctrl+CUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
83
New users cannot tell how to start or do basic actionsUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
84
Font scaling option not exposed in default settingsUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
85
Calculator takes 2-3 seconds to launchUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
86
Can't tell which window has focus; title bar shading too slightUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
87
Fast search and New folder shortcuts lost; mnemonics off by defaultUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
88
Login screen ignores mouse clicks and needs an unintuitive swipe-upUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
89
Chrome takes up too much visual space and feels slowUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
90
Hibernate missing from start menu, hard to findUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
91
App launcher lags badly on every openUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
92
Forced into a new interface paradigm and herded into behaviorsUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
93
File browser has limited viewing options, confusing navigationUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads
94
No visible password field, so typing start is a guessUnreviewed
3 people since the beginning · 3 threads

Every issue, all time, most people first

Extensions needed to customize; some break after upgradesUnreviewed
48 people since 2012, in 13 different years · 3 this year
20082026
- Extensions crashing crashes the entire desktop environment2026-09-22
- Customizing GNOME requires extensions that break after every update2026-01-12
- Basic functionality missing, requiring buggy extensions to restore it2025-11-23
Something wrong here?
Functionality hidden behind one hamburger menu, hard to discoverUnreviewed
40 people since 2012, in 12 different years · 7 this year
20082026
- Removed menu bar with no global menu, so menus are hard to reach2026-09-24
- Icons don't indicate the purpose of each menu2026-09-24
- Menus are hidden and menu options are very limited2026-04-27
Something wrong here?
Some configuration options are hidden and hard to findUnreviewed
36 people since 2010, in 15 different years · 4 this year
20082026
- Settings are hidden, requiring extra installs to expose configuration options2026-06-14
- Useful options are hidden and not exposed in the regular settings2026-01-06
- Basic customizations are hidden in GNOME Tweaks, so users find them confusing2026-01-04
Something wrong here?
Alt-Tab no longer works as expected, harder to switch windowsUnreviewed
33 people since 2011, in 11 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Alt+Tab stops drag and drop; context menus steal focus and block other windows2026-06-01
- Alt-tab previews are too small and it lists only the focused window's title2024-09-02
- Alt+Tab randomly cycles from an arbitrary window instead of the current one2024-05-20
Something wrong here?
Minimize and maximize buttons and desktop icons missing by defaultUnreviewed
31 people since 2012, in 13 different years · 6 this year
20082026
- Missing maximize/minimize buttons and confusing window restore and app launching2026-09-22
- Default install lacks dock, system tray, and minimize/maximize buttons, hurting navigation2026-02-13
- Gestures misfire, mistaking finger count and requiring repeated retries to switch workspaces2026-01-11
Something wrong here?
Stripped-down defaults and no easy customization optionsUnreviewed
27 people since 2010, in 13 different years · none this year
20082026
- Reduced hackability and customization; users can't shape the desktop to their workflow2024-09-08
- Stripped-down defaults and no easy customization options make desktop use harder2024-09-08
- Forces GNOME's own layout, making it annoyingly different from expected macOS-style workflow2024-08-27
Something wrong here?
Laggy and sluggish on older hardwareUnreviewed
25 people since 2013, in 10 different years · none this year
20082026
- Slow and barely usable JavaScript-based desktop, though now usable2025-07-23
- Some GUI interactions feel laggy and off compared to Windows2023-10-04
- The desktop's GUI is horribly slow, worsened by every extension installed2023-02-27
Something wrong here?
Fractional scaling looks poor on high-DPI screensUnreviewed
21 people since 2018, in 8 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- Cannot set different fractional scaling per screen, so one monitor looks blurry2026-01-25
- Fractional scaling is hidden; users can only pick 100% or 200% without a terminal command2026-01-02
- Fractional scaling at 1.3x on a 4K screen looks broken and performs badly2025-09-18
Something wrong here?
Top bar wastes space and hides functions macOS menu bar exposesUnreviewed
20 people since 2010, in 12 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Maximized windows hide menubar under top bar, wasting space and making menubar harder to click2026-05-13
- Wastes screen space and needs extensions for basic functions2024-11-08
- Excessive padding wastes screen space and forces scrolling and rearranging to find things2024-04-13
Something wrong here?
UI elements are far too big or too small on many screensUnreviewed
17 people since 2012, in 11 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Icon-only header bars are hard to parse and waste screen space once features grow2026-09-25
- Stock fullscreen launcher has awkwardly huge icons2025-07-23
- UI elements are either far too big or far too small on many screens2024-09-25
Something wrong here?
File picker shows no thumbnails, making images hard to findUnreviewed
16 people since 2020, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Shows icons instead of thumbnails, so previewing many files means selecting each one2022-09-19
- File picker lacks thumbnails, and developers dismiss the complaint as misuse2022-07-23
- Thumbnails disappeared from the image upload dialog and the user cannot find the setting to restore them2022-06-21
Something wrong here?
Title bar buttons waste space and are hard to useUnreviewed
15 people since 2012, in 10 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Apps have unnecessary taskbars, buttons and menus; UI is inconsistent and cluttered2025-11-23
- Third-party apps get inconsistent title bars, controls and fonts on GNOME Wayland2025-09-18
- Dislikes GNOME's large controls, integrated title bars and pop-over menus2023-07-05
Something wrong here?
Default scaling leaves too little usable screen spaceUnreviewed
14 people since 2014, in 11 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Apps built on libadwaita have low density, wasted space and touch-style layouts unsuited to desktop2026-04-07
- Oversized padding and controls waste screen space on desktop laptops2025-09-20
- Excess padding in GNOME apps wastes space on small laptop screens2025-02-23
Something wrong here?
Experimental redesign hard to use and less discoverableUnreviewed
14 people since 2010, in 9 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Author is baffled by the design choices, finding its desktop UX hard to understand2026-09-24
- Redesigned desktop interface is cluttered and users cannot make changes to it2024-10-24
- Desktop feels strange, confusing and limiting to people who dislike its design approach2024-09-08
Something wrong here?
Animations become jarring and slow when switching windows oftenUnreviewed
14 people since 2016, in 7 different years · none this year
20082026
- Activities overview is aggressively disruptive when trying to switch windows2025-07-23
- Switching desktops with animations is slow and hard to get right2023-12-24
- Windows get moved around unexpectedly when opening the activities overview or using other features2023-07-27
Something wrong here?
Typing a filename starts recursive search instead of selecting the fileUnreviewed
14 people since 2018, in 7 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- Typing a filename filters the file list instead of naming the file2026-06-21
- Typing in save dialog starts a search instead of renaming the file2026-05-12
- Pasting a file path into the open dialog errors out, and later opens fail again2024-09-08
Something wrong here?
Accidental pasting from middle-click that is hard to turn offUnreviewed
14 people since 2013, in 3 different years · 5 this year
20082026
- Middle-click title bar and paste-in-text functions removed, breaking mouse workflows2026-05-14
- Useful features like middle-click paste get removed without warning, forcing users to adapt2026-01-28
- Middle-click paste removed from default path, forcing users into hidden tweaks2026-01-07
Something wrong here?
Each update changes behavior, breaking relied-on functionalityUnreviewed
12 people since 2014, in 7 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- Updates move settings and change the UI, forcing users to relearn everything2026-09-24
- Gnome's desktop changes are regressions that remove the familiar, intuitive behavior users relied on2025-11-05
- Relocated settings and buttons after updates waste users' time figuring out where things are2025-09-18
Something wrong here?
UI scaling cannot be set per monitor, hurting mixed HD and 4KUnreviewed
11 people since 2015, in 9 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- Mouse cursor becomes blurry when using three monitors with different scaling2026-07-25
- Apps look blurry at 125% scaling; HDMI and keyboard drop out randomly2026-01-12
- Custom scaling applies to all displays, not per monitor2025-09-17
Something wrong here?
Removed tray icons leave Skype and Spotify inaccessible to novicesUnreviewed
11 people since 2014, in 8 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Removed tray and menu features; extensions to restore them are buggy2026-02-13
- Removed system tray forces workarounds that take much more work for daily tasks2022-04-05
- Removed tray icons and usable task list, making multitasking harder2022-02-16
Something wrong here?
Noticeable lag between pressing a key and the letter appearingUnreviewed
11 people since 2018, in 7 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Input lags badly, keys like caps lock don't pass through reliably, and USB devices don't connect smoothly2025-12-07
- Noticeable lag between pressing a key and the letter appearing2024-05-22
- Very fast flickering appears while typing in the terminal2024-04-08
Something wrong here?
Window overview is nearly useless with many identical windowsUnreviewed
10 people since 2011, in 9 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Default taskbar merges windows into one entry, hiding them from view2026-09-15
- Multiple browser windows collapse into one taskbar icon, making open projects hard to find2024-11-08
- No taskbar, and window thumbnails in the overview are hard to tell apart2024-11-08
Something wrong here?
Full-screen launcher on three monitors jarring to openUnreviewed
10 people since 2012, in 9 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Search, app launching and dock all trigger a disorienting full-screen overview animation2026-02-13
- Opening a common app now takes several steps instead of one click2024-03-20
- Launcher, overview and alt-tab take over the whole screen, too intrusive2022-08-16
Something wrong here?
Forces abandoning familiar workflows and customizationsUnreviewed
10 people since 2012, in 6 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- Forced interface changes on upgrades surprise users and remove their preferred workflow2026-09-24
- Developers keep changing interfaces, breaking users' established workflows, and ignore complaints2026-01-17
- Broken workflows and poor UI design make it frustrating to use2023-01-15
Something wrong here?
App names truncated with no way to see full namesUnreviewed
10 people since 2011, in 6 different years · 4 this year
20082026
- App menu truncates names so identical-looking entries like LibreOffice documents can't be told apart2026-09-23
- Long app names are cut off, and the last line is hidden under the icon below2026-09-22
- App names truncated with no way to see full names, causing confusion2026-09-22
Something wrong here?
Design favors touchscreens over keyboard and mouse usersUnreviewed
9 people since 2011, in 8 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- UI decisions designed for touchscreens make it hard to use on desktops and non-touch laptops2026-01-13
- Interface designed primarily for touch screens, which PC users mostly don't have2025-11-05
- Design favors touchscreen use at the expense of keyboard and mouse users2025-09-18
Something wrong here?
Poor multiple-monitor support makes desktop use awkwardUnreviewed
9 people since 2012, in 7 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- Cannot place the desktop switcher and dock on chosen screens, only on primary display2026-01-22
- Top bar and app switcher always appear on primary monitor, not the one in use2025-11-23
- Can't comfortably see 5 or 6 apps at once on twin screens2024-12-20
Something wrong here?
Inconsistent menu and control placement across apps hard to learnUnreviewed
9 people since 2012, in 5 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Apps have two inconsistent hamburger menus plus an open button, confusing where to find things2025-12-23
- Settings and menus are hard to find because each app places them differently2023-12-17
- Inconsistent menu and button placement across GNOME apps, e.g. gedit open/save buttons2023-01-06
Something wrong here?
Hard to drag windows; title bar unclear, some widgets don't dragUnreviewed
8 people since 2011, in 6 different years · none this year
20082026
- Unclear which parts of the window can be dragged, and easy to click instead of drag2024-09-08
- Window title button in top bar serves no purpose and confuses users2024-05-02
- Minimize button removed, so hiding windows is harder; must right-click title bar to find Hide2023-07-27
Something wrong here?
Disappearing scrollbars make content hard to useUnreviewed
8 people since 2013, in 6 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- Scrollbars hidden until cursor moves, so users can't see options below the fold2026-09-24
- Scrollbars that disappear make the content hard to use for some people2026-04-15
- Hidden scrollbar signals a two-page layout, so users miss half the pages2025-05-24
Something wrong here?
Window borders too big and buttons feel wrongUnreviewed
8 people since 2012, in 6 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Window edges are single-pixel wide and corners are almost impossible to hit2026-01-11
- Window borders are hard to get in GNOME; libdecor is not ideal and never seems ready2023-11-11
- Thin window edges are hard to click with a mouse; buttons are hard to tell apart from other UI2022-08-16
Something wrong here?
Non-technical users struggle with the file picker and give upUnreviewed
8 people since 2019, in 5 different years · none this year
20082026
- File chooser is a long-standing pain point that is hard to use2024-09-08
- GNOME's file picker is useless and wastes screen space on small laptops2022-02-26
- GNOME removes features with each update and the file picker still has the long-criticised usability problem2021-09-24
Something wrong here?
Removed path entry box, so full paths cannot be typed or pastedUnreviewed
8 people since 2012, in 5 different years · none this year
20082026
- Keyboard shortcut to open the path textbox is undiscoverable without reading an article2024-09-08
- Can't type a path directly into the address bar; must click through icons instead2024-08-22
- Path bar disappears and doesn't remember state, and can't navigate paths2022-12-15
Something wrong here?
Insufficient keyboard controls for operating the desktopUnreviewed
7 people since 2018, in 6 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Keyboard navigation skips some controls and focus isn't clearly shown on screen2026-08-29
- Desktop lacks keyboard control, screen reader support, useful top panel menus2022-10-09
- Desktop is mouse-driven with insufficient keyboard controls for operating it2022-07-23
Something wrong here?
Switching windows brings forward all windows of an appUnreviewed
7 people since 2011, in 4 different years · none this year
20082026
- Hard to get back to earlier window stack after switching windows2023-07-26
- Switching between many windows is slower than wanted, and stacked or tabbed windows still take up space2022-07-05
- Can't get comfortable navigating between applications in GNOME 3's app-based window switching2020-09-16
Something wrong here?
Buttons without outlines hard to tell from titles and iconsUnreviewed
7 people since 2021, in 4 different years · none this year
20082026
- Can't tell which icon-only headerbar button holds the needed menu action2025-07-02
- Clicking the list-looking icon or dragging from header controls behaves unexpectedly2024-09-07
- Buttons without outlines are hard to tell apart from titles and icons2024-02-01
Something wrong here?
Trackpad scroll speed can't be adjusted on WaylandUnreviewed
7 people since 2019, in 4 different years · none this year
20082026
- Touchpad scrolling feels too fast in Firefox, and no OS setting adjusts it separately from the mouse wheel2024-03-06
- Cannot configure trackpad scroll sensitivity, so scrolling is too sensitive and unusable2023-05-26
- Cannot adjust trackpad scroll speed on Wayland desktops2022-09-24
Something wrong here?
Desktop files removed; icons can't be dragged to file managerUnreviewed
6 people since 2012, in 7 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- Desktop icons were removed, so users can no longer drag and drop icons on the desktop2026-03-07
- Removed desktop icons and Overview is impossible to search for2025-12-11
- Desktop files removed, and icons shown later couldn't be dragged to or from file manager2024-09-02
Something wrong here?
Drag and drop missing system-wide, complicating everyday file handlingUnreviewed
6 people since 2013, in 5 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Drag and drop between desktop and file manager stopped working; right-click new empty file needs custom templates2026-01-02
- Commenter found the launcher didn't work well, though they couldn't say what was wrong with it2024-03-20
- Files often can't be dragged into other programs; drag does nothing or pastes the path2022-06-17
Something wrong here?
Needs many extensions before the desktop is usableUnreviewed
6 people since 2014, in 5 different years · none this year
20082026
- Needs many extensions to get a usable desktop2024-09-08
- Needed about five extensions to make the desktop usable2023-07-05
- Replaces working desktop systems with unusable ones, leaving basic functionality missing for months2023-06-29
Something wrong here?
No conventional taskbar or dock, confusing for normal usersUnreviewed
6 people since 2017, in 5 different years · none this year
20082026
- Desktop is complex for normal users, lacking a conventional taskbar or dock2025-09-01
- Phone-style hamburger menus and full-screen launcher are hard to use on a desktop2024-05-01
- Basic features like changing keyboard shortcuts are unsupported, so the desktop is hard to use2021-12-22
Something wrong here?
Desktop search always slow, even on indexed filesUnreviewed
6 people since 2017, in 5 different years · none this year
20082026
- Desktop search on Linux is always slow even on indexed files2025-09-17
- Search is slow and requires a deliberate step instead of type-ahead results2024-03-20
- Search results are slow and sometimes miss the right files or apps2021-05-31
Something wrong here?
Top panel can't move to side, wasting vertical spaceUnreviewed
6 people since 2010, in 5 different years · none this year
20082026
- Top panel wastes vertical screen space and offers no useful function2023-03-23
- Top panel wastes space and bars can't be moved or easily customized2022-09-02
- Persistent top panel is useless and takes screen space2018-03-25
Something wrong here?
Switching full screens needed to pick apps, unlike a dockUnreviewed
6 people since 2011, in 4 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- No taskbar or dock, so it's hard to switch between running apps2026-09-24
- Launching apps requires moving the mouse across the whole screen, unlike the predictable GNOME 2 menus2022-12-17
- Forces users through the menu every time they want to access or switch apps2022-12-16
Something wrong here?
Close buttons moved sides and the option to revert was removedUnreviewed
6 people since 2015, in 4 different years · none this year
20082026
- Open and Cancel buttons are at the top, and the setting to move them is hard to find2024-03-20
- Window close buttons moved sides and the option to change them back was removed2020-05-19
- Window buttons moved and dialogs can't be repositioned, hurting users' established workflows2020-05-07
Something wrong here?
Pressing Super alone opens overview, with no way to disable itUnreviewed
5 people since 2011, in 5 different years · none this year
20082026
- Super+H minimize shortcut is awkward to press for the user2023-07-28
- Pressing and releasing the Super key often triggers the overview unintentionally2018-06-02
- Hard to disable the Super key feature; hardcoded shortcuts clash with user's own mappings2018-05-30
Something wrong here?
Hamburger menus broke Alt+letter shortcuts, hard to use by keyboardUnreviewed
5 people since 2016, in 5 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Hamburger menus broke Alt+letter shortcuts, so apps are hard to fully control by keyboard2026-01-07
- Alt+ keyboard shortcuts don't work for opening hamburger and other menus2024-09-08
- No menus in top panel, so app menus are hidden in hamburger buttons and can't be keyboard-controlled2023-07-05
Something wrong here?
App launcher is hard to use for finding appsUnreviewed
5 people since 2011, in 4 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Some apps can only be fully closed via a tray icon that GNOME lacks2026-06-07
- Users can't find running apps or tray icons; top bar and app drawer behave unexpectedly2022-03-25
- Lacks a tray, so non-GNOME apps are hard to reach quickly2022-03-21
Something wrong here?
Low contrast by default in light theme makes things hard to seeUnreviewed
5 people since 2022, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Contrast is low by default in the light theme, making things hard to see2024-09-08
- List and view option buttons look confusingly similar, with low contrast in light theme2024-09-08
- Icons appear contrastless and are very hard to see2023-07-30
Something wrong here?
No default dock showing running apps, needing extra setupUnreviewed
5 people since 2021, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Default GNOME has no dock showing running apps, needing extra setup and clicks2025-02-06
- Dock is hidden by default, so users may not find app launching2025-02-01
- Default GNOME desktop lacks a dock and top bar applets, forcing extension installs2022-09-02
Something wrong here?
Going up a folder doesn't keep previous folder selectedUnreviewed
4 people since 2021, in 4 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Can't tell how to navigate up to the parent folder in dialogs2026-06-21
- Hard to figure out how to navigate up a folder without knowing the shortcut2024-09-08
- Going up a folder doesn't keep the previous folder selected, unlike Windows2022-07-23
Something wrong here?
Mouse navigation harder for experienced power usersUnreviewed
4 people since 2011, in 4 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Makes mouse navigation harder for longtime power users2026-01-13
- Long mouse travel, buried hamburger menus, and activities overview make one-handed use hard2024-09-08
- Giant touch-friendly menus and swipe-to-unlock are awkward with a mouse2014-12-28
Something wrong here?
Notifications auto-dismissed, so important ones get missedUnreviewed
4 people since 2020, in 4 different years · none this year
20082026
- Notifications blend into background and vanish on mouse-over, with no history2025-09-18
- No persistent way to see pending items; brief notifications are easy to miss2024-09-08
- Notifications dismiss on mouse touch and are grey-on-grey, so easy to miss2024-09-08
Something wrong here?
On-screen keyboard is hard to replace with anotherUnreviewed
4 people since 2020, in 4 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Onscreen keyboard is horrid and hard to replace2026-09-22
- On-screen keyboard is the worst part of GNOME on touchscreens2025-09-18
- On-screen keyboard is terrible and hard to replace2025-09-18
Something wrong here?
Emacs editing keys clash with GNOME shortcuts, needing kernel remappingUnreviewed
4 people since 2019, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Emacs control and meta keys clash with macOS-style shortcuts, requiring a complicated workaround2025-03-28
- Emacs control/meta editing keys conflict with GNOME shortcuts, requiring a kernel-level remapping workaround2025-02-24
- Em-dash keyboard shortcuts are too hard to discover in GNOME2025-02-08
Something wrong here?
Many shortcuts cannot be changed in settingsUnreviewed
4 people since 2011, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Can't customize shortcuts; the replacement shortcut window is just a useless reference2023-11-26
- Customizing keyboard shortcuts requires using GConf, an awkward hidden tool2023-01-16
- Many shortcuts can't be changed in settings, forcing an extra tool and a poorly designed panel2019-10-14
Something wrong here?
Changing window decorations needs extra tools, leaves app glitchesUnreviewed
4 people since 2015, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Can't shrink window decorations; needs plugins that conflict across versions2023-05-16
- Apps end up with inconsistent decorations and UX because GNOME makes native-looking decorations hard to get2022-10-11
- Apps must draw their own window decorations, so window controls behave inconsistently2022-09-19
Something wrong here?
Oversimplified file manager lacks basic featuresUnreviewed
4 people since 2013, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Default file manager is too limited and feels like a mobile app2023-09-01
- Search in file managers decreases navigability and discoverability of the filesystem2023-07-05
- Regressed usability compared with 1990s file managers, with features that used to work degrading2021-01-20
Something wrong here?
Some notifications cannot be disabledUnreviewed
4 people since 2015, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Notifications keep returning after the user repeatedly turns them off2023-12-04
- Notifications are hard to disable and cover part of the screen2023-06-28
- Must uncheck each notification option separately; no deactivate-all button, selection not kept2018-06-01
Something wrong here?
Alt-tabbing has 150ms delay even with animations disabledUnreviewed
4 people since 2020, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Alt-tabbing has a 150ms delay even with animations disabled2025-03-03
- Popups, slow effects and odd defaults like alt-tab slow down workflow2021-09-20
- Default slow window animations add delay to every window action2021-03-02
Something wrong here?
Two clipboard mechanisms make paste behavior unpredictable across appsUnreviewed
4 people since 2011, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Copy and paste sometimes breaks, requiring a key combo, with no clear cause2019-04-18
- Two copy-paste methods cause a mental pause when switching between them2013-08-27
- Two separate clipboard mechanisms make it unpredictable which paste method works across applications2013-08-27
Something wrong here?
Caps Lock remap buried in miscellaneous list, not main settingsUnreviewed
4 people since 2023, in 2 different years · none this year
20082026
- Caps Lock remap buried in a big miscellaneous list, not in main settings2025-03-28
- Remapping CapsLock to Escape is hard for those who want it; users must search online2025-03-28
- Remapping Caps Lock to Backspace is not trivial, requires creating a custom layout2023-06-24
Something wrong here?
Submenus need extra clicks and replace the parent menuUnreviewed
3 people since 2014, in 5 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Submenus require clicks and replace the parent menu, making items hard to find2026-02-23
- Hamburger menu and click-to-open submenus make searching for rarely used items painful2025-04-22
- Submenus must be clicked to open, not opened by hovering2024-09-30
Something wrong here?
Every folder opens a new window, cluttering the desktop by defaultUnreviewed
3 people since 2016, in 4 different years · none this year
20082026
- Every folder opens in a new window, cluttering the desktop by default2025-05-01
- Nautilus opens a new window per folder and file chooser dialogs are broken2022-03-25
- Every folder opens in a new window2018-05-10
Something wrong here?
Popup locks focus to one app; must click elsewhere firstUnreviewed
3 people since 2013, in 3 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Needs two clicks every time to bring another window to the top2026-03-08
- Context menus lock focus to their window, so you must close the menu before clicking elsewhere2025-08-04
- Popup locks focus to one app; must click elsewhere before clicking anything else2025-06-18
Something wrong here?
Settings hard to navigate, forcing manual config file editsUnreviewed
3 people since 2015, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Saving and restoring window arrangements requires hand-editing arcane config files2023-07-26
- Users must hack config files or source code to restore familiar layouts2019-05-12
- Linux desktop settings UIs are hard to navigate, so users edit config files manually2015-04-20
Something wrong here?
Features removed and a big button can't be clickedUnreviewed
3 people since 2013, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Interface has lots of empty space and functionality mostly hidden or inaccessible2022-02-17
- Missing functionality and weird behavior in the modern interface2019-06-29
- Interface has features removed and a big button that can't be clicked2013-08-27
Something wrong here?
Theme formats are confusing and few themes existUnreviewed
3 people since 2010, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- GNOME back button is wrongly themed, showing poorly in some themes2019-05-26
- Theme formats are confusing and few themes exist for GNOME 32012-09-03
- Themes from gnome-look.org are harder to install than gnome.org themes, and theme bundles change unwanted settings2010-04-28
Something wrong here?
Website does not explain what GnomeOS isUnreviewed
3 people since 2017, in 3 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Can't find out what GNOME OS is from the website2026-10-17
- Website doesn't explain what GnomeOS is, so the reader had to search elsewhere2020-10-15
- Hard to tell which parts belong to GNOME versus Freedesktop or Fedora2017-05-11
Something wrong here?
Can't read window titles; windows auto-stack; dock holds few appsUnreviewed
3 people since 2022, in 3 different years · 2 this year
20082026
- Can't read application or window titles in the dock, and must hover to tell same-app windows apart2026-09-25
- Can't read application or window titles, windows auto-stack, and dock holds few open applications2026-09-25
- Dock hides windows from view, jarring for Windows users, and wastes vertical space2025-11-23
Something wrong here?
Forces non-average users to contort workflows to fitUnreviewed
3 people since 2014, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Forces non-average users to contort their workflow to fit its design2025-10-14
- Forces users into new workflow with no concessions, creating a learning curve2017-11-28
- Forces users into its workflow and treats them as idiots, which is painful2014-09-24
Something wrong here?
Important features hidden behind arbitrary keyboard shortcutsUnreviewed
3 people since 2020, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Many features are not obvious and hidden behind the Alt key2023-09-04
- Important features are hidden behind arbitrary keyboard shortcuts, hurting accessibility2022-06-17
- Can't get anything done without already knowing the magical keyboard shortcuts2020-05-10
Something wrong here?
Stock apps hard to read and waste space from server-side decorationsUnreviewed
3 people since 2019, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Stock apps are hard to read and waste screen space due to server-side decorations2025-04-29
- Client-side decorations waste space on small screens and make some apps unusable in other window managers2021-07-11
- Organising the apps screen is too painful to be worthwhile2019-11-16
Something wrong here?
Colors and fonts locked behind accessibility; global shortcuts unsupported on WaylandUnreviewed
3 people since 2022, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Accessibility tools like Orca and magnification are not usable after switching to Wayland2025-06-20
- Can't change display gamma on Wayland without unsupported hacks2024-11-03
- Users can't change colors or fonts unless labelled accessibility; global shortcuts unsupported on Wayland2022-02-03
Something wrong here?
Grouping windows by app adds a step to reach a windowUnreviewed
3 people since 2011, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Grouping windows by application adds an extra step to reach a target window2017-04-05
- Launchers merge windows and get in the way rather than helping manage applications2013-12-22
- Confusing window and application hierarchy makes window handling annoying2011-04-07
Something wrong here?
Focus-follows-mouse and other file manager and audio options are hiddenUnreviewed
3 people since 2023, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Hidden settings and extra clicks make everyday tasks frustrating; font change needs extra tool2025-09-19
- Daily annoyances with file manager, multiple screens, audio config, focus-follows-mouse needing hidden settings2024-11-08
- Tiny accumulated annoyances make daily use frustrating, including window management and mouse scrolling2023-03-23
Something wrong here?
Interface remade every few years, disrupting familiar workflowsUnreviewed
3 people since 2011, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Desktop constantly changes the user's workflow, forcing relearning2021-06-15
- Desktop environment keeps remaking its interface every few years, disrupting familiar workflow2018-04-26
- Dynamic workspace creation and deletion disrupts the user's established workflow of pre-made workspaces2011-09-29
Something wrong here?
Combined menu, toolbar and title bar make controls confusingUnreviewed
3 people since 2021, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Two different menu buttons in one window and menu bar merged with toolbar confuse users2024-09-02
- Toolbars with hundreds of small buttons make interfaces cluttered2023-09-22
- Combined menu, toolbar and title bar is confusing and annoying to use2021-11-16
Something wrong here?
Managing extensions requires a separate tweak toolUnreviewed
3 people since 2017, in 3 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Options keep disappearing, forcing users to install third-party tweak tools to get old behavior2026-01-07
- Extensions break between versions and useful shortcuts need hidden settings fiddling2020-12-20
- Managing extensions requires a separate tweak tool, which is annoying2017-05-12
Something wrong here?
Open apps and shortcuts not shown on desktop, needing an extra clickUnreviewed
3 people since 2021, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Desktop does not restore running apps after restart, so user must figure out what was open2023-05-16
- Empty desktop on first launch doesn't reveal that the Windows key opens the launcher2022-03-21
- Open apps and shortcuts are no longer shown on desktop; an extra click into Activities is needed2021-04-19
Something wrong here?
Switching to a specific window requires two shortcuts in sequenceUnreviewed
3 people since 2020, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Can't remap window switching in both directions, making quick window changes harder than necessary2024-08-27
- Hotkeys are hard to discover; window switching shortcut was found only by accident2023-08-04
- Switching to a specific window requires pressing two shortcuts in sequence2020-09-26
Something wrong here?
Copy shortcut differs from Ctrl+CUnreviewed
3 people since 2018, in 3 different years · 1 this year
20082026
- Ctrl+Shift+C copy shortcut in browser opens developer tools unexpectedly2026-03-10
- Ctrl-C and Ctrl-Shift-C conflict between terminal, Emacs and GUI copy shortcuts2023-04-26
- Copy shortcut differs from Ctrl+C, frustrating users for years2018-07-12
Something wrong here?
New users cannot tell how to start or do basic actionsUnreviewed
3 people since 2022, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- New users can't tell how to start; the entry point is non-obvious and basic actions need more clicks2025-08-27
- No real application launcher, so new point-and-click users find it confusing2024-03-20
- Poor discoverability and inconsistency make it hard for new users to navigate2022-07-23
Something wrong here?
Font scaling option not exposed in default settingsUnreviewed
3 people since 2012, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Font scaling settings are hidden, and non-GNOME apps ignore them, so text sizes are inconsistent2024-09-25
- Couldn't find the font size setting in preferences, had to install a separate tool2017-08-08
- Font scaling option is not exposed in default settings dialogs2012-10-31
Something wrong here?
Calculator takes 2-3 seconds to launchUnreviewed
3 people since 2019, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Calculator takes 2-3 seconds to launch, as slow as it was 20 years ago2021-05-06
- Calculator is nearly unusable, slower than launching Node2020-04-23
- Calculator takes a ridiculously long time to launch since it became a snap2019-11-27
Something wrong here?
Can't tell which window has focus; title bar shading too slightUnreviewed
3 people since 2014, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Can't tell which window has focus because title bar shading differences are too slight2023-10-15
- Hard to tell which window is active because titlebar contrast is too subtle2019-05-25
- Focused and unfocused windows look nearly identical, making focus unclear2014-09-24
Something wrong here?
Fast search and New folder shortcuts lost; mnemonics off by defaultUnreviewed
3 people since 2020, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Dropped the standard Windows-style keyboard controls, so keyboard users lose familiar shortcuts2025-03-17
- Unannounced update changed keyboard shortcuts, breaking established muscle memory for users2021-01-23
- Keyboard users lose fast search and New folder shortcut, mnemonics disabled by default2020-11-01
Something wrong here?
Login screen ignores mouse clicks and needs an unintuitive swipe-upUnreviewed
3 people since 2021, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- Login screen does nothing on mouse click; needs an unintuitive swipe-up gesture2025-06-18
- Couldn't find how to reach the login screen; had to discover a hidden swipe-up arrow2022-09-02
- Mobile-style swipe gesture on desktop start screen confuses users trying to log in2021-06-03
Something wrong here?
Chrome takes up too much visual space and feels slowUnreviewed
3 people since 2012, in 3 different years · none this year
20082026
- UI feels slow and chrome takes up too much visual space2020-11-20
- UI is over-simplified and window chrome wastes screen space2019-09-25
- Large permanent top bar and window chrome waste space; laggy, erratic performance on netbook2012-05-29
Something wrong here?
Hibernate missing from start menu, hard to findUnreviewed
3 people since 2014, in 2 different years · none this year
20082026
- Can't figure out how to enable hibernation in GNOME2021-10-20
- Hibernate option is missing from the start menu, so users can't easily find it2021-02-02
- No hibernate button; hibernation requires a terminal command, and failures are hidden in logs2021-01-17
Something wrong here?
App launcher lags badly on every openUnreviewed
3 people since 2018, in 2 different years · none this year
20082026
- Cursor lags when opening the app menu2021-02-02
- App launcher lags badly on every open, making the desktop feel unusable2018-11-02
- Replaces the desktop with a launcher grid that is confusing and lags2018-05-30
Something wrong here?
Forced into a new interface paradigm and herded into behaviorsUnreviewed
3 people since 2012, in 2 different years · none this year
20082026
- Forces a vague, poorly implemented design that is hostile to users2024-09-08
- Users were forced into new interface paradigm they didn't want, herded into behaviors by designers2024-08-22
- Design-led redesign produced software users found hard to use and drove them away2012-10-04
Something wrong here?
File browser has limited viewing options, confusing navigationUnreviewed
3 people since 2022, in 2 different years · none this year
20082026
- File browser has limited viewing options and is confusing to navigate2023-03-23
- GNOME's file browser is horrible to use, and headerbars lack menu access2022-11-01
- Small differences from the file browser are infuriating to deal with2022-04-03
Something wrong here?
No visible password field, so typing start is a guessUnreviewed
3 people since 2022, in 1 different year · none this year
20082026
- Users can't tell they must press a key to reach the login screen2022-09-02
- Users must drag up a curtain screen before reaching the password box2022-07-23
- No visible password field, so users must guess to start typing2022-03-25
Something wrong here?

This list counts all time; the period switch above only changes the ranking. Each issue is a group of similar complaints raised by at least 3 people in 3 different months and threads. Each line under an issue is Claude Haiku's summary of one of its latest comments, not a quote; follow it to read the comment on Hacker News.

Unreviewed issues were grouped by machine: Claude Haiku labelled each comment as a usability complaint, named what it's about and summed up the problem in a line, and a small model grouped similar problems. Nobody has checked them by hand. Expect mistakes.

The newest 50 complaints