Ubuntu – Unity launcher not triggered with Super key

keyboardlaunchershortcut-keysunity

I just started using my new Dell XPS 13 Developers Eddition with Ubuntu 16.04. I am used to triggering the Unity Launcher with the Super / Windows key, and triggering the list of shortcuts by holding that key. However, with the default setup, hitting Super alone does nothing. In addition, when I try assigning Super to trigger the Unity launcher from unity-tweak-tool it will not let me (though I can assign an trigger it with another key).

Notice that in unity-tweak-tool, nothing shows up as the shotcut for "Show the launcher". If I click "Restore defaults" it is the same.

I have also confirmed that the Super works fine when paired with other keys.

Is there any way for me to trigger the Unity launcher with Super as has been the default in t he past? I am also curious why it would not be working out of the box.

Best Answer

Maybe Dell changed some things, I'd ask them 1st if the laptop came with Ubuntu.

Otherwise install compizconfig-settings-manager & look in the unity plugin > Launcher, see screen. The x button on far right sets to default which is Super & enabled.

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Believe Unsettings will let you do that.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:diesch/testing
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install unsettings

Ubuntu – Binding the meta key (a.k.a. super key / Windows key) to left click

You can use xdotool + xbindkeys

insall xdotool and xbindkeys
```
sudo apt-get install xdotool xbindkeys
```
generate the default configuration file for xbindkeys
```
xbindkeys --defaults > ~/.xbindkeysrc
```
open ~/.xbindkeysrc with some text editor
```
kate ~/.xbindkeysrc
```
add these lines in the end of the file
```
"xdotool mousedown 1"
    Super_L
"xdotool mouseup 1"
    Super_L + Release
```
this will make the left 'windows/super/meta' button act like the left mouse button . for me the releasing thing didn't work specifically with the super button , but it worked with other buttons (I actually used KP_Delete which is the del/. button in the numpad, instead of using Super_L ), but I think this may be a hardware related issue.
save the file and close the editor.
start (or restart) xbindkeys
```
sudo killall xbindkeys && xbindkeys
```

Best Answer

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Ubuntu – Cannot Unbind Super Key from Unity

Ubuntu – Binding the meta key (a.k.a. super key / Windows key) to left click

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