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Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive answers to common questions about Budgie Desktop, covering both the current Budgie 10 series and the upcoming Budgie 11.

Getting Started

What is Budgie Desktop?
Budgie Desktop is a free and open source desktop environment for Linux and Unix-like operating systems. It emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, and elegance while providing extensive customization options. Budgie is an independent desktop environment developed by the Buddies of Budgie organization.
  • Current Version: Budgie 10.10 series (released January 2026)
  • Technologies: GTK3, Vala, C (Budgie 10); Qt6, C++ (Budgie 11 in development)
  • Display Protocol: Wayland (Budgie 10.10+); X11 deprecated
What makes Budgie Desktop unique?
Budgie 10 offers a distinctive approach to desktop computing that sets it apart from other Linux desktop environments.Budgie provides a traditional desktop layout with a familiar taskbar and panel system, making it immediately accessible to users transitioning from other operating systems or desktop environments. The desktop emphasizes simplicity and elegance without sacrificing functionality. Unlike some desktop environments that offer overwhelming customization options, Budgie strikes a balance between flexibility and a cohesive, polished experience out of the box.One of Budgie's signature features is Raven, a sidebar that combines notifications and widgets in a single, convenient location. This approach to notification management feels both modern and intuitive, giving users quick access to system controls and information without cluttering the main desktop space.The desktop environment is intentionally lightweight while still providing modern features like excellent HiDPI support and smooth animations. It's designed to feel responsive on a wide range of hardware, from newer systems to older machines that might struggle with heavier desktop environments.Budgie's cross-distribution focus means it's developed to work well across many Linux distributions rather than being optimized for a single platform. The team actively collaborates with maintainers from Fedora, Ubuntu, Arch, and other distributions to ensure a quality experience regardless of where Budgie is installed.The desktop maintains active development with a clear roadmap. The current Budgie 10 series receives maintenance updates while the team focuses on Budgie 11, which will bring modern Qt6 technology while preserving the design philosophy that makes Budgie distinctive.For users seeking a clean, intuitive desktop that provides traditional workflow patterns without unnecessary complexity, Budgie offers a compelling option that respects both simplicity and user choice.
Which Linux distribution should I use to try Budgie Desktop?
Budgie Desktop is easiest to experience on distributions where it's actively maintained. Budgie-specific distributions include:
  • Fedora Budgie Spin: Budgie-focused Fedora flavor with recent packages
  • Ubuntu Budgie: Budgie-focused Ubuntu flavor with additional enhancements
  • Solus: Original home of Budgie Desktop with curated experience
Budgie Desktop is also available through community packages on:
  • Arch Linux
  • Debian
  • EndeavourOS
  • Manjaro
  • NixOS
  • openSUSE
  • Void Linux
  • FreeBSD (first BSD to support Budgie)
For beginners, starting with Fedora Budgie Spin, Ubuntu Budgie, or Solus typically provides the smoothest initial experience. Experienced Linux users comfortable with their preferred distribution can install Budgie on most major Linux distributions.A complete and up-to-date list is available on our Get Budgie page.

Installation & Compatibility

What are the system requirements for Budgie Desktop?
Budgie 10.10 System Requirements:Minimum (not officially specified, but validated on):
  • CPU: Intel 4th gen or equivalent AMD (likely works on much older)
  • GPU: Integrated graphics or dedicated (tested on GT 730 - over 10 years old)
  • RAM: 4GB+ recommended, especially when running heavier applications
  • Storage: Depends on distribution; Budgie itself is lightweight
  • Display Protocol: Wayland compositor support required (Budgie 10.10+)
Graphics Compatibility:
  • AMD GPUs (fully supported)
  • Intel GPUs (fully supported)
  • NVIDIA GPUs (fully supported, including with proprietary drivers)
Architecture Support:
  • x86_64 (fully supported)
  • ARM (works on Raspberry Pi 4B+)
  • RISC-V (not officially supported yet)
Budgie Desktop is designed to be lightweight and should run smoothly on hardware from the past 10+ years.
Can I install Budgie Desktop alongside GNOME, KDE, or other desktop environments?
Yes, Budgie 10.10 can coexist with other desktop environments on the same system. Most Linux distributions allow you to install Budgie packages through your package manager, then select it at the login screen when logging in. You can switch between desktop environments without needing to reinstall anything.Multiple GTK-based desktops may share theme and GTK-related settings, so changes in one environment might affect others.
Does Budgie Desktop work with NVIDIA graphics cards?
Yes, Budgie 10.10 works with NVIDIA GPUs. While proprietary NVIDIA drivers are not required, users may experience improved performance over open source drivers depending on their specific GPU model.Budgie 10.10 has been tested and confirmed working across NVIDIA's product lines, including RTX series (20xx, 30xx, 40xx, and 50xx models), GTX series (10xx, 16xx, and 9xx models), and older NVIDIA cards with driver support. Modern Linux distributions have significantly improved NVIDIA Wayland support; if you encounter issues, consult your distribution's documentation regarding NVIDIA Wayland configuration.
Does Budgie Desktop support HiDPI/4K displays?
Yes, Budgie 10.10 supports HiDPI displays through GTK3's scaling capabilities and Wayland fractional scaling.Budgie 10.10 automatically detects HiDPI displays and supports fractional scaling at 125%, 150%, 175%, and 200%. Per-monitor scaling works on multi-monitor setups, allowing you to configure each display independently. Configuration is available through either Budgie Control Center (Settings → Displays → Scale factor) or wdisplays. Mixed DPI setups are supported, such as pairing a 4K laptop screen with a 1080p external monitor.HiDPI support in Budgie 10.10 is handled by the Wayland compositor (labwc) and Budgie Desktop Services.
Does Budgie work on Raspberry Pi or ARM devices?
Yes, Budgie 10.10 is known to work on Raspberry Pi and other ARM architectures. The desktop has been confirmed working on Raspberry Pi 4B+.Some distributions may provide ARM builds with Budgie support; check your ARM-compatible distribution's repositories for availability. Performance depends on RAM and CPU specifications, with 4GB or more RAM recommended for a smooth experience. Some heavier applications may run slower compared to x86_64 systems. RISC-V is not yet officially supported.

Technical Questions

Is Budgie Desktop based on GNOME Shell?
No, this is a common misconception. Budgie Desktop is not based on GNOME Shell.Budgie 10 does use certain technologies from the GNOME project. It uses GTK3 as its toolkit, providing the widget library that creates the user interface elements. Some GNOME technologies and libraries are incorporated where they provide useful functionality.However, there are crucial components that Budgie does not use from GNOME. Budgie does not use GNOME Shell itself; it has its own completely independent shell implementation. It doesn't use GJS, which are the JavaScript bindings that GNOME Shell relies on. As of Budgie 10.10, it doesn't use Mutter; instead, it uses labwc as its compositor.The Budgie 10 architecture is written primarily in Vala and C, with custom panel and window management systems. It maintains an independent codebase from GNOME Shell and uses GTK3 as a toolkit, not as a desktop shell. This distinction is important: using a toolkit is fundamentally different from being based on a desktop shell.Budgie 11 will move to Qt6 and C++, further distinguishing itself from GNOME's technology stack while maintaining the desktop philosophy that makes Budgie unique.
Does Budgie Desktop use Wayland or X11?
Budgie 10.10 is Wayland-only. Budgie 10.9 and earlier versions supported only X11.Budgie 10.10 implements Wayland as its sole display protocol, using labwc as the default compositor. The desktop handles X11 applications through XWayland, a compatibility layer that allows legacy X11 software to run on Wayland sessions. Session management is handled by budgie-session with systemd integration for better compatibility with modern Linux systems.For detailed information about the reasoning behind Budgie's transition to Wayland-only, see the Wayland blog post and the About page on this website.
What compositor does Budgie Desktop use?
Budgie 10.10 uses labwc as its recommended Wayland compositor. This compositor, inspired by Openbox, was chosen for its lightweight design, excellent configuration options, active development community, and compatibility with Budgie's specific needs.Budgie's integration with labwc includes a custom bridge that syncs settings from Budgie Control Center to labwc's configuration. This one-way synchronization handles keyboard shortcuts, mouse and touchpad settings, and other configuration options automatically.While labwc is the recommended and most tested compositor, Budgie 10.10's protocol-first architecture means any compositor implementing the required Wayland protocols could potentially power a Budgie session. Budgie 10.10 relies on several Wayland protocols including wlr-layer-shell-unstable-v1, ext-session-lock-v1, xdg-output-unstable-v1, and others. See the building documentation for the complete protocol list.For Budgie 11, the default compositor will be our Mir-based Magpie. Due to the nature of Wayland protocols, Budgie 11 is being intentionally designed to facilitate support for many additional compositors.Looking at historical context, Budgie 10.9 and earlier versions used Magpie (a Mutter fork) as the window manager for X11 sessions. While Magpie included Wayland support in its codebase, it was not utilized in Budgie 10.9.
What is Raven and how do I use it?
Raven is Budgie Desktop's notification center and widget sidebar, accessible from the panel.Raven Features (Budgie 10.10):
  • Notifications: View and manage system notifications
  • Widgets: Calendar, media player controls, sound output device selector
How to Access Raven:
  • Click the Raven icon in the system tray (panel)
  • Use the keyboard shortcut (default: Super+A or Super+N depending on configuration)
  • Access from the panel's notification area
Raven Views:
  1. Notifications View: Shows recent notifications from applications
  2. Widgets View: Displays available widgets
Customization:
  • Configure via Budgie Desktop Settings
  • Add/remove widgets
  • Adjust position and behavior
How do I customize panels and applets in Budgie Desktop?
Budgie 10.10 provides extensive panel customization through Budgie Desktop Settings.Accessing Panel Settings:
  1. Right-click on the panel → "Panel settings"
  2. Or: Applications → Budgie Desktop Settings
Panel Customization Options:
  • Position: Top, bottom, left, or right screen edges
  • Size: Adjust panel height/width
  • Transparency: Configure panel opacity and styling
  • Auto-hide: Make panels hide when not in use
Adding/Removing Applets:
  1. Open Budgie Desktop Settings
  2. Select the panel you want to customize
  3. Click "+" to add applets or "-" to remove
  4. Use up/down arrow buttons to reorder applets
Can I theme Budgie Desktop? How do GTK themes work?
Yes, Budgie 10.10 supports full GTK3 theming.Theme Types:
  • GTK Themes: Control application and desktop appearance
  • Icon Themes: Change system and application icons
  • Cursor Themes: Customize mouse pointer appearance
Applying Themes (Budgie 10.10):
  1. Budgie Control Center → Appearance
  2. Select GTK theme, icon theme, and cursor theme
  3. Changes apply immediately
Recommended GTK Themes for Budgie:
  • Pocillo
  • Materia (lacks support for openbox/labwc)
  • Qogir
Installing Themes:
  • System-wide: /usr/share/themes (requires root)
  • User-specific: ~/.themes or ~/.local/share/themes
  • Install via package manager or manually download
Built-in Theme: Budgie includes a custom GTK theme and HighContrast variant with Budgie-specific styling.

Features & Customization

What applets are available for Budgie Desktop?
Budgie 10.10 includes numerous built-in applets.Core Applets:
  • Icon Tasklist: Window list with grouping support
  • Tasklist: Alternative window list (text-based)
  • User Indicator: Session controls (lock, logout, shutdown)
  • Clock: Customizable date/time display
  • System Tray: Application tray icons
  • Notifications: Raven notification access
  • Workspace Switcher: Virtual desktop management
  • Show Desktop: Minimize all windows
  • Spacer: Flexible/fixed spacing between applets
  • Separator: Visual divider between applets
Utility Applets:
  • Night Light: Blue light filter for evening use
  • Caffeine: Prevent automatic screen lock
  • Keyboard Layout Indicator: Show/switch keyboard layouts
  • Places: Quick access to bookmarked locations
  • Applications Menu: Classic application launcher
Does Budgie Desktop support multiple monitors?
Yes, Budgie 10.10 supports multi-monitor setups through Wayland.Multi-Monitor Features:
  • Automatic display detection and configuration
  • Independent workspace configuration per monitor
  • Mixed HiDPI scaling (e.g., 4K + 1080p)
  • Hot-plug support (connect/disconnect displays)
Panel Behavior: Panels are displayed only on the primary monitor.Configuration (Budgie 10.10):
  • wdisplays: Graphical display configuration tool
  • Budgie Desktop Services: Persistent display configuration storage
  • Settings saved in TOML format, persist across reboots
Display Options:
  • Resolution per monitor
  • Refresh rate
  • Scaling factor (fractional scaling supported)
  • Position/arrangement
  • Primary display designation
  • Display rotation
How do I configure keyboard shortcuts in Budgie Desktop?
Budgie 10.10 keyboard shortcuts are configured through Budgie Control Center.Accessing Keyboard Settings:
  1. Budgie Control Center → Keyboard
  2. Navigate to "Shortcuts" tab
Types of Shortcuts:
  • System shortcuts: Desktop actions (lock screen, logout, etc.)
  • Window management: Tile, maximize, minimize, close windows
  • Workspace navigation: Switch between virtual desktops
  • Application launching: Quick-launch applications
  • Custom shortcuts: Define your own key combinations
Adding Custom Shortcuts:
  1. Click "+" to add new shortcut
  2. Enter command to execute
  3. Press key combination
  4. Apply changes
Notable Default Shortcuts:
  • Super + A/N: Toggle Raven
  • Super + Space: Application menu
  • Super + Arrow keys: Tile windows
  • Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Lock screen
  • Alt + Tab: Switch windows
Modifier Keys:
  • Super (Windows key)
  • Alt
  • Ctrl
  • Shift
Budgie 10.10: Shortcuts sync automatically to labwc compositor via the labwc bridge.
Does Budgie Desktop have desktop icons?
Yes, Budgie 10.10 supports desktop icons through Budgie Desktop View.Budgie Desktop View displays the contents of the ~/Desktop folder on your desktop. Files and folders placed in this directory will appear as desktop icons. The feature supports creating new files and folders, drag-and-drop functionality, and custom icon positioning.Enabling Desktop Icons (Budgie 10.10):
  • Usually enabled by default
  • Configure via Budgie Desktop Settings if needed
  • Right-click desktop → Desktop settings
Customization:
  • Icon size
  • Grid spacing
  • Show/hide system icons (Home, Trash, Devices)
What is the difference between Budgie Desktop Settings and Budgie Control Center?
These are two separate applications in Budgie 10.10 with different purposes:Budgie Desktop Settings:
  • Purpose: Configure Budgie-specific and Budgie-adjacent features
  • Controls: Panels, applets, Raven, autostart applications
  • Access: Applications / Budgie menu → Budgie Desktop Settings
Key Features:
  • Panel management (create, delete, configure panels)
  • Applet management (add, remove, configure applets)
  • Theme settings (icon theme, widget theme, cursor themes, light vs dark mode)
  • Various "window management" settings such as automatically turning on / off notifications when using a fullscreen app, window focus modes (click-to-focus, sloppy focus, mouse focus)
  • Raven configuration
  • Autostart application management
Budgie Control Center:
  • Purpose: System-wide settings application
  • Base: Fork of GNOME Control Center
  • Controls: System settings (sound, keyboard, mouse, etc.)
  • Access: Applications / Budgie menu → Settings (or Budgie Control Center)
Key Features:
  • Sound settings
  • Network management
  • Keyboard and mouse settings
  • User accounts
  • Power management
Budgie 11: Configuration architecture will be redesigned, potentially consolidating or reorganizing settings applications.

Development & Contributing

Is Budgie Desktop still being actively developed?
Yes, Budgie Desktop is actively developed by Buddies of Budgie. The organization is committed to long-term Budgie development across both maintenance of Budgie 10 and building Budgie 11, led by Joshua Strobl with the core team ("Best Buds") and community contributors worldwide.Current Development Status:Budgie 10.10 (Released January 2026):
  • Status: Maintenance mode
  • Focus: Bug fixes, stability improvements
  • Updates: Minor releases (10.10.1, etc.)
  • Platform: GitHub development continues
  • End Goal: Stable, maintained release while team focuses on Budgie 11
Budgie 11 (In Active Development):
  • Status: Primary development focus
  • Technology: Qt6, C++, KDE Frameworks
  • Architecture: Complete redesign with modular core
  • Platform: Forgejo-hosted development
  • Timeline: No fixed release date; development progressing openly
Release Cadence:
  • Regular "Chirps" (blog updates) sharing development progress
  • Transparent development process
  • Open source repositories actively maintained
Is Budgie Desktop developed by Solus?
No, Budgie Desktop has been independent since January 1, 2022, and is developed by Buddies of Budgie, not Solus.
How can I contribute to Budgie Desktop development?
Buddies of Budgie welcomes contributions in many forms:Code Contributions:Budgie 10.10 (GitHub):
  • Repository: github.com/BuddiesOfBudgie
  • Process: Fork → Branch → Pull Request
  • Languages: Vala, C
  • Review: Core team reviews and merges PRs
Budgie 11 (Forgejo):
  • Repository: forge.moderndesktop.dev
  • Process: Fork → Branch → Merge Request
  • Languages: C++, QML
  • Review: Core team reviews and merges MRs
Translation Contributions:
  • Platform: Transifex
  • Important: Do NOT submit translations via pull requests (they won't be accepted)
  • Process: Join Transifex → Request language → Translate strings
  • Languages: All languages welcome
Areas Where Help is Needed:Priority Areas:
  • IME Testing: Multi-lingual users with input method editors (fcitx, ibus)
  • ARM Testing: Raspberry Pi and other ARM device testing
  • Budgie 11 Development: Qt6/C++ developers
  • Documentation: Improve docs.buddiesofbudgie.org
Other Contributions:
  • Bug Reporting: GitHub Issues (Budgie 10.10) or Forgejo (Budgie 11)
  • Design: UI/UX improvements, artwork, icons
  • Documentation: Technical writing, tutorials, guides
  • Community Support: Help users on Matrix, forums
  • Testing: Try development builds, report issues
Financial Support:
  • OpenCollective
  • Supports infrastructure, CI/CD, potential contributor compensation
Getting Started:
  1. Join Matrix chat (link on buddiesofbudgie.org)
  2. Review repositories (GitHub for 10.10, Forgejo for 11)
  3. Check "good first issue" labels
  4. Read contribution guidelines in repositories
Where should I report bugs for Budgie Desktop?
Bug Reporting Locations:Budgie 10.10 and Earlier:
  • Platform: GitHub Issues
  • Repository: github.com/BuddiesOfBudgie/budgie-desktop
  • Process:
    1. Search existing issues to avoid duplicates
    2. Create new issue with detailed description
    3. Include system information (distribution, Budgie version, GPU, etc.)
    4. Provide reproduction steps
Budgie 11 Components:Information to Include in Bug Reports:
  • Budgie version (budgie-desktop --version)
  • Linux distribution and version
  • Desktop protocol (X11 vs Wayland; Budgie 10.10 is Wayland-only)
  • GPU manufacturer and drivers
  • Detailed steps to reproduce
  • Expected vs. actual behavior
  • Relevant log output (if applicable)
Getting Help (Not Bugs):
  • Matrix: Real-time chat for support questions
  • Distribution Forums: For distribution-specific issues
  • Documentation: docs.buddiesofbudgie.org
Distribution-Specific Issues: If the issue is specific to your distribution's packaging or configuration, report to your distribution's bug tracker first.

Budgie 11 & The Future

What is Budgie 11?
Budgie 11 is the next major version of Budgie Desktop, representing a fundamental re-architecture rather than just a toolkit port.

#Key Changes from Budgie 10

Technology Stack:
  • Language: C++ and QML (vs. Vala/C in Budgie 10)
  • Toolkit: Qt6 with KDE Frameworks (vs. GTK3)
  • Architecture: Modular core with pluggable components
  • Compositor: Support for multiple compositors (Mir-based, wlroots-based, possibly KWin)
Architectural Goals:Budgie Core (Platform Layer):
  • Shared libraries across all form factors
  • DBus-based services (notifications, display, idle management)
  • Systemd-based session management
  • Explicit support for multiple architectures
Budgie Desktop (Shell Layer):
  • Default "budgie-shell" with traditional Budgie layout
  • Pluggable architecture
  • Improved extension system with better discovery/distribution
Design Principles (Budgie 11):
  1. Adaptable: Complex multitasking, multi-window tiling, workflow modes
  2. Approachable: Intuitive interface for newcomers
  3. Extensible: Easy customization and extension development
Development Infrastructure:
  • Code Hosting: Forgejo (forge.moderndesktop.dev)
  • CI/CD: Woodpecker (ci.moderndesktop.dev)
  • Testing: Validated by default on ARM64, RISC-V support planned
  • Future: Potential OpenQA integration for automated graphical testing
Why Qt6?: Unlike previous toolkit change announcements, Budgie 11 already has functional Qt6 code running in production (Budgie Desktop Services, used in Budgie 10.10 for display management).
When will Budgie 11 be released?
Official Timeline: No fixed release date; development is actively progressing.Current Status (as of February 2026):
  • Early development phase
  • Core architecture being defined
  • Budgie Desktop Services already functional (used in Budgie 10.10)
  • Active development on Forgejo with regular updates
  • Team's primary focus
What's Complete:
  • Defining ABI stability and versioning approach
  • Development infrastructure (Forgejo, Woodpecker CI)
  • Budgie Desktop Services (Qt6, manages displays, notifications, idle in Budgie 10.10)
  • Early compositor exploration (Mir experiments underway)
What's In Progress:
  • Everything else, such as: core component development, session manager implementation, extension/plugin architecture
Release Approach: The team prioritizes quality over speed. Budgie 11 will be released when it's ready, with:
  • Regular "Chirp" blog posts documenting progress
  • Transparent development (public repositories)
  • Early preview builds for OpenCollective backers
Staying Updated:
Will Budgie 11 be compatible with Budgie 10?
Due to the early stage of Budgie 11 development, the team cannot commit to a specific migration path from Budgie 10 to Budgie 11.
Why is Budgie Desktop moving to Qt6?
Budgie 11 represents a fundamental re-architecture, not just changing from GTK to Qt. The Qt6 choice enables this broader vision.Ecosystem & Collaboration:
  • Robust ecosystem of Qt-oriented libraries, such as KDE Frameworks
  • Active Qt6 development and long-term support
  • Cross-platform potential (Linux, BSD)
Modular Architecture:
  • Qt6 suits Budgie 11's pluggable architecture goals
  • Better separation of concerns
  • Easier to support multiple form factors
  • Modern C++/QML development workflow
Long-term Sustainability:
  • Qt6 has commercial backing and long-term roadmap
  • Better suited for Budgie's next 10 years
  • Active development community
Learning from History: Previous toolkit change announcements (Qt5, GTK4, EFL) were plans without code. Budgie 11's Qt6 choice is backed by functional, shipped code (Budgie Desktop Services in Budgie 10.10).
What compositor will Budgie 11 use?
Budgie 11 will use our Mir-based Magpie as the default compositor. Due to the nature of Wayland protocols, Budgie 11 is being intentionally designed to facilitate support for many additional compositors.Status: This is early-stage development. Compositor implementation will evolve as Budgie 11 progresses. Follow the blog's Chirp posts for technical updates.

Common Misconceptions

"Budgie is just a customized GNOME Shell"
False, Budgie Desktop is not based on GNOME Shell.Budgie is an independent desktop environment with its own shell implementation, written in Vala and C (Budgie 10). It maintains a separate codebase from GNOME Shell.What Budgie Does NOT Use:
  • GNOME Shell
  • GJS (GNOME's JavaScript bindings)
  • Mutter, or its own fork of Mutter. This is as Budgie 10.10, which recommends labwc as the Wayland compositor
"Budgie Desktop is developed by Solus"
False, Budgie Desktop has been independent since January 1, 2022, and is developed by Buddies of Budgie, not Solus.

Need More Help?

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