Question

2

Gnome shell extension update: ERROR

rated 0 times [ 2] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 1750 / 3 Years ago, fri, august 20, 2021, 2:12:56

Ubuntu 21.04, Xorg, gnome-shell 3.28.4.

I occasionally get a message that this-or-that Gnome shell extension should be updated. (Latest: Lock Keys).
Trying to update the extension invariably leads to the ubiquitous red "ERROR" message on the extension list (and a defunct extension). The solution is always to restart X (Alt+F2, r), then everything works again (until the next update is signalled).
When booting, I always choose GNOME on Xorg, as that gives me the desktop I want.

But this extension update behaviour? Why do I get this, the system is apparently unfinished. Anyone? Thanks :)

Answers

Only authorized users can answer the question. Please sign in first, or register a free account.

entmpy

Add To Favorites

Follow

Total Points: 52

Total Questions: 112

Total Answers: 113

Location: Marshall Islands

Member since Tue, Sep 21, 2021

3 Years ago

entmpy questions

1 Ubuntu 22.04 does not recognize my microphone's headset when plugging in, just audio

Sat, Feb 4, 23, 00:19, 1 Year ago

1 Where to Source your .Profile (Ubuntu 21.10)

Tue, Feb 15, 22, 08:19, 2 Years ago

1 Is it Safe to Remove gnome-software?

Fri, Feb 4, 22, 07:01, 2 Years ago

1 Chrome, Firefox, Chromium all freezing and crashing Ubuntu 20.04

Tue, Apr 11, 23, 14:51, 1 Year ago

1 Can't install NVIDIA drivers after I accidentally removed them

Sat, Dec 3, 22, 22:32, 1 Year ago

View All

answered 3 Years ago theurn · Accepted Answer

First, installing Gnome Shell extensions from the Gnome Extensions website is not by default supported in an Ubuntu install. So you enable and do this on your own responsability. This is not a matter of "the system apparently being unfinished.".

Many Gnome Extensions are made by volunteers like you and me (or rather, those who know java scripting anyway -;). The interface against which developers make extensions is 1) poorly documented and 2) still changes between versions. Accordingly, a newer version working on a newer version of Gnome Shell may not work anymore on an older version.

Your best bet probably is to disable automatic updates of extensions. If an extension breaks, remove it and try reinstalling it, however specifically selecting a "Shell version" from the drop down menu.

The most reliable experience with Gnome Shell extensions is to install them preferably from the Ubuntu software sources, i.e., using Ubuntu Software or through the command line (type sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension then Tab to autocomplete to see all available packages). These versions were specifically tested for your current Ubuntu version.