GNOME 43 wasreleasedon September 21, 2022, bringing with it several changes and improvements.

Here’s what’s new in this popular Linux desktop environment preinstalled on many Linux distributions.

GNOME 43

GNOMEis one of the most popular graphical desktop environments on Linux.

GNOME 43 beta desktop

Dave McKay/How-To Geek

Practically every distribution has a release featuring GNOME.

GNOME 43 is more of the same.

Don’t expect major changes this time round.

GNOME 43 File browser with close button and address bar highlighted

That’s not to say it is inconsequential.

There are the expected subtle cosmetic touches, with more applications adopting a deeper integration with the

theming engine.

But there’s also new functionality, including the Files file web app being enhanced.

GNOME 43 File browser with the sidebar auto-removed

It is now adaptive and will give a better user experience on mobile devices.

Rolling distributions based onArchsuch asGaruda Linux,Manjaro Linux, andEndeavourOSare picking it up as well.

Note that it’ll only work in the version of Boxes you could install from Flathub.

GNOME 43 File browser with the sidebar recalled by using the “Show Sidebar” button

Files File web client (Nautilus)

There are cosmetic tweaks throughout GNOME 43.

The close button has a more defined circle around it.

The changes to the Files file web app are more than simply cosmetic.

GNOME 43 File browser showing “starred” files and directories

It now adapts its interface to the dimensions of its window.

Dragging the window into a narrower shape eventually triggers the removal of the sidebar.

The sidebar can be accessed by clicking the “Show Sidebar” toolbar icon.

The “Page Source” option inthe right-click context menu in the Web browser

When you’ve finished with the sidebar you might dismiss it by clicking anywhere in the main software window.

Clicking on the “Starred” option in the sidebar shows all of your starred entries.

“Floating” badges or emblems are used to indicate properties or characteristics of the files and directories.

The “Extensions” option in the hamburger menu in the Web browser

Related:What Is an API, and How Do Developers Use Them?

Another color-based initiative that might make the cut is the “Recoloring API.”

A more significant enhancement to the web internet tool is the ability to use Firefox extensions.

A Firefox extension installed in the GNOME 43 Web browser

After a little human intervention, an “Extensions” option appeared in the hamburger menu.

It was a clunky process.

Presumably, in the final release, these manual steps won’t be required.

Again, it was a little clunky, but it worked.

We couldinstall and use FIrefox extensions.

Well-behaved applications will sensibly follow global color-related options, and light and dark mode options.

That might leave you feeling a little underwhelmed.

You wouldn’t see the improvements unless you checked out the enhancements to the engine and drive train.

GNOME 43 won’t blow you away with new eye candy or toys.

Related:How to Install and Use Another Desktop Environment on Linux