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I just installed Ubuntu 18. Since the top bar is only on the primary monitor, I can't use the mouse to grab and move my Chrome window (the top of the screen looks like below). Trying to do so results in grabbing a single tab and opening it in a new window.

enter image description here

Is there a way around this? Ideally, I'd like to have the top bar across all screens. Another obvious disadvantage of only having the top bar on one screen is that the window menu of any window, not just Chrome, is displayed on the left upper corner of my left screen even when the window is in the lower right corner of the right screen.

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    Just FYI, this has been reported (as a wish for native level implementation) but it seems like it doesn't have much traction. If you'd like to see this implemented natively feel free to vote/comment here: bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gnome-shell/+bug/1682542
    – GrayedFox
    Oct 12, 2018 at 7:36
  • @GrayedFox Thanks for posting that bug, I voted and commented - as I think everyone should.
    – FKEinternet
    Mar 12, 2021 at 0:01
  • It blows my mind that this wasn't the default option (who came up with idea of a 'primary' monitor anyways?), and wasn't even supported at all.
    – Raleigh L.
    Aug 19, 2022 at 1:45

3 Answers 3

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You can use a Gnome Shell extension, such as Multi Monitors, to add the top bar on the second monitor.

If you're not familiar with installing Gnome Shell extensions, you may want to see this: How do I install and manage GNOME Shell extensions?

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  • It seems that downloading the extension requires somehow figuring your Shell version (3.32, 3.30, etc), what might be the best way? I also wonder how much do people find this extension very safe/stable to install, if anyone cares sharing (please!)
    – matanster
    Jun 23, 2019 at 7:28
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    This doesn't show extensions on all monitors
    – Kennet Celeste
    Feb 10, 2020 at 18:30
  • I got the top bar with this but not the indicators that appear on the right side of the bar (sound, network, battery etc.) appeared on all the monitors.
    – Bikash Gyawali
    Oct 28, 2020 at 17:36
  • I did also not get any indicators on 20.04.
    – Consumology
    Apr 18, 2021 at 22:08
  • This extension no longer works (or even is installable) as of Ubuntu 22 unfortunately. Clicking the install button on the page does nothing.
    – Raleigh L.
    Aug 19, 2022 at 1:44
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For me the easiest option was to revert to the Unity desktop manager (which was standard before but then got replaced by GNOME in Ubuntu 18) using

$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install ubuntu-unity-desktop
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    I would note that this is an extreme last resort. This is a heavy measure to take, especially for new users of Ubuntu. Using a shell extension is far simpler and maintains the default desktop manager (the one with the current most support, used by most users).
    – Todd
    Dec 16, 2018 at 3:59
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    @Todd I was kind of new at the time of this question. "Gnome shell extension" already sounds difficult and hacky, and the fact that the installation instructions in the answer above start by requiring the installation of gnometweaktools didnt help get rid of that impression. I have never had any problems or even noticed that I have installed Unity and I don't see how anything can be simpler than a single apt install. For real producticity, not just brainless and inferior Windows clones I recommend i3 nowadays by the way. This is where it gets complicated ;)
    – Bananach
    Dec 16, 2018 at 5:50
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    @Shakil That doesn't sound correct, a fresh installation should only offer GNOME 3 sessions.
    – pomsky
    Nov 15, 2019 at 14:44
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    thats like replacing your car because you dont want to change the radio in the car. Gnome shell extensions is not a by-product, its an extensibility option BUILT into the gnome desktop.
    – Mickey Perlstein
    Apr 12, 2020 at 9:15
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    @MickeyPerlstein I actually like that comparison. In modern cars, changing the radio is more complicated than buying the same car again with a different radio. I wouldn't do that because it'd be expensive, but luckily Linux is free. I'll choose a two line 10 seconds solution over multi step, multi tool, day wasting solution anytime
    – Bananach
    Apr 12, 2020 at 10:28
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In the default GNOME window manager that comes with Ubuntu 18, you can move any window by holding down the Windows key while clicking on the window you want to move. Drag it to its' new position and you're done!

Note, in the Unity window manager, used before Ubuntu 17, you would hold down the Alt key instead.

I personally lament the absence of this feature every time I have to use Windows or a Mac.

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