Workplace switcher stopped working in Ubuntu 16.04

Question

I was using workplace switching for a long time and it suddenly stopped working today. Even after a fresh install, (some config left over as I preserved my /home folder).

Super + S still raises to show all work-spaces.

Clicking on a task-bar icon representing a window in another work-space no longer switches to that workspace + window.

Ctrl + Alt + ⟵ (any direction) no longer works.

Ctrl + Shift - Alt - ⟵ (any direction) no longer works.

I've verified that those key combos are registering by redundantly re-assigning the shortcut mappings.

Solution 1

Did another search today and found this: Can't switch workspaces

The advice to go to Compiz ccsm and activate Desktop Wall fixes the problem immediately.

What a relief !

Solution 2

I am experiencing the same problem, so I have filed a bug on launchpad.

Solution 3

Try the following.

sudo apt-get install dconf-tools

dconf reset -f /org/compiz/

This worked for me

Comments

[Wylie Кулик]

Did you see the answer I posted above ? It worked for me. You must install Compiz: apps.ubuntu.com/cat/applications/compizconfig-settings-manag‌​er

[collarblind]

This didn't work for me. Why are there so many different ways to enable workspaces that all don't work? I wish the Ubuntu team would stop adding stupid fluff to the OS and just focus on making it work properly.

[Wylie Кулик]

these days im using unity tweak tool-- havent experienced this issue in some time.

[collarblind]

I tried the Unity Tweak Tool on a fresh install just yesterday. Doesn't work either.

[bytepusher]

Even more mysterious: worked for a long time and was still working for another user on same system, having changed nothing. Suddenly stopped working. This fix worked for me. Thanks a bunch!

[Robert3452]

Worked for me. I had to install CompizConfig Settings Manager. Annoying this broke in the first place

[Casey Murray]

At the risk of incurring wrath for a thank you comment... THANK YOU!! You just boosted my productivity by at least 17%.

[Dig]

WHAT A RELIEF! I installed 18.04.4 and then ubuntu-unity-desktop... I grieved (a lot) when unable (for some reason) to use keyboard shortcuts between workspaces. Eventually I came across this post and installed Compiz ccsm and activated Desktop Wall. HURRAY and THANK YOU!

[Dig]

Specifically the shortcuts I wanted were the ONE STEP <Ctrl><Alt><Left> or <Right> or <Up> or <Down> NOT the TWO STEP <Super><s><Left> or <Right> or <Up> or <Down>.

[ssi-anik]

I was using 18.04 and it worked for me as well.