Ubuntu 22.04 hides the file menu by default, but you can bring it back in seconds

Ubuntu 22.04 removed the traditional menu bar from the file manager (called Nautilus) to simplify the interface. If you are used to clicking a "File" menu to create folders, rename files, or access preferences, that menu is still there — it just lives in a different place. You can either access it through the hamburger button (three horizontal lines) in the top right of the file manager window, or you can restore the classic menu bar so it appears at the top of every window the way it did in older versions.

The choice depends on how you work. The hamburger menu takes one click and keeps your screen less cluttered. The classic menu bar takes up a little more space but puts all your options in a familiar place if you have been using Ubuntu for years.

Key Takeaways

  • The file menu in Ubuntu 22.04 is accessed through the hamburger button (three lines) in the top right corner of the file manager window.
  • You can restore the traditional menu bar at the top of the window by enabling it in Nautilus preferences under the "View" menu.
  • The hamburger menu and the classic menu bar show the same options — creating folders, renaming files, changing view settings, and accessing preferences.
  • Once you enable the menu bar, it will appear in every new file manager window you open until you turn it off again.

Finding the file menu through the hamburger button

Open the file manager by clicking the folder icon in your taskbar or by pressing the Super key (Windows key) and typing "Files". Once the window opens, look at the top right corner. You will see three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other — this is the hamburger button.

Click the hamburger button and a dropdown menu appears. This menu contains everything the old File menu had: "New Folder", "Rename", "Move to Trash", "Properties", and "Preferences". You can also find view options here, like switching between list view and icon view. This is the fastest way to access file operations if you only need them occasionally.

Restoring the classic menu bar at the top

If you prefer the menu bar to sit at the top of the file manager window the way it did in Ubuntu 20.04 and earlier, you can turn it back on. Open the file manager, click the hamburger button in the top right, and select "Preferences".

In the Preferences window, click the "View" tab. You will see a toggle labeled "Show Hidden Files" and other view options. Look for the option that says "Show Menubar" or "Show Menu Bar" and toggle it on. Close the Preferences window. The next time you open a file manager window, the menu bar will appear at the top, showing "File", "Edit", "View", and "Help" just like older versions of Ubuntu.

What you can do from the file menu

Whether you access it through the hamburger button or the classic menu bar, the file menu gives you the same set of tools. Under "File" you can create a new folder, open a new window, or close the current window. Under "Edit" you can select all files, deselect all, or access preferences. The "View" menu controls how files are displayed — list view, icon view, compact view — and lets you sort by name, date, or size.

You can also access file properties and preferences from the menu. Properties shows you details about a selected file: its size, when it was last modified, and what permissions are set on it. Preferences controls how the file manager behaves overall — whether to show hidden files, what to do when you double-click a file, and whether to show the menu bar itself.

Keyboard shortcuts as an alternative to the menu

If you find yourself opening the menu repeatedly for the same task, keyboard shortcuts can be faster. Press Ctrl+Shift+N to create a new folder without opening any menu. Press Ctrl+H to toggle hidden files on and off. Press Ctrl+A to select all files in the current folder, and Ctrl+Shift+A to deselect all.

You can see the full list of keyboard shortcuts by opening the file manager, clicking the hamburger button, selecting "Preferences", and then looking for a "Keyboard Shortcuts" or "Shortcuts" section. Some shortcuts are also listed directly in the menu next to the command name, so you can learn them as you go.

Switching between menu styles without restarting

If you turn the menu bar on or off, the change takes effect the next time you open a new file manager window. Any windows that are already open will keep their old style until you close and reopen them. You do not need to restart your computer or log out — just close the file manager completely and open it again.

If you want to test the menu bar before committing to it, open one file manager window with the menu bar on and keep another window open with the hamburger button. You can switch between them to see which style you prefer, then turn off whichever one you do not use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the File menu go in Ubuntu 22.04?

Canonical moved the menu into the hamburger button (three lines) in the top right corner to reduce clutter. The menu is still there — you just access it differently. You can restore the classic menu bar at the top if you prefer the older layout.

Can I have the menu bar show up automatically?

Yes. Open Preferences, go to the View tab, and toggle "Show Menubar" on. Every new file manager window will display the menu bar at the top from that point forward. The setting stays on until you turn it off again.

Is the hamburger menu the same as the File menu?

Yes, it contains the same options. The hamburger button just organizes them in a dropdown instead of a horizontal bar. Choose whichever layout feels more natural to you.

Do I need to update Ubuntu to get the menu bar back?

No. The menu bar option is built into Ubuntu 22.04 and later. You just need to enable it in Preferences. No updates or downloads are required.