dconf-reset

Reset a specific key value

$ dconf reset /[path/to/key]

$ dconf reset -f /[path/to/directory]/

dconf reset [-f] [-h] [KEY...]

-f, --force
    Force reset even if the key already matches the default value

-h, --help
    Display help message and exit

The dconf reset command is a utility for the dconf configuration system, primarily used in GNOME and compatible desktop environments. dconf stores user settings in a binary database, providing a low-level key-value store for applications.

This command resets specified keys or paths to their factory default values, overwriting any customizations. It is invaluable for troubleshooting, such as fixing broken UI behaviors, reverting accidental changes, or restoring defaults after testing extensions or themes.

By default, it targets the user's dconf profile (~/.config/dconf/user). For directories (paths ending in '/'), it recursively resets all keys beneath. Use cases include resetting desktop settings like /org/gnome/desktop/interface/ for themes or /org/gnome/shell/ for extensions.

Output is minimal unless errors occur, making it safe for scripting. Always consider backing up with dconf dump first, as changes are immediate and irreversible without prior export.

Resets are permanent; back up with dconf dump first. Only affects writable profiles. System-wide resets require elevated privileges via --profile system (not default). Paths must exist; invalid paths are ignored.

dconf reset /org/gnome/desktop/interface/
Reset all interface settings recursively.

dconf reset -f /org/gnome/shell/favorite-apps
Force reset favorite apps list.

Use --profile DIR to target custom profiles, e.g., --profile system for /etc/dconf/db.

Introduced with dconf in GNOME 3.0 (2011), replacing GConf. Developed by Collabora for Red Hat, it stabilized in GNOME 3.2. Widely used in Fedora, Ubuntu GNOME spins.

dconf(1), gsettings(1), dconf-dump(1), dconf-load(1), dconf-editor(1)