Ubuntu’s developers have implemented a fix for an annoying issue concerning the window focus behavior of the Update Manager, set to be released with version 25.10. Many users have experienced interruptions while working, as the Update Manager would unexpectedly pop up, taking focus away from the task at hand.
Under the Wayland display server, the Update Manager opens in a way that captures focus, causing frustration for users typing documents, navigating file managers, or coding. In contrast, the application can be launched in the background with the --no-focus-on-map flag under X11. However, this functionality is lacking in Wayland, leading to focus stealing.
Alessandro Astone from the Ubuntu team detailed this in a bug report, explaining that GNOME Shell and many Wayland desktops push new windows to the forefront by default, as explicit focus-request mechanisms are not yet widely established.
In response to this, developers are modifying the Update Manager’s behavior to reduce disruptions. The solution involves displaying a desktop notification that informs users about pending updates without seizing their ongoing input. Users will now have the option to view updates or install them directly via this notification. If a user dismisses the notification, an applet will remain in the system tray for easy access.
As the 25.10 version is already in beta—beyond the interface and feature freeze milestones—developers sought and received a Feature Freeze Exception to implement this change in a non-LTS release. This approach will allow thorough testing of the new feature to ensure that long-term support (LTS) users are not negatively impacted.
If you’ve found the Update Manager’s behavior disruptive, this upcoming fix aims to make your experience smoother by preventing unexpected interruptions during your work.