Let me take you back to where this journey might have started. Imagine you’re sitting down, ready to dive into Kali Linux—a powerhouse operating system used for everything from cybersecurity labs to file management. You’re exploring folders like a pro, and then it happens: you press Backspace, expecting to go back to the previous folder. Instead, you’re whisked away to the parent directory. You’re left wondering, “Wait, what just happened?”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Kali Linux treats Backspace differently from Windows, and it’s a common source of confusion for new users. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned techie, this guide will walk you through everything step by step—from fixing Backspace in various file managers to troubleshooting, customizing, and even mastering productivity tips. By the time you finish, your Backspace key will behave exactly how YOU want it to. Let’s dive in
Why Backspace Doesn’t Work Like Windows by Default
If you’re wondering why Backspace doesn’t just “go back” like it does in Windows, the answer lies in the way Linux handles file navigation.
The Design Philosophy of Linux Navigation
Linux file explorers like Thunar, Nautilus, and Dolphin use Backspace to move to the parent directory by default. This reflects a hierarchical navigation system that prioritizes structure and organization over browsing history. For example:
In Windows Explorer, Backspace acts as a shortcut for “Go Back.”
In Linux, Backspace moves you upward in the directory tree.
While this approach is intentional, it can feel counterintuitive for users accustomed to Windows. But Linux is all about freedom and flexibility, so you can easily customize Backspace to behave however you like.Fixing Backspace in Thunar (Default File Explorer in Kali)
Let’s get hands-on! If you’re using Thunar (Kali’s default file manager), here’s how to whip that Backspace key into shape.
2: Fixing Backspace in Thunar (Default File Explorer in Kali)
Let’s start with Thunar, the default file manager in Kali Linux. Fixing Backspace here is straightforward, and I’ll break it down step by step—even if you’re new to Linux.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Thunar
Step 1: Open the Terminal
New to Linux? No problem! Here’s how to open the terminal:
Method 1 (Graphical Way):
Look for the terminal icon in your applications menu. It usually looks like a black square with a white prompt (
>_).Click the icon to launch the terminal.
Method 2 (Keyboard Shortcut):
Press Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard, and the terminal will open.
What is a Terminal?
Think of the terminal as a tool where you type commands to tell your computer what to do. It might look intimidating, but it’s just like sending text messages to your system.
Step 2: Run the Command to Fix Backspace
Type this command into the terminal (exactly as shown):
xfconf-query -c thunar -p /shortcuts/backspace -t string -s "Previous"
What Does This Do?
This tells Thunar to use Backspace for the “Previous Folder” action, just like in Windows Explorer.
Step 3: Restart Thunar
To apply the changes, you’ll need to restart Thunar. Here’s how:
Close Thunar completely (click the “X” in the top-right corner).
Reopen it using the terminal:
pkill thunarthunar
If you prefer graphical methods, restart your computer, and the change will apply.
To apply the changes, you’ll need to restart Thunar. Here’s how:
Close Thunar completely (click the “X” in the top-right corner).
Reopen it using the terminal:
If you prefer graphical methods, restart your computer, and the change will apply.
Step 4: Test the Shortcut
Navigate through some folders in Thunar and press Backspace. If everything is working correctly, it should take you to the previous folder, not the parent directory.
Navigate through some folders in Thunar and press Backspace. If everything is working correctly, it should take you to the previous folder, not the parent directory.
3: Fixing Backspace in Nautilus (GNOME File Explorer)
If you’re using Nautilus, also known as GNOME Files, here’s how to fix Backspace navigation step by step.
If you’re using Nautilus, also known as GNOME Files, here’s how to fix Backspace navigation step by step.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Nautilus
Step 1: Open GNOME Settings
Here’s how to access GNOME’s settings:
Click on the Applications menu (usually a grid or “Start” button).
Search for “Settings” and select it.
Here’s how to access GNOME’s settings:
Click on the Applications menu (usually a grid or “Start” button).
Search for “Settings” and select it.
Step 2: Go to Keyboard Shortcuts
In the settings menu:
Click on Keyboard or Shortcuts.
Look for shortcuts related to file navigation.
In the settings menu:
Click on Keyboard or Shortcuts.
Look for shortcuts related to file navigation.
Step 3: Remap Backspace
Find the action labeled “Navigate Back” and assign Backspace to it. This will override the default behavior.
Find the action labeled “Navigate Back” and assign Backspace to it. This will override the default behavior.
Step 4: Test the Shortcut
Open Nautilus, browse a few folders, and press Backspace to check if it navigates back as expected.
Open Nautilus, browse a few folders, and press Backspace to check if it navigates back as expected.
4: Fixing Backspace in Dolphin (KDE File Explorer)
For users of Dolphin, the KDE file manager, fixing Backspace is just as simple.
For users of Dolphin, the KDE file manager, fixing Backspace is just as simple.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Dolphin
Step 1: Open Dolphin Settings
To access Dolphin’s configuration menu:
Click on Settings in the Dolphin toolbar.
Select Configure Dolphin.
To access Dolphin’s configuration menu:
Click on Settings in the Dolphin toolbar.
Select Configure Dolphin.
Step 2: Navigate to Shortcuts
In the settings window:
Click on Shortcuts.
Look for the action labeled “Go Back”.
In the settings window:
Click on Shortcuts.
Look for the action labeled “Go Back”.
Step 3: Assign Backspace
Remap Backspace to the “Go Back” action.
Remap Backspace to the “Go Back” action.
Step 4: Test Your Setup
Close Dolphin and reopen it to apply changes. Then navigate folders and press Backspace to test the shortcut.
Close Dolphin and reopen it to apply changes. Then navigate folders and press Backspace to test the shortcut.
5: Advanced Customization Using AutoKey
If you want Backspace to behave consistently across all applications—not just file explorers—AutoKey is your solution.
If you want Backspace to behave consistently across all applications—not just file explorers—AutoKey is your solution.
Step-by-Step Guide for AutoKey
Step 1: Install AutoKey
Open the terminal and run:
sudo apt install autokey-gtk
Open the terminal and run:
sudo apt install autokey-gtk
Step 2: Create a Backspace Remap Script
Launch AutoKey and create a new script. Here’s the code:
keyboard.send_keys("<alt>+<left>")
Launch AutoKey and create a new script. Here’s the code:
Step 3: Assign the Script to Backspace
Save the script and assign it to the Backspace key. This ensures Backspace acts as Alt + Left Arrow, the universal “Go Back” shortcut.
Save the script and assign it to the Backspace key. This ensures Backspace acts as Alt + Left Arrow, the universal “Go Back” shortcut.
6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes Backspace doesn’t behave as expected. Here’s how to tackle common problems:
Sometimes Backspace doesn’t behave as expected. Here’s how to tackle common problems:
Backspace Doesn’t Work in Terminal
If Backspace doesn’t delete characters in the terminal, run this command: stty erase ^H
If Backspace doesn’t delete characters in the terminal, run this command: stty erase ^H
Changes Not Applying
Make sure you restarted the file manager after making changes.
Make sure you restarted the file manager after making changes.
Reset Configuration Files
If all else fails, reset the file manager settings:
mv ~/.config/Thunar ~/.config/Thunar.bak
If all else fails, reset the file manager settings:
mv ~/.config/Thunar ~/.config/Thunar.bak
7: Exploring Alternatives
If Thunar, Nautilus, or Dolphin don’t meet your needs, try these alternatives:
If Thunar, Nautilus, or Dolphin don’t meet your needs, try these alternatives:
Nemo (Cinnamon File Manager):
Lightweight and customizable.
Lightweight and customizable.
PCManFM (LXDE File Manager):
Great for users who prefer simplicity.
Great for users who prefer simplicity.
8: Productivity Tips and Tricks
Essential Keyboard Shortcuts:
Alt + Left Arrow: Go back.
Alt + Right Arrow: Move forward.
Alt + Up Arrow: Parent directory.
Alt + Left Arrow: Go back.
Alt + Right Arrow: Move forward.
Alt + Up Arrow: Parent directory.
9: Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Backspace Work Differently in Linux?
It reflects Linux’s emphasis on hierarchical navigation.
It reflects Linux’s emphasis on hierarchical navigation.
Will My Changes Persist After Updates?
Yes, as long as configuration files aren’t overwritten.
By now, your Backspace key should behave exactly how you want it to—whether you’re navigating through Thunar, Nautilus, Dolphin, or other file managers. Linux gives you the freedom to customize everything, and this guide was built to make that process as smooth as possible.
~Happy breaking!
Yes, as long as configuration files aren’t overwritten.
By now, your Backspace key should behave exactly how you want it to—whether you’re navigating through Thunar, Nautilus, Dolphin, or other file managers. Linux gives you the freedom to customize everything, and this guide was built to make that process as smooth as possible.
~Happy breaking!
