linuxmint / linuxmint/cinnamon

[BUG] Grouped Window List not showing open programs

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BUG REPRODUCED stale
Dominant language
JavaScript
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Merged PRs (30d)
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Description

 * Cinnamon 5.4.11
 * Distribution - Mint 21 
 * Graphics hardware *and* driver used - Device-1: AMD Lucienne driver: amdgpu v: kernel
 * 64 bit
Issue

The Group Windows List applet is having an issue in which it does not display the open programs properly.

For example, if I have Firefox open, it should have a line under it and when I hover it should show my open Firefox instances. Or same with the Nemo file browser (or other applications). But it sometimes acts as if a particular application is open. If I hover over it, I see no previews like normal and clicking on it should bring it to the foreground, but instead opens a new instance. I can alt-tab over to the program but the GWL does not acknowledge that the program is open, even if it is in the forefront. I've tried to remove Window List and add it back in with fresh settings but it behaves the same.

This happens at random. It can work fine for a while and then will stop working for no reason that I have yet to observe. This system was upgraded from LM20.3 to LM21. I have multiple screens and will frequently switch screens as I am often mobile with my laptop

Steps to reproduce

Open programs that display in the Grouped Window List. Open program may eventually stop being shown as open in GWL.

Expected behaviour

Open program should be shown as open until it is terminated.

Other information
Configuration info, if applicable

Here are the exported settings from the Applet Preferences
https://pastebin.com/NrbbWVdT

Contributor guide

No contributing guide indexed for this repository

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start with the Grouped Window List applet and reproduce the issue by opening Firefox, Nemo, or other programs, then switching across multiple screens until an open program is no longer recognized. Review the exported applet settings linked in the issue and compare the applet's state with Alt-Tab. Done means open programs remain shown, previews work, and clicking an entry focuses the existing instance instead of opening another.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
javascript
Domain
desktop
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Active
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
45/100

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