KDE Plasma, the flagship product of the KDE community, offers a transformative desktop experience. Renowned for its adaptability and user-centric design, it stands as a testament to the power of open-source innovation, providing a desktop environment that is both visually stunning and functionally rich.
Popular Features of KDE Plasma:
- Unparalleled Customizability: KDE Plasma is a haven for those who love to tailor their desktop environment, offering extensive options to modify its aesthetics and operations.
- Modular Design: KDE Plasma’s architecture empowers users to select specific components for installation, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
- Cutting-Edge Innovations: With features like the Activities concept, KDE Plasma paves the way for efficient workspace and application management.
- Expansive Software Suite: The KDE ecosystem encompasses a broad spectrum of integrated software, from productivity tools to multimedia applications and games.
While the default GNOME desktop is revered for its modernity and simplicity, it might not resonate with everyone’s preferences. KDE Plasma emerges as a compelling alternative, catering to those who seek deeper customization or specific functionalities absent in GNOME.
Now, the guide will proceed to the instructions for installing KDE Plasma, including the option for those who prefer utilizing PPA for the latest software and can deal with any issues that arise by importing the Kubuntu backports PPA.
Pre-Installation Steps For KDE Plasma
Updating Ubuntu Before KDE Plasma Installation
The first and foremost step is to ensure your Ubuntu system is fully up-to-date. The operating system and all installed packages should be at their latest versions to avoid potential compatibility issues during the KDE installation. Essentially, this step is akin to preparing a clean, stable platform for a large construction project.
Execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeImporting KDE Plasma Backports PPA
Note: This is optional. If you prefer stability over new applications, skip the installation part in the next section.
By default, Ubuntu’s LTS repository maintains a slow and steady pace of updates for KDE Plasma applications and system components to maintain stability. However, this might not suit everyone, especially if you’re eager to receive the latest features and updates.
You can add the Kubuntu Backports PPA to your system to bridge this gap. This will allow you to receive more frequent updates for KDE Plasma applications and system packages. While this step is optional, it is highly recommended for an optimal KDE experience.
To add the Kubuntu Backports PPA, execute the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kubuntu-ppa/backports -yAfter adding the PPA, remember to update your system’s package lists to include the newly added repository. You can do this with the following command:
sudo apt updateSelect KDE Plasma Installation Option
Option 1: Install KDE Full
The first variant we’ll discuss is KDE Full. This is the most comprehensive package, including all KDE applications and the core KDE Plasma Desktop. If your system has ample resources and you wish to enjoy the full suite of KDE features, this is your option. The total package size is approximately 4 to 5GB.
To install KDE Full, use the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt install kde-fullOption 2: Install KDE Standard
The second variant is KDE Standard. This package includes the core KDE Plasma Desktop and a selection of standard applications, such as a web browser, text editor, and email client. This balanced option provides essential functionality without consuming as many system resources as KDE Full. The total package size is about 1.5 to 2GB.
To install KDE Standard, execute the following command:
sudo apt install kde-standardOption 3: Install KDE Plasma Desktop
The third and most lightweight option is the KDE Plasma Desktop. This minimal package has just the core KDE Plasma Desktop and a few basic applications. It’s ideal for systems with limited resources or users who prefer a lean setup. The total package size is just under 1.0 to 1.5GB.
To install KDE Plasma Desktop, use the following command:
sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktopNote: Regardless of the variant you choose, the following steps in the installation process will remain largely the same.
During the installation, you will encounter a screen titled “Configuring sddm.” KDE Plasma is designed to work optimally with the Simple Desktop Display Manager (SDDM). To proceed with the configuration, press the TAB key to highlight the <Ok> option and hit the ENTER key to confirm your choice.
Configuring the SDDM for Virtual Machines
If you’re running KDE Plasma on a virtual machine, there’s a known issue where the initial login screen displays a large keyboard interface upon reboot. To circumvent this, you must make a minor tweak before rebooting.
First, check the content of the SDDM configuration file to see if it exists. You can do this by using the cat command:
cat /etc/sddm.confIf the file does not exist or does not contain the following lines, you’ll need to add them:
echo -e "[General]\nInputMethod=" | sudo tee -a /etc/sddm.confReboot the System To Complete the KDE Plasma Installation
After completing the KDE Plasma installation and making any necessary adjustments to the SDDM configuration, reboot your system. This ensures that all changes are correctly applied and that KDE Plasma is properly initialized.
You can initiate the reboot directly from your terminal by running the following command:
sudo rebootRemember, the sudo The command is used to execute commands with administrative privileges, which are necessary for actions like system reboots. Your system will then shut down and start back up. Once rebooted, you can log in to your new KDE Plasma Desktop Environment and explore its features.
Accessing the KDE Plasma Desktop Environment
Initiating the Login Process
After your system reboots, you will be greeted with the login screen. This portal leads you into your new KDE Plasma Desktop Environment.
Here’s where you’ll notice the first signs of change. The login screen’s look and feel might vary depending on the default theme KDE Plasma has set.
Logging into the KDE Plasma Session
Proceed to input your credentials and log in. In the top left-hand corner of your screen, you should see “Plasma” as the default session type. If it’s not already selected, click on the session drop-down menu and choose “Plasma.” This selection ensures you enter the KDE Plasma environment rather than your previous desktop environment.
Note: The image below is an example after installing KDE Plasma on Ubuntu, depending on your Ubuntu distribution version and customized setup, KDE Plasma may look different after installation.
Additional Commands with KDE Plasma
Switching Your Default Display Manager with KDE Plasma
At some point, you might want to switch your default display manager from SDDM (Simple Desktop Display Manager), which KDE Plasma uses, back to GDM (GNOME Display Manager) to use with GNOME or any other desktop environment. To do this, you will need to reconfigure your display manager.
Open your terminal, and use the following command to trigger the configuration window for selecting your default display manager:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure sddmThis command will present you with a pop-up from which you can choose your preferred display manager. Remember to reboot your system after switching display managers for the changes to take effect.
Remove KDE Plasma
If you decide KDE Plasma is not for you, uninstall it from your Ubuntu system. Before you do, however, you should reconfigure your display manager from SDDM to GDM3:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure sddmNext, you can remove KDE Plasma and all its components using the following command:
sudo apt autoremove '^kde' '^kubuntu' '^plasma' --purgeIf you previously added the Kubuntu backports PPA during your KDE Plasma installation, it is recommended to remove it:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kubuntu-ppa/backports --remove -yAfter you’ve removed KDE Plasma, you may want to reinstall the Ubuntu GNOME desktop. This is because sometimes, specific packages that GNOME relies on might have been removed during the uninstallation of KDE Plasma. To reinstall the Ubuntu GNOME desktop, update your package list and install the ubuntu-gnome-desktop package:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop --reinstallLastly, reboot your system to ensure all changes are correctly applied:
sudo rebootFollowing these steps, you can manage your KDE Plasma installation and make necessary changes to your Ubuntu desktop environment.
Final Thoughts
In our comprehensive guide, we have navigated installing KDE Plasma on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04. This journey included choosing between the three KDE Plasma variants, dealing with possible bugs, logging in to the KDE Plasma desktop environment, getting started with KDE Plasma, and managing the KDE Plasma installation. One of KDE Plasma’s key strengths is its flexibility and ability to customize it to your liking. Moreover, its compatibility with Ubuntu Linux makes it an excellent choice for those desiring a powerful, user-friendly desktop environment.