In Kubuntu, the KDE desktop environment uses the Plasma system to handle notifications for events such as new emails, application updates, and system messages. Users can control how and when notifications appear, choose sound or visual alerts, and activate a silent or Do Not Disturb mode for uninterrupted sessions. These preferences are managed through an integrated settings panel for fine-tuned customization. Due to the modular design of KDE, notification settings rely on the Plasma shell and optional back-end services like Pulseaudio, enabling a range of configuration options suitable for both standard desktop users and advanced system administrators.
Steps to configure notification settings in Kubuntu (KDE):
- Open the application launcher from the Plasma panel and select System Settings from the menu.
In some Kubuntu releases, the notifications panel may appear under a different category such as Desktop Behavior.
- In the System Settings window, select the Notifications category.
- Choose the application or system event from the list to modify its notification options.
- Check or uncheck the Show in popup option to enable or disable pop-up notifications for each event.
- Enable Play a sound and specify an alert sound to receive audible notifications.
- Adjust the volume for notification sounds using the integrated controls or the Audio Volume module.
- Click Advanced Settings to configure additional parameters, such as urgency levels or actions for critical notifications.
For a quieter workspace, use the Do Not Disturb switch to temporarily disable all notifications.
- Click Apply to save the changes, then exit the settings.
Tested on Kubuntu:
Version | Code Name |
---|---|
24.04 LTS | Noble Numbat |

Mohd Shakir Zakaria is a cloud architect with deep roots in software development and open-source advocacy. Certified in AWS, Red Hat, VMware, ITIL, and Linux, he specializes in designing and managing robust cloud and on-premises infrastructures.
Comment anonymously. Login not required.