How to install KDE on Ubuntu

Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop environment by default. However, KDE Plasma is a popular alternative for those who prefer a different look and feel. KDE offers customizable features that can better suit specific user needs. Installing KDE on Ubuntu provides a new interface while keeping Ubuntu's core functionality intact.

You can install KDE Plasma on Ubuntu through the terminal using the apt package manager. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a basic or a more comprehensive installation. The kde-plasma-desktop package provides essential KDE components, while the kubuntu-desktop package installs a complete KDE setup.

Switching between GNOME and KDE is possible during the login process. This allows you to choose the desktop environment that fits your current requirements. With both environments installed, you can easily customize your system according to your workflow.

1. Launch the terminal.
2. Update the apt package list.

   $ sudo apt update
   [sudo] password for user: 
   Hit:1 http://ports.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-ports kinetic-security InRelease
   Hit:2 http://us.ports.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-ports kinetic InRelease
   Hit:3 http://us.ports.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-ports kinetic-updates InRelease
   Hit:4 http://us.ports.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-ports kinetic-backports InRelease
   Reading package lists... Done
   Building dependency tree... Done
   Reading state information... Done
   All packages are up to date.

3. Upgrade installed packages using apt (optional).

   $ sudo apt dist-upgrade --assume-yes
   Reading package lists... Done
   Building dependency tree... Done
   Reading state information... Done
   Calculating upgrade... Done
   0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.

4. Install the kde-plasma-desktop meta-package via apt.

   $ sudo apt install --assume-yes kde-plasma-desktop
   Reading package lists... Done
   Building dependency tree... Done
   Reading state information... Done
   The following additional packages will be installed:
     aha appmenu-gtk-module-common appmenu-gtk3-module apt-config-icons-large
     apt-config-icons-large-hidpi baloo-kf5 bluedevil breeze breeze-cursor-theme
     breeze-gtk-theme breeze-icon-theme bup bup-doc catdoc cryfs debconf-kde-data
     debconf-kde-helper desktop-base docbook-xsl dolphin drkonqi encfs
     ffmpegthumbs fonts-hack fonts-noto-core fonts-noto-hinted fonts-noto-ui-core
     fonts-noto-unhinted fonts-quicksand frameworkintegration gamin git git-man
     haveged hwdata javascript-common kaccounts-providers kactivities-bin
   ##### snipped
   0 upgraded, 585 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.
   Need to get 352 MB of archives.
   After this operation, 1,211 MB of additional disk space will be used.
   ##### snipped

   This will install a basic KDE Plasma packages and experience on your Ubuntu system. To install a more complete KDE Plasma experience, you can install kubuntu-desktop meta package instead.

5. Choose SDDM as the display manager when prompted.

   Select Ok using the [TAB] key and press [ENTER] to continue on the Package configuration menu if you're first presented with the following screen. You'll get this screen if you're using a low resolution monitor and/or not running terminal in full screen.

   SDDM is the default display manager for Kubuntu/KDE.

6. Wait for the installation to complete.
7. Reboot the system.

   $ sudo reboot

8. Select KDE Plasma at the login screen.

   Select Ubuntu or Ubuntu on Wayland (Wayland) if you want to log in to GNOME desktop environment.