How to Install KDE Plasma on Debian 12?
KDE Plasma is a versatile desktop environment known for its customization options, performance, and integrated applications. Whether you’re a newcomer or a professional Linux user, KDE Plasma offers a dynamic and user-friendly experience. With KDE Plasma, Debian gains access to a vast range of customizable tools and features. As well as, it provides a graphical desktop (advanced) along with a lot of applications for education, communication, entertainment, and work.
This guide will demonstrate the step-by-step instructions to install KDE Plasma on Debian 12.
Let’s start with the installation.
How to Install KDE Plasma on Debian 12?
KDE Plasma enhances the Debian experience by providing a modern, visually appealing interface. The installation of KDE Plasma on Debian 12 can be done in the stated ways:
Let’s begin with the first one.
Way 1: Install KDE Plasma Using APT Package Manager
The APT package manager provides the easiest as well as most reliable way to install any package on the Linux system. To install KDE Plasma on Debian 12 using the APT package manager, here are the steps:
Step 1: Update Debian System
Before installing KDE Plasma, make sure the Debian operating system is upgraded/up-to-date via the following commands:
sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade
Note: It is a necessary step to install the available version (latest) of any package on a Linux system.
Step 2: Install KDE Plasma (Desktop Version)
Once your system is updated, proceed with the installation of KDE Plasma ((Desktop Version) with the help of the below command:
sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktop
The following screen appears. Utilize the “<OK>” to continue the procedure:
After that, select the display manager (default). For instance, select “sddm” (because of its vast feature profile):
Once the installation procedure is done, restart the operating system. Then, log in via the desktop environment based on user need.
Step 3: Reboot System
After the installation is completed, it’s a good job/practice to reboot the system to apply the configuration/changes:
sudo reboot
Step 4: Verify (KDE Plasma)
Upon reboot, users display the KDE Plasma login screen (or login via the desired desktop environment). Then, select “Plasma” as the desktop environment and log in:
Let display its home screen:
Install KDE Plasma (Full Version)
To install the full version of KDE Plasma on Debian 12, use the “kde-full” utility:
sudo apt install kde-full
Install KDE Plasma (Standard Version)
Users can install the standard version of KDE Plasma on Debian 12 with the help of the “kde-standard” utility as below:
sudo apt install kde-standard
While installing each of the above “kde” versions, the same process is repeated which is discussed earlier in this section.
Finally, users can now experience the functionality of KDE Plasma on the Debian 12 system.
Postfix Configuration (Picking Right Path: Wayland or X11?)
KDE Plasma supports both the Wayland and X11 display protocols. During login, users can choose between them. The “Wayland” offers modern features, while the “X11” is more established. Experiment with both to find your preference:
This is all from the first method.
Way 2: Install KDE Plasma Using the Tasksel Tool
On Debian-based linux distributions, the “Tasksel” tool contains the “KDE Task”. To install the “KDE” with the help of “Tasksel”, consider below step by step instructions:
Step 1: Install Tasksel Tool
It is pre-installed on Debian 12. Users can utilize the following command for re-installation:
sudo apt install tasksel
Note: This built-in utility offers a lot of features and tools including various desktop environments.
Step 2: Install KDE Plasma
Let’s start installing KDE plasma (desktop version) via the following script. It retrieves as well as installs the packages (including dependencies) for the environment (“kde desktop”):
sudo tasksel install kde-desktop
Step 3: Choose KDE Plasma (Environment)
To install KDE Plasma (desktop version), navigate to the specific software in the package configuration interface. In our case, select “KDE Plasma” as below and hit the “OK”: button
sudo tasksel
Note: Similarly, users can select the other desktop environment based on preferences.
Step 4: Reboot System
For applying the configuration on Debian 12, users need to reboot/restart the system:
sudo reboot
In this way, the installation of KDE Plasma has been done.
Remove/Uninstall KDE Plasma
To uninstall/remove the KDE completely, utilize the “remove” utility as below:
sudo apt remove kde* # Remove KDE (package only) sudo apt remove --purge kde* # Remove KDE (package as well dependencies) sudo apt autoremove kde* # Remove KDE (completely)
Switch Desktop Environments
To switch or change the desktop environments, navigate to the bottom left corner “Desktop session” option and hit it:
Now, users can select/choose the desktop environment. For instance, select the “Plasma (Wayland)” as below:
That is all from the installation guide.
How to Use KDE Plasma on Debian 12?
Once installed, users can customize Plasma with themes, widgets, and extensions. In addition, navigate the System Settings to customize the desktop experience. Some notable features of KDE Plasma include:
- System Tray: It manages notifications and accesses system utilities.
- KRunner: A powerful launcher that lets users quickly open applications, perform calculations, and more.
- KDE Connect: Seamlessly connect the Android device to your computer for file sharing, controlling media playback, and more.
In this way, KDE plasma has been installed/configured on Debian 12. Users can explore the application menu, system settings, and widgets. As well as customize the desktop, themes, and fonts for fine-tuning.
Follow the official link to learn more about KDE Plasma commands for advanced configuration.
Conclusion
To install KDE Plasma on Debian 12, update/upgrade the packages, install KDE Plasma Desktop via the “sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktop” command, and reboot the system. Users can also install the “full” (for all utilities and applications) and “standard” (required utilities and applications) versions of KDE Plasma via the “sudo apt install kde-<version>” commands.
The most recommended for basic utilities and applications is the “kde-plasma-desktop” version. Alternatively, use the “Tasksel” utility to install the KDE Plasma on Debian 12. This guide has discussed all possible ways to install KDE Plasma on Debian 12 along with graphical representation.
