KDE (K Desktop Environment) is one of the most popular UNIX desktop environments particularly for Linux distributions. It is open-source and has an appealing graphical user interface.
Important features of KDE Plasma are Widgets and Applets. Moreover, it contains an “Application Launcher” and different desktop themes.
KDE works with Debian 12 and it can be installed on it using the method explained in this post.
What are the Installation Methods for KDE Plasma Desktop on Debian 12?
KDE Plasma Desktop can be installed by one of the below-mentioned methods:
Method 1: Install KDE Plasma Desktop Using the Debian’s Default Repository
The recommended approach for installation of the packages on Debian 12 is by using the default repository’s packages. To install the KDE Plasma Desktop on Debian 12, follow the procedure outlined below.
Step 1: Upgradation all of the Debian’s Packages
Update and upgrade all the packages to ensure the installation of the new KDE Plasma Desktop:
$ sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Install KDE Plasma Desktop
After upgradation, all the packages, install KDE Plasma Desktop by running the command:
$ sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktop -y
Step 3: Reboot the Computer
To save and apply the new changes, restart the computer:
$ sudo reboot
How to Uninstall KDE Plasma Desktop on Debian 12?
To remove the KDE Plasma Desktop from Debian 12, run the following command:
$ sudo apt purge kde-plasma-desktop -y
Method 2: Install KDE Plasma Desktop Using the tasksel Command Utility
Another approach for the installation of the desktop environments including KDE Plasma Desktop is by using the tasksel. For this, first, install the tasksel command utility and then install the KDE Plasma Desktop.
Step 1: tasksel Command Utility Should be Installed
To begin, use the following command to install tasksel command utility:
$ sudo apt install tasksel -y
Step 2: Installing KDE Plasma on Debian 12
Using the tasksel command utility, install the KDE Plasma Desktop on Debian 12 and to do this, run the tasksel:
$ sudo tasksel
Step 3: Choose the KDE Plasma Desktop
Now choose “KDE Plasma” from the list of desktop environments and then click on “Ok”:
Installation of the KDE Plasma will begin:
Step 4: Reboot the Computer
Restart or reboot the computer with the command:
$ sudo reboot
How to Switch to the KDE Plasma Desktop on Debian 12?
To switch from the default desktop environment to the installed KDE Plasma Desktop, follow the steps.
Step 1: Select the Desktop Sessions
To begin, go to top of the screen and select the icon of the Desktop sessions:
Step 2: Select the KDE Plasma Desktop
Select the KDE Plasma Desktop from the appeared drop-down menu:
Step 3: Log in to the Computer
To log in, provide the following username and password:
The KDE Plasma Desktop interface is now visible.
These are two different installation methods of KDE Plasma Desktop on Debian 12.
Conclusion
To install the KDE Plasma Desktop on Debian 12, either run the command “sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktop -y” or run the tasksel command utility. Both methods are explained in the step-by-step guide in this blog. Switching method to KDE Plasma Desktop has also been explained in this blog.
