KDE Linux

A free Linux®-based operating system built by KDE

Plasma

Currently the Testing edition is available, showcasing the latest and greatest in-development versions of KDE's Plasma desktop environment and apps.

Other editions suitable for the general public are in progress.

Install KDE Linux

Key Benefits

Safe

KDE Linux offers reliable system updates and takes a snapshot before every one, so you can roll back if there are any issues.

All code is open and auditable, and no data is ever sent to KDE unless you authorize it.

Simple

The Plasma desktop environment is familiar and intuitive, offering panels, app launchers, icons, and menus where you expect them.

Flexible

Set up the system the way you like with the customizability built into Plasma. Show off your style or turn it into a high productivity workhorse!

Powerful

KDE Linux offers a rich catalogue of professional-caliber software for any purpose, all for free.

General Information

How is this free? What's the catch?

No catch! KDE Linux is a volunteer-run project with financial support from KDE e.V. There are no ads, and it does not transmit or sell your personal information.

Who is KDE Linux for?

At the moment, only the Testing edition is available. The more these sentences describe you, the happier you'll be using it:

  • You're a KDE fan
  • You get excited about modern technology like Systemd, immutable OSs, containerized apps, and Btrfs
  • You want to participate in KDE's QA process and find issues early
  • You're a KDE Plasma developer
  • You don't have an NVIDIA GPU that's over 6 years old

How do I install apps?

The Discover app is your gateway to the world of Linux apps. Open it and browse through what's available, or search for something specific.

How do I update the system?

KDE Linux will notify you when updates are available. Just click the notification about updates to launch Discover and see what's available. Click “Update All” when you're ready to update.

Alternatively, you can update the system using sudo updatectl update in a terminal window.

The next time you restart the system, the update will be instantly applied.

How can I roll back to an older version if there's a problem after updating?

When you turn on the computer, a list of KDE Linux versions will be shown for a few seconds. While this list is visible, use the Down arrow key to select an older version, and then press Enter.

Where can I report issues and get help?

Since KDE Linux is pre-alpha, please report issues you encounter!

  • Report issues in the KDE Linux operating system itself on invent.kde.org.
  • Report issues in KDE Plasma or any KDE apps on bugs.kde.org.
  • Get help with something that's not necessarily a bug on discuss.kde.org.

Information for Nerds

Is this “The KDE OS”?

Yes! KDE Linux is the KDE community's idea of a “reference implementation” OS with Plasma and KDE apps.

Though it's designed to be suitable for general uses, KDE Linux may be less optimized and optimizable for specific uses compared to other operating systems. KDE Linux is not an attempt to discourage people from using them, but rather to raise the quality level for all KDE-centric operating systems.

What kind of base technology does KDE Linux use?

KDE Linux is an “immutable base OS” Linux distro created from Arch Linux packages. KDE Linux leans on Systemd for a great deal of functionality. Updates are atomic and A/B image-based, with automatic Btrfs snapshots for the last 5 OS images. Only the Wayland session is supported. Apps primarily come from Flatpak and Snap.

For more information on the architecture, see the KDE Linux wiki page.

How can I install more specialized software not available in Discover?

As an “immutable base” operating system, KDE Linux does not include a traditional package manager that can modify the base OS. However, there are still multiple options for getting software not available in Discover:

  • Distrobox and Toolbox come pre-installed, and can install traditional packages from 3rd-party sources into your home directory. Homebrew can also be installed to do the same thing.
  • You can compile software yourself, either into your home directory or on top of the base system using systemd-sysext.
  • AppImage files downloaded from the internet work too.

This is so cool; how can I get involved with development?

Help is always appreciated! You can talk with the KDE Linux developers on Matrix, and submit Issues on invent.kde.org.

The registered trademark Linux® is used pursuant to a sublicense from the Linux Foundation, the exclusive licensee of Linus Torvalds, owner of the mark on a world­wide basis.