Install KDE Linux

Currently only the Testing edition is available.
Use it in a production environment at your own risk!
Expect frequent changes and regressions.

Requirements

KDE Linux supports almost all PC desktops and laptops that:

  • Use UEFI as their firmware system (which includes most sold in the last 15 years)
  • Have at least 4 GB of memory and a storage device with 40 GB of space.

There are a few limitations to be aware of:

  • Apple computers with “M”-based CPUs are not supported.
  • NVIDIA GPUs older than the GTX 1650 are limited to the less performant Nouveau drivers (which are included). Newer models will use NVIDIA's better-performing open kernel modules (also included). There is no need to install the proprietary drivers, and they are not supported.
  • Exotic VPNs that have to be installed manually and load custom kernel modules are not supported.
  • Anything else that requires loading non-pre-installed kernel modules is not supported.

Ultimately the best way to determine compatibility is to create a live USB drive of KDE Linux and preview it on your own computer, with no risk to what's already on it. Let's do that now!

1. Create a live USB drive

  1. Download the latest .raw image from here.
  2. Install ISO Image Writer and launch it.
  3. Click “Path to ISO Image…” and locate the .raw file you downloaded.
  4. Plug in the USB flash drive and ensure it appears in the “To this USB Drive” area.
  5. Click “Create”.

2. Prepare the target computer

Ensure that Secure Boot is disabled. If it isn't, or you don't know whether it is or not, enter the computer's UEFI interface and disable it.

First, consult the table here and find the correct keyboard key under the “BIOS/UEFI Key” column for your brand of computer.

To enter the UEFI interface, reboot the computer and repeatedly press that key while it starts up.

Once you're in the UEFI interface (you'll know because it looks very ugly), find where it lets you turn off Secure Boot and turn it off. This is different for every UEFI implementation, so you may need to dig around a bit.

Once you've turned off Secure Boot, exit UEFI and save your changes.

This requirement will go away in the future once KDE Linux supports Secure Boot.

3. Boot into the live USB drive

  1. Plug in the USB drive.
  2. Consult the table here and note down the keyboard key under the “Boot Menu Key” column for your brand of computer.
  3. Reboot the computer and repeatedly press that key while it starts up.
  4. When the boot menu appears, use the Up or Down arrow keys to select the entry that looks like it describes your USB flash drive, and then press Enter.

4. Explore the live session and install KDE Linux

Now you're in the “Live Session” of KDE Linux! This lets you see what it will be like if you choose to install it. Go through the welcome wizard and then poke around to make sure everything you care about works. Plug in your typically-used devices and make sure they function properly.

Once you're ready to install, double-click on the “Install KDE Linux” icon on the desktop and go through the installer.

WARNING: if you choose to erase the computer's hard disk, all of the files and data on it will be erased too. Make sure anything you care about is backed up somewhere!

5. Enjoy KDE Linux

We hope you love it!

Article contributed by , and under the CC-BY-4.0 license.