Ubuntu by default comes with a GNOME desktop environment, which no doubt provides a user-friendly interface and several different options. However, plenty of alternative desktop environments are a lot more flexible when it comes to performance, user experience, and customization. KDE Plasma is one of the best alternatives for GNOME, especially for users who are regular users of the Windows operating system and Ubuntu.

2 Ways to Install KDE On Ubuntu

The KDE desktop environment comes in three versions: plasma-desktop, standard, and full, each with a different purpose. Furthermore, there are two ways to install KDE on Ubuntu: using the apt package installer and the tasksel utility.

1: Through Ubuntu Default Package Installer

One of the prime methods for installing any application on Ubuntu is using the apt package installer, here in the case of KDE I have installed its full version as it comes with the bells and whistles:

sudo apt install kde-full

Once the installation starts, the installer will ask about setting one display manager and for that, the following instructions will be displayed:

Next, select the display manager for KDE, here I have to select the Simple Desktop Display Manager (SDDM) but the gdm3 is also fine, once selected click on OK to proceed with the installation:

Now there will be a progress bar for installation and once the installation is completed reboot either using GUI or execute the below command:

sudo reboot

Here on the login window select Plasma with X11 windowing system and then enter the login details:

Below is the KDE plasma desktop interface on Ubuntu:

2: Through tasksel Command Line Tool

The tasksel is primarily used to manage software installations, and underneath it uses the apt package installer for app installation. So using tasksel multiple apps can be installed on an instance and it also provides a user-friendly interface. To install tasksel use:

sudo apt install tasksel

Next, run the tasksel and then select KDE Plasma, and then proceed with the installation:

sudo tasksel

Now an installation progress bar will appear as in the image below:

Now, as in the previous method, the installer asked about setting the display manager so below is the same instruction:

Here, I have selected gdm3 as the display manager, which also works fine with Ubuntu and KDE:

After the installation reboot the system and then from the gear icon menu on the bottom right select Plasma (X11) and then enter the account password to login:

So here is the KDE desktop environment:

Getting Started with KDE Plasma on Ubuntu

Adapting to a new desktop environment can take some time but in the case of Windows operating system users who have switched to KDE on Ubuntu, it is easy as there are a lot of similarities between the two. Here, I have pointed out two important things that one should check while using KDE for the first time:

1: Customizing the KDE Interface on Ubuntu

From the taskbar at the bottom click on the system settings where all the system settings can be found like appearance settings, workspace settings, personalization settings, and more:

2: Installing Apps with KDE Software Center

Like Ubuntu App Center KDE also comes with its software center app named as Discover, launch it from the taskbar and install the desired app after searching it:

Conclusion

This guide discussed two ways to install KDE Plasma on Ubuntu. KDE comes in three different versions, and here, I have installed the full version via the apt package manager. Remember that tasksel is just a utility, and it also uses the apt package manager for installation. It just provides the GUI interface and has the ability to install multiple apps simultaneously.