Distributions

KDE Software includes Plasma, KDE Applications, KDE Frameworks, and much more.

This page lists active distributions that ship Plasma 5, distributions on which Plasma 5 can be installed, and ways to get KDE apps in a distribution-agnostic fashion. Please keep these lists in alphabetical order.

Install KDE software page lists tools to use to install the software on many distros.

If you are packaging KDE Plasma, please read the Packaging Recommendations.

Distributions featuring Plasma 6

These distributions ship Plasma 6 by default or offer it as an easy and formally-supported option during installation, and are recommended for most users.

Fedora KDE

Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop Edition is a variant of the Fedora operating system featuring Plasma 6 as its main user interface.

Web page: https://fedoraproject.org/spins/kde

Download: https://fedoraproject.org/spins/kde/download

Fedora Kinoite

Fedora Kinoite is a variant of the Fedora operating system leveraging the technology from Fedora CoreOS to provide a simple, reliable desktop featuring Plasma 6 as its main user interface.

Web page: https://fedoraproject.org/atomic-desktops/kinoite

Download: https://fedoraproject.org/atomic-desktops/kinoite/download

KaOS

KaOS is a rolling, built-from-scratch operating system and with a focus on KDE and Qt software.

Web page: https://kaosx.us

Download: https://kaosx.us/pages/download/

KDE neon

KDE neon is the latest long-term support (LTS) version of the Ubuntu operating system plus continuously-updated versions of KDE software. KDE neon is available in three editions: User Edition (latest released versions of KDE software), Testing Edition (latest release of KDE software including Beta and Release Candidate), and Unstable Edition (continuous delivery of latest KDE source code from git).

Web page: https://neon.kde.org

Download: https://neon.kde.org/download

Nobara

Nobara is a Linux distribution developed by Thomas Crider (Glorious Eggroll), is based on Fedora Linux. The Nobara Project, to put it simply, is a modified version of Fedora Linux with user-friendly fixes added to it.

Web page: https://nobaraproject.org/

Download: https://nobaraproject.org/download-nobara/

openSUSE

openSUSE is an operating system offering Plasma 6 that comes with its rolling release distribution openSUSE Tumbleweed, which features in frequently updated software versions with best tested package in the openQA system. It doesn't only offer you smooth update to the latest software but acting like an expert as well.

Web page: https://www.opensuse.org/

Download: https://get.opensuse.org/tumbleweed/ (Tumbleweed)

Distributions featuring Plasma 5

These distributions ship Plasma 5 by default or offer it as an easy and formally-supported option during installation, and are recommended for most users.

Debian

Debian is the oldest continuously-produced free operating system with one of the largest communities of developers and users. It is used as the basis for many other distributions but can be used directly and offers Plasma 5 as an option.

Web page: http://www.debian.org

Download: http://www.debian.org/distrib/

EndeavourOS

“EndeavourOS is an Arch-based distro that provides an Arch experience without the hassle of installing it manually for both x86_64 and ARM systems. After installation, you’re provided with a lightweight and almost barebones environment ready to be explored with your terminal, along with our home-built Welcome App as a powerful guide to help you along.”

Web page: https://endeavouros.com

Download: https://endeavouros.com/#Download

Feren OS

Feren OS is an operating system based on Ubuntu's long-term support version featuring Plasma 5 and some KDE apps. It's a highly customised Plasma experience and makes use of KDE neon User Edition's packages to roll its Plasma version. It also rolls other frequently-used packages as well.

Web page: https://ferenos.weebly.com/

Download: https://ferenos.weebly.com/get-feren-os.html

Kubuntu

Kubuntu is an Ubuntu-based operating system featuring Plasma 5 and KDE apps. It is available in long-term support and more frequently-updated versions.

Web page: https://kubuntu.org

Download: https://kubuntu.org/getkubuntu

LliureX

LliureX is a project of the Generalitat Valenciana whose objective is the introduction of the new technologies of information and communication based on free software in the education system in the Valencian Community. It's based on KDE Neon.

Web page: https://portal.edu.gva.es/lliurex/es/

Download: https://portal.edu.gva.es/lliurex/es/descargas/

Mageia

Mageia is an operating system that's a continuation of Mandriva and features Plasma 5.

Web page: http://www.mageia.org

Download: http://www.mageia.org/downloads/

Manjaro KDE

Manjaro is an Arch-based rolling release operating system with a graphical installer that offers a KDE edition with Plasma 5.

Web page: https://manjaro.org/download/

Download: https://manjaro.org/download/

MX Linux

MX Linux is a desktop distribution based on Debian's "Stable" branch, it's a mid-weight operating system designed to combine an elegant and efficient desktop with simple configuration, high stability, solid performance and medium-sized footprint. It uses Xfce as the default desktop, but it has a separate KDE Plasma edition available.

Web page: https://mxlinux.org/

Download: https://mxlinux.org/download-links/

Neptune

Neptune is an operating system based on Debian Stable, plus more recent versions of the Linux kernel, device drivers, and popular applications such as LibreOffice. It also features the latest version of Plasma 5.

Web page: http://neptuneos.com/

Download: http://neptuneos.com/en/download.html

Netrunner

Netrunner is an operating system featuring Plasma 5 that's based on tested snapshots of Debian Rolling.

Web page: http://www.netrunner.com

Download: http://www.netrunner.com/download/

Nitrux

Nitrux is a Debian-based operating system focusing on portable universal app formats. It uses NX Desktop / KDE Plasma 5.

Web page: https://nxos.org/

Download: https://nxos.org/

NixOS

NixOS is a Linux distribution with a unique approach to package and configuration management. Built on top of the Nix package manager, it is completely declarative, makes upgrading systems reliable, and has many other advantages. The graphical installation CD contains the NixOS installer as well as X11, Plasma 5 Desktop and several applications.

Web page: https://nixos.org/

Download: https://nixos.org/nixos/download.html

openmamba

openmamba is a an operating system built from sources which provides by default a complete and up-to-date Plasma 5 desktop.

Web page: https://openmamba.org

Download: https://openmamba.org/en/downloads/

OpenMandriva

OpenMadriva is an operating system based on Mandriva featuring Plasma 5. It incorporates many of Mandriva's original tools and utilities.

Web page: https://www.openmandriva.org/

Download: https://www.openmandriva.org/

openSUSE

openSUSE is an operating system offering Plasma 5 that comes in two editions: Tumbleweed, which is a rolling release featuring frequently updated software versions, and Leap, which has discrete releases and ships stable versions of software based on the current commercial SUSE Linux Enterprise product.

Web page: https://www.opensuse.org/

Download: https://get.opensuse.org/tumbleweed/ (Tumbleweed) https://get.opensuse.org/leap/ (Leap)

PCLinuxOS

PCLinuxOS is an operating system featuring Plasma 5 that uses apt rpm.

Web page: https://www.pclinuxos.com/

Download: https://www.pclinuxos.com/

Rosa

ROSA is is an operating system featuring a highly customized Plasma 5 desktop and a number of modifications designed to enhance the user-friendliness of the workspace.

Web page: https://www.rosalinux.ru/

Download: https://www.rosalinux.ru/

Slackware

The Slackware Linux Project aims at producing the most "UNIX-like" Linux distribution out there. An installable Slackware Live image with Plasma 5 comes with login account "live" (password "live"). Use su or sudo to become root (using the "live" password).

Web Page: http://www.slackware.com/

Download: http://www.slackware.com/

Solus

Solus is a modern operating system to power your daily needs. Install today, update forever. It is a rolling release distribution which offers Plasma 5 as one of it's Desktop Environment versions available.

Web page: https://getsol.us/

Download: https://getsol.us/download/

Trisquel

Trisquel is a free GNU/Linux distribution recommended by the Free Software Foundation. It is based on Ubuntu's long-term support version. The Triskel edition features Plasma 5 as its desktop environment.

Web page: https://trisquel.info/

Download: https://trisquel.info/en/download

TUXEDO OS

Based on the KDE plasma desktop, TUXEDO OS creates a user experience that is also suitable for beginners, with a large and flexible feature set for Linux professionals. TUXEDO OS is a so-called "continuous release", being based on Ubuntu LTS with lots of perks and backports added. In addition, it brings the latest versions of KDE Plasma, Frameworks and Gear.

More on the differences to upstream Ubuntu: https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en/Infos/Help-Support/Frequently-asked-questions/What-is-the-differences-between-TUXEDO-OS-and-Ubuntu/Kubuntu-_1.tuxedo

Web page: https://tuxe.do/os

Download: https://os.tuxe.do

TTOS Linux

TTOS Linux is an operating system based on Debian offering Plasma 5. It was originally designed as an OEM alternative OS to replace Windows but has since evolved to be a general-purpose Debian-based distribution containing access to TTPC software in its repositories.

Web page: https://www.ttoslinux.org/

Download: https://www.ttoslinux.org/download.html

Distributions offering Plasma 5 as an installable option

Alpine Linux

A security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox

Web page: https://alpinelinux.org/

Download: https://www.alpinelinux.org/downloads/ (see https://wiki.alpinelinux.org/wiki/KDE for information on how to install Plasma)

Arch Linux

A lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that tries to Keep It Simple.

Web page: https://archlinux.org

Download: https://archlinux.org/download (see https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/KDE for information on how to install Plasma)

CentOS Stream

CentOS Stream is a Linux distribution that tracks just ahead of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) development, positioned as a midstream between Fedora Linux and RHEL.

KDE Plasma 5 is provided for CentOS Stream 8 and 9 through the Fedora Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) project.

CentOS Stream website: https://centos.org/centos-stream/

EPEL website: https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/epel/

To install for CentOS Stream 9:

# dnf config-manager --set-enabled crb
# dnf install epel-release epel-next-release
# dnf install @kde-desktop-environment

To install for CentOS Stream 8:

# dnf config-manager --set-enabled powertools
# dnf install epel-release epel-next-release
# dnf install @kde-desktop-environment

FreeBSD

Main page: FreeBSD

You can get a modern KDE Plasma desktop by installing one of the following meta-ports depending on how much you want:

Install Plasma5 meta-port

# pkg install plasma5-plasma

Install Plasma5 and KDE Applications

# pkg install kde5

Alternatively you can point your desired ports builder at

x11/plasma5-plasma

or

x11/kde5

Gentoo

Gentoo is a free operating system based on Linux that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need.

Web page: https://gentoo.org/

Download: https://gentoo.org/downloads/ (see https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/KDE for information on how to install Plasma)

Knoppix

KNOPPIX is a bootable Live system on CD, DVD or USB flash drives, consisting of a representative collection of GNU/Linux software, automatic hardware detection, and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices and other peripherals.

Web page: http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html

Download: http://www.knopper.net/knoppix-mirrors/index-en.html

Nutyx

NuTyX is a French GNU/Linux distribution created from Linux From Scratch and Beyond Linux From Scratch.

Web page: http://www.nutyx.org/

Download: http://downloads.nutyx.org/

Parrot Security OS

Parrot Security is an operating system that's based on the Debian and focused for security testing, software development and privacy defence, all in one place.

Web page: https://parrotlinux.org/

Download: https://www.parrotsec.org/download/

Ways to get KDE apps

Outside of the above-mentiond distributions, you can download and install KDE apps using any of the following methods:

AppImage Packages

KDE apps with AppImages:

• Krita is professional painting program.
• Kdenlive is a Non-Linear Video Editor.
• KDevelop is a cross-platform IDE for C, C++, Python, QML/JavaScript and PHP.
• digiKam is a Professional Photo Management tool.

Flatpak Packages

You can find latest stable releases of most KDE apps on Flathub. Information about nightly builds and how to develop targeting Flatpak can be found at Guidelines_and_HOWTOs/Flatpak.

Snap Packages

You can find latest stable releases of most KDE apps on The Snap Store.

Windows Packages

You can find a number of KDE apps on the Microsoft Store.

You can build lots of KDE applications for Windows 7, 8 and 10 using Craft. See Craft.