Upgrading your Kali Linux environment with a lightweight and vibrant desktop is important. The reason is it will help you personalize your desktop settings according to your needs. You will find many desktop environments that can easily be installed on your Linux system, including Kali Linux; KDE Plasma is among those you should go for. Not only is it a lightweight and user-friendly desktop environment, but it also comes with several customization options and a stunning visual aesthetic, thus can become your popular desktop environment for the Kali Linux system.
In this guide, you will learn about:
How to Install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux
- How to Install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux Using Apt Repository
- How to Install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux Using tasksel Command
How to Make KDE Plasma as a Default Session Manager on Kali Linux
How to Install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux
You can install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux using:
- Apt Repository
- tasksel Command
How to Install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux Using Apt Repository
Installing KDE Plasma on Kali Linux from the default apt repository is straightforward and can be completed by using the below-given steps:
Step 1: Update Kali Linux Repository
Ensure, updating your Kali Linux system by upgrading the currently installed packages, this can be done through the below-given command:
Step 2: Install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux
After you are done updating the repository, you can install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux from the following command:
Note: Besides, using the kde-plasma-desktop package, you can also use the kde-standard package that allows you to install a desktop environment including common KDE packages. Further, you can also use kde-full for installing a complete KDE Plasma desktop environment including applications, workspace and framework.
Step 3: Select a Default Display Manager for KDE Plasma on Kali Linux
During the execution of the above command, you will see a sddm configuring prompt where you will find several display managers to choose from. You can go to the selection menu by simply using the Enter button:
Now, select the default display manager for KDE Plasma on Kali Linux; here, I am going with the lightdm, a much lighter display manager compared to sddm, providing you a lightweight desktop experience:
Step 4: Reboot the System
After you have completed the KDE Plasma installation on Kali Linux, reboot the system with the below-provided command:
Step 5: Choose Desktop Environment for Kali Linux
Once the system reboot, click on the Hamburger icon in the top right corner of the screen; there, you will be provided with two Plasma options. You can either choose KDE Plasma (Wayland) or KDE Plasma (X11) :
It is better to go with KDE Plasma (X11) because KDE Plasma (Wayland) is under development:
Step 6: Login to Kali Linux System
Once you selected the session manager, enter your Kali Linux default username and password (kali) at the login screen to enter the KDE Plasma desktop:
After a few seconds wait, you will see the KDE Plasma desktop on Kali Linux, which ensure the desktop environment is installed on the system:
How to Remove KDE Plasma from Kali Linux
Removing KDE Plasma from Kali Linux is as simple as installing it, this can be done through the below-given command:
It will remove all your packages Kali Linux related to KDE Plasma.
How to Install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux from tasksel Command
All Linux systems including Kali Linux have a built-in command-line tool called tasksel that allows you to install packages and desktop environments, including KDE Plasma. You can use this tool as an alternative to sudo apt command for installing KDE Plasma on Kali Linux, this can be done using the following steps:
Step 1: Execute tasksel Command
First, open your Kali Linux terminal and run the tasksel command provided below:
Step 2: Select Desktop Environment for Kali Linux
At the Software selection menu, checkbox the KDE Plasma using the Space button then use the Enter button to install the environment:
The installation process will take time depending on your Internet speed:
Note: As soon as the installation of KDE Plasma is completed, follow Step 4 to Step 6 of the previous method to run KDE Plasma desktop environment on Kali Linux.
If you haven’t yet installed Kali Linux, you can also select KDE Plasma option during the installation of your operating system on Virtual Machine or other system:
How to Reconfigure Display Manager for KDE Plasma on Kali Linux
If you have changed your mind and want to use sddm display manager on Kali Linux instead of lightdm, use the following command to re-select your display manager:
How to Make KDE Plasma as a Default Session Manager in Kali Linux
You can also make KDE Plasma as your default session manager on Kali Linux. It enables direct login to the KDE Plasma desktop environment without manual selection. Follow the steps provided below to make KDE Plasma as your default session manager:
Step 1: Open Session Manager List on Kali Linux
First, open session manager list on Kali Linux by using the below-given update-alternatives command with sudo mode:
Step 2: Select Session Manager
From the session manager list, select the startplasma-x11 session manager at position 1 and press enter:
Step 3: Reboot Kali Linux
Once you set the default session manager, reboot your system to apply the changes.
Conclusion
KDE Plasma is a lightweight desktop environment that you can install on Kali Linux directly from the apt repository or using the tasksel command. The apt repository method first requires updating the system packages then you can install KDE Plasma on Kali Linux through the apt install command. If you want to go with the tasksel method, you should execute the tasksel command with sudo privileges, then choose the KDE option from the selection menu. The process to run the KDE Plasma on Kali Linux is the same for both these methods, which can be seen in the above section of this guide. Choosing any method will help you effectively install the KDE Plasma on your Kali Linux system.
By day, I am an engineer and researcher, building bridges and figuring out how the universe works. But when the clock strikes five, I turn into a wordsmith!
I write about my adventures on my blog, sharing tips and tricks to help others join the tech fun. I have worked on Raspberry Pi, Ubuntu, Debian, and Laptops. Right now, I have accepted the challenge of working on the Kali Linux system, and with my vast expertise in Linux systems, I will help users overcome the challenges through my blogs.
