With the end of Windows 10 support approaching in October 2025, I’ve been experimenting with various distributions (versions) of the Linux operating system as a free and open-source replacement. One of the complaints about Windows is that the desktop environment (DE) changes with each new version, with no options. For example, when Microsoft introduced Windows 8, it replaced the popular Windows 7 desktop environment to a tiled interface that was so despised that Windows 8.1 restored some of the familiar features. Windows 11, the current Microsoft offering, operates very similarly to Windows 10, its most noticeable difference, again, being how the you interact with the system through the desktop environment.
Linux, on the other hand, has many distributions (“distros”), and most distros come with a choice of desktop environments. For example, the most-recommended Linux distro for people coming from Windows is Linux Mint, and its most popular DE is Cinnamon. It also offers MATE and Xfce desktop environments as alternatives. Linux Mint Cinnamon was the first Linux distribution I used. The interface is similar and in some ways better than Windows, and I still recommend it as an option.
But then I discovered KDE Plasma, a feature-rich desktop environment somewhat similar to Windows 7. Several Linux distributions offer the KDE Plasma desktop environment, including the following:
KDE Neon
KDE Neon is the flagship Plasma desktop environment provided by KDE, designed for adventurous advanced users who want the latest from the KDE community as soon as it’s available, with no delays. While the operating system is based on Ubuntu with Long-Term Support for rock-solid stability, it provides cutting-edge KDE software. Minimalistic in its default installation, you won’t get as many default apps or non-KDE software and proprietary drivers as distros like Kubuntu. You might need to manually install additional utilities or applications that are bundled automatically with Ubuntu-based distros.
Kubuntu
Kubuntu is an official flavor of Ubuntu with KDE Plasma as the default desktop. It comes with the stability and wide hardware compatibility of Ubuntu, along with the flexibility and features of KDE Plasma. It offers a smooth and stable KDE experience with pre-installed software that is typical for Ubuntu-based distros. Kubuntu’s installation process is user-friendly, and most users will have no trouble setting up the system with basic defaults or custom partitions. Like Mint and other Ubuntu-based distros, it automatically detects your WIFI networks and wireless printers. It has regular security updates and LTS (Long-Term Support) releases. It may use a slightly older KDE Plasma version that is well-tested for compatibility. Kubuntu benefits from the large Ubuntu and Kubuntu communities and online discussion groups like Reddit. I’ve installed it on several laptops with good results.
On my Dell Precision 7550 laptop, which has a built-in GPU and a dedicated NVIDIA GPU, I disabled switchable graphics in BIOS, because enabling the NVIDIA GPU resulted in an error message, “Failed to probe LSPCON.” I also disabled NVIDIA in Kubuntu by typing sudo prime-select intel which forces Kubuntu to use the built-in display driver rather than the NVIDIA GPU.
Manjaro KDE
Manjaro is an Arch-based rolling release distribution. While the Arch version of Linux is more cutting-edge, designed for advanced users, Manjaro KDE is designed for a wider audience. The KDE Plasma desktop on Manjaro has the Manjaro Settings Manager for easy hardware detection and configuration, and mhwd for drivers. It features the Arch User Repository (AUR) with the most recent software, and a rolling release model, meaning you get the latest features and updates quickly. Installation is somewhat more complicated and challenging than Kubuntu and other Ubuntu-based distros.
As of this writing (June 2025), Kubuntu uses KDE Plasma version 6.3.4, Linux kernel 6.14.0, and the Wayland graphics platform.
Fedora KDE Plasma
Fedora KDE offers a clean and standard KDE Plasma desktop environment. The installation process is straightforward. In its application package, it provides only free and open-source software, which means that you may have to search for printer drivers etc. on your own. Unlike Mint and Kubuntu, it was unable to automatically find and install drivers for my printers. The software it provides tends to be newer and more cutting-edge than Kubuntu, making the distro a favorite of developers.
As of this writing (June 2025), Fedora KDE uses KDE Plasma version 6.3.5, Linux kernel 6.14.8, and the Wayland graphics platform.
MX Linux KDE Plasma
MX Linux is a cooperative venture between the antiX and MX Linux communities. It is a family of operating systems that is designed to combine elegant and efficient desktops with high stability and solid performance. MX Linux with KDE Plasma combines the lightweight and stable MX Linux foundation with the feature-rich KDE Plasma desktop environment. MX Linux is based on Debian Stable, which means that it benefits from a rock-solid and secure foundation. Updates are well-tested, and bugs are less frequent. MX Linux benefits from an online community with good documentation and support. Being based on Debian Stable, MX Linux tends to prioritize stability over having the latest software versions. This can lead to software being a bit behind in terms of the latest features.
OpenSUSE KDE Tumbleweed or Leap
OpenSUSE offers two KDE Plasma options: Tumbleweed, which features rolling releases, and Leap, which offers fixed releases. Tumbleweed is more cutting-edge, while Leap is more stable. OpenSUSE’s YaST system administration tool offers users more control over the system without relying heavily on the command line. The KDE Plasma experience on OpenSUSE is known for its enterprise-grade reliability, making it a good option for both personal and professional use. Installation of OpenSuse t gives you the option for stability with Leap, or Cutting-edge technology with Tumbleweed, which may cause occasional issues.
Criticism: OpenSuse does not automatically install proprietary drivers for printers, scanners, and other devices. Instead, you are directed to install them with its YaST module, but in my test, it was unable to detect either of my online printers.
Netrunner
Netrunner is a stunning KDE-focused distribution that, similarly to Kubuntu, is built on Debian and Ubuntu, ensuring solid stability. The Netrunner Welcome screen is designed for easy system configuration and offers a lot of design flourishes. It has a graphical installer that is fairly simple. The package manager, Synaptic, includes a nice and sensible selection of applications to get you going right out of the gate. Netrunner is not as well-known as Ubuntu and Fedora, and you will thus find less community support.
TUXEDO OS with Plasma 6
TUXEDO builds and sells customizable Linux notebooks and Desktop PCs optimized to run with Ubuntu-based Linux operating systems. The TUXEDO OS is available for free download and works in other brands of computers. Based on Ubuntu Long Term Release and the KDE plasma desktop, the TUXEDO OS creates a user experience that is also suitable for beginners, with flexible features for Linux professionals. The installer package is based on the Calamares Installer Framework. The TUXEDO repository uses Flatpak rather than Snap (used in Kubuntu), which many users prefer for its sandboxing and packaging system, and includes a DisplayLink driver. Compared to Kubuntu, it has a smaller user base and community, but some of the Ubuntu / Kubuntu advice you read should apply to TUXEDO as well. The installation is clean and minimal, while Kubuntu has more bundled software. TUXEDO OS typically ships with newer software versions than Kubuntu, leaning more toward a semi-rolling release style via its own custom repositories.
Endeavor OS
EndeavourOS is a rolling release Linux distribution based on cutting-edge Arch Linux, has setup with off-line and on-line install options, and the KDE Plasma desktop as one of several DE options. Endeavor OS is terminal-centric and doesn’t provide a graphical user interface (GUI) software center by default.
Recommendations For Most Users
- Kubuntu is a great Linux distro with the KDE Plasma desktop for user-friendliness, ease of installation, stability, and community support. Based on Ubuntu, it tends to be more up-to-date than Debian-based distros like MX Linux. I have been using Kubuntu for several months as my primary Linux distro. Ubuntu’s live USB images are built to be more portable and include a wider range of drivers to boot on various hardware, which means I can install these distros on a 2 1/2″ SSD in my older laptop, then test them on a newer laptop that only has M.2 SSD slots, via a SATA-USB cable. I haven’t been able to do this with Fedora or OpenSUSE.
- Fedora is also user-friendly, has long-term stability, and is a bit more cutting-edge than Kubuntu without sacrificing stability. I’ve read that the absence of proprietary drivers may be problematic, but it recognized my printers automatically. The installation of some apps may be more complicated. Unlike with Ubuntu, I was unable to install Upscayl using AppImage directly from the site, but was able to install it from the Snapcraft store after installing Snaps.
- MX Linux with KDE is designed for users who prefer stability, reliability, and performance, especially on older hardware, that “just works” with minimal maintenance. MX Linux is said to not be as intuitive for new Linux users who are coming from Windows.
KDE Distros for Technically-Advanced Users
- OpenSUSE Leap prioritizes stability, long-term support, and has community support. OpenSUSE Tumbleweed is best for experienced users who enjoy a bit of tinkering with the most recent cutting-edge versions of applications. Unlike Ubuntu-based distros, neither version of OpenSUSE automatically installs proprietary drivers (printers, etc.) by default because of the company’s FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) philosophy.
- KDE Neon is designed primarily for KDE enthusiasts and developers, and may not be the best choice for general users who prefer a “plug-and-play” experience.
- Netrunner features a polished KDE environment with extra flair and tools for customization, and more complexity. Its rolling releases will not be as stable as the regular release cycles as other Ubuntu-based distros. It has a smaller user base and thus not as much online support.
- EndeavourOS is a rolling release Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, and doesn’t provide a graphical user interface (GUI) software center by default.
- TUXEDO OS with Plasma 6 is similar to Kubuntu but uses Flatpak rather than Snaps. TUXEDO OS typically ships with newer software versions than Kubuntu, leaning more toward a semi-rolling release style (via TUXEDO’s custom repositories). Built on Ubuntu and KDE Plasma, this operating system is designed specifically for TUXEDO computers. Some apps and tools are designed for TUXEDO hardware, and downloads can be slow because the mirrors are based in Germany. Admittedly, I haven’t tried TUXEDO myself, but I see no advantage over Kubuntu other than its use of Flatpak rather than Snaps by default.
- Manjaro KDE is a fast, user-friendly, desktop-oriented operating system based on Arch Linux that offers the latest software in a well-tested environment. Key features include an intuitive installation process, automatic hardware detection, a stable rolling-release model, special Bash scripts for managing graphics drivers, and extensive desktop configurability. Manjaro KDE is not as good a choice as Kubuntu for a beginner.
Gordon Harris 