Safe
KDE Linux offers reliable system updates and lets you roll back to older versions if there are any issues.
All code is open and auditable, and no data is ever sent to KDE unless you authorize it.
KDE Linux
A free Linux®-based operating system built by KDE
Help KDE build the next big thing!
KDE Linux is a free, open-source, user-focused operating system being built by KDE to include the best implementation of everything KDE has to offer, using the most advanced technologies. Learn more on the project’s wiki page.
Designed to be safe, maintainable, functional, and modern, KDE Linux will be the best choice for home use, enterprise workstations, public institutions, pre-installation on computers you can buy, and more.
…Eventually! We’re not there yet, and need your help to make this goal a reality.
How you can help
You can help participate in the KDE Linux project in many ways:
Help KDE Linux reach a wider audience, especially if you’re a tech journalist or other influencer. The more people know about KDE Linux, the more chance the project has of receiving the love it needs to succeed.
Daily-drive KDE Linux or put it on a secondary machine, especially if you’re a developer or adventurous power user. Follow the installation instructions to the letter; finding mistakes in the installation process and discrepancies in the documentation is also important.
Test less-common hardware, especially NVIDIA GPUs and using the experimental delta update feature on spinning hard disks. Other testing on less-common hardware is also appreciated.
Report bugs: issues with KDE Linux itself (initial system setup, device compatibility, integration between components, etc.) should be reported on invent.kde.org. Issues in KDE software — especially the experience of using it in a Flatpak — should be reported on bugs.kde.org.
Help develop KDE Linux, especially if you have an interest in operating systems (particularly immutable ones). There’s lots to do. Chat with the devs and submit merge requests. If you’re working on a similar OS, tell us about your experience, and we can compare notes and work on solutions together. Shared knowledge improves all projects.
What’s in it for you
Remember when Linux was an undiscovered country and everything was new and fun? KDE Linux is that all over again: we’re creating the operating system of the future with the clout and resources of KDE behind it, and you can be part of it. Here, individual efforts make a difference on a global scale.
Things to be aware of
- KDE Linux is Alpha software. Do not install it on your non-technical uncle’s computer or across the accounting department at work. There are multiple known issues (make sure nothing in there is a deal-breaker for you). KDE Linux has only received limited testing so far, and there will be regressions and bad builds you’ll have to roll back. Data loss has not been experienced yet, but anything is possible. Deploy a robust backup system. Expect some adventures.
- Opportunities for customizing the base OS are extremely limited. As an “immutable base” operating system, KDE Linux deliberately limits system-level customization to preserve reliability. Don’t go starting and stopping Systemd services except to debug or fix reported bugs. Don’t try hacks to customize your Plymouth splash screen or SDDM theme.
- The experience of using an older NVIDIA GPU is rough. Manual setup is currently required for anything older than an NVIDIA GTX 1630 to even work at all, and they are essentially untested. Here be dragons. You’ve been warned. Learn more about this situation here.
- Do not report bugs for yesterday’s version. That’s right: currently KDE Linux is being updated daily. If you think you found a bug… update the whole system first! If the bug is still there, go ahead and report it.
Key benefits
Simple
The Plasma desktop environment is familiar and intuitive, offering panels, app launchers, icons, and menus where you expect them.
Flexible
Set up the system the way you like with the customizability built into Plasma. Show off your style or turn it into a high-productivity workhorse!
Powerful
KDE Linux offers a rich catalogue of professional-caliber software for any purpose, all for free.
General information
Who is KDE Linux for?
At the moment, only the Testing edition is available. The more these sentences describe you, the happier you’ll be using it:
- You’re a KDE fan
- You get excited about modern technology like Systemd, immutable OSs, containerized apps, and Btrfs
- You want to participate in KDE’s QA process and find issues early
- You’re a KDE Plasma developer (learn more)
- You’re comfortable using any of the methods listed here to install things you need that aren’t available via Discover.
- You don’t have an NVIDIA GPU that’s over 6 years old (learn more)
How does this thing work? How would I use it?
KDE Linux includes extensive documentation. Some common topics include:
- Install apps and games
- Update the system
- Roll back to an older version if there’s a problem after updating
- Get help and report issues
Who develops KDE Linux?
KDE Linux is a publicly-developed volunteer-run project, led by longstanding and enthusiastic members of the KDE community visible here. The project receives financial support and other backing from KDE e.V., the German nonprofit organization behind KDE.
Information for techies
Is this “The KDE OS”?
Yes! KDE Linux is the KDE community’s idea of a “reference implementation” OS with Plasma and KDE apps.
Though it’s designed to be suitable for general uses, KDE Linux may be less optimized and optimizable for specific uses compared to other operating systems. KDE Linux is not an attempt to discourage people from using them, but rather to raise the quality level for all KDE-centric operating systems.
What kind of base technology does KDE Linux use?
KDE Linux is an “immutable base OS” Linux distro created using Arch Linux packages, but it should not be considered an “Arch-based distro”; Arch is simply a means to an end, and KDE Linux doesn’t even ship with the pacman package manager.
KDE Linux leans on Systemd for a great deal of functionality. Updates are atomic and image-based, with the last 5 OS images cached on disk. Only the Wayland session is supported. Apps primarily come from Flatpak.
Learn more about KDE Linux’s architecture.
This is so cool; how can I get involved with development?
Help is always appreciated! You can talk with the KDE Linux developers on Matrix, and submit issues or merge requests on invent.kde.org.
The registered trademark Linux® is used pursuant to a sublicense from the Linux Foundation, the exclusive licensee of Linus Torvalds, owner of the mark on a worldwide basis.