How to install kde plasma on kali linux

To get started, make sure your Kali Linux is fully updated before installing KDE. Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Now install the KDE Plasma desktop environment:

sudo apt install kali-desktop-kde -y

This package includes everything needed for a full KDE experience on Kali Linux.

Once the installation is complete, reboot your system:

reboot

After rebooting, if you’re using a display manager like gdm3, it will show a session menu (usually a gear icon or something similar) where you can choose “Plasma” or “KDE” before logging in.

If you’re not prompted with a GUI login screen, you might need to install and enable a display manager:

sudo apt install lightdm

During installation, you’ll be asked to choose a default display manager. Pick lightdm or whatever you prefer.

Enable the display manager to start at boot:

sudo systemctl enable lightdm

And then start it immediately without rebooting:

sudo systemctl start lightdm

If you’re working on a minimal Kali installation and want a lighter KDE setup without the full Kali bloat, you can instead install just the basic KDE packages:

sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktop -y

This will give you a more minimal KDE environment with fewer additional apps.

Want it to look prettier? Install some additional themes and tweaks:

sudo apt install kde-config-gtk-style kde-config-sddm plasma-workspace-wayland -y

If you’re using Wayland, be sure to test compatibility with your graphics driver. For most users, X11 is still the stable go-to.

To switch between desktops or debug session issues, you can also use:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm

That command lets you reconfigure your display manager in case it’s not launching the KDE session properly. And you’re done. Next login, enjoy that shiny KDE Plasma look on your Kali setup.