How to Install Kubuntu or Xubuntu on Ubuntu?

This article provides a straightforward guide on how to install the Kubuntu (KDE Plasma) or Xubuntu (XFCE) desktop environments on an existing Ubuntu system. It covers the necessary terminal commands, explains the setup process, and details how to switch between environments at the login screen. By following these steps, you can experience a completely different user interface without losing your files or reinstalling your operating system.

Choosing Your Desktop Environment

Before running any commands, it helps to understand what each flavor brings to your system:

• Kubuntu (KDE Plasma): A highly customizable, visually modern environment that resembles Windows in its default layout but offers deep personalization options.
• Xubuntu (XFCE): A lightweight, stable, and resource-efficient environment perfect for boosting performance on older hardware or keeping resource usage to a minimum.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing a new desktop environment, you must ensure your current package list and system are fully up to date to prevent dependency conflicts. Open your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install the Desktop Environment

Ubuntu makes it easy to install alternative desktop environments using meta-packages. These packages bundle the desktop interface along with its core applications.

Option A: Installing Kubuntu (KDE)

To install the standard Kubuntu desktop environment, run:

sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop -y

Option B: Installing Xubuntu (XFCE)

To install the lightweight Xubuntu desktop environment, run:

sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop -y

Step 3: Select a Display Manager (If Prompted)

During the installation process, a blue configuration screen may appear in your terminal asking you to choose a default display manager (the login screen software).

• gdm3: The default Ubuntu login screen.
• sddm: The default KDE/Kubuntu login screen.
• lightdm: The default XFCE/Xubuntu login screen.

You can select gdm3 to keep your current login screen, or choose the one native to your new desktop. Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice, press Tab to select ****, and hit Enter.

Step 4: Switch to Your New Desktop

Once the installation finishes, you need to log out of your current session to switch environments.

1. Save any open work and log out of Ubuntu.
2. On the login screen, click on your username.
3. Before entering your password, look for a small gear icon or session menu (usually located in the bottom-right corner of the screen).
4. Click the icon and select Kubuntu (Plasma) or Xubuntu (Xfce session) from the list.
5. Enter your password and log in.

Your system will now load the newly installed desktop environment. If you ever want to switch back to the standard Ubuntu interface, simply log out and select Ubuntu (or Ubuntu on Wayland) from the same gear menu.