How to Change Ubuntu Desktop Environment

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Desktop EnvironmentUbuntuLinuxCustomizationInstallationOperating SystemsSoftwareGNOMEKDEXFCE

Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution, offers a highly customizable desktop environment experience. Linux distributions often differ from each other by the desktop environment they use. A desktop environment is an implementation of a graphical user interface (GUI), consisting of a comprehensive suite of software that provides a consistent user experience to the user. Common desktop environments in Linux include GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXDE, and many others. Each desktop environment has its own unique features, appearance, and performance characteristics.

This guide will introduce you to the process of changing desktop environments on Ubuntu. We will explore several desktop environments and provide detailed instructions for installing, configuring, and switching between them. Whether you are looking for a lightweight environment for better performance, a highly customizable interface, or a modern look and feel, changing your desktop environment can provide a solution. Let's start by exploring the different desktop environments available for Ubuntu.

Different desktop environments

1. GNOME

GNOME is the default desktop environment for Ubuntu. It offers a modern and simple user experience, focusing on productivity and efficiency. GNOME includes gestures, a powerful search tool, multiple workspaces, and an activities overview for easy access to all open applications and windows.

2. KDE Plasma

KDE Plasma is known for its attractive appearance and high level of customization. It offers a plethora of configuration options, allowing users to change almost every aspect of the desktop to their liking. Its applications are feature-rich and offer deep integration with the desktop.

3. XFCE

Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment that focuses on speed and performance. It is a great choice for users with older hardware due to its low system resource usage. Despite being lightweight, Xfce does not compromise on user experience and offers a traditional desktop layout.

4. LXDE

LXDE is designed with fewer resources and is suitable for netbooks, older computers, and systems with minimal specifications. It provides the basic tools needed in a desktop environment and is extremely fast as well.

Changing the desktop environment in Ubuntu

Changing the desktop environment in Ubuntu involves installing the desired environment and selecting it when logging in. Below are step-by-step instructions for each desktop environment change.

1. Installing KDE Plasma

The KDE Plasma desktop can be installed using the terminal with the following command. First, open the terminal and update the package list by typing:

sudo apt update

Then, install the KDE Plasma desktop using the following:

sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktop

During installation, you may be asked to choose a display manager. The display manager manages user sessions and is responsible for logging into your desktop. You can choose either `gdm3` or `sddm`, where `gdm3` is GNOME's display manager, and `sddm` is KDE's. You may want to choose `sddm` for a more KDE-oriented experience. After the installation is complete, reboot your system.

2. Switching to Xfce

Xfce can be installed in a similar way. First, make sure to update the package list:

sudo apt update

Then, proceed to install the Xfce desktop environment:

sudo apt install xfce4

This will install all the packages needed for Xfce. After that, restart your machine to apply the changes.

3. LXDE installation

LXDE is another option that can be configured on Ubuntu using the same installation method:

Begin by running a system update:

sudo apt update

Next, install LXDE by issuing the following:

sudo apt install lxde

Once the installation is complete, reboot your system.

Accessing different desktop environments

After you install additional desktop environments, you can switch between them on the login screen. Here's how:

1. Restart your computer or log out of your current session.

2. On the login screen, below the password field, you will see a small gear or settings icon.

3. Click on that icon, and a list of installed desktop environments will be presented. Select the one you want to use for the session.

4. Enter your password to log in as usual, and the selected desktop environment will load.

Customizing the desktop environment

Each desktop environment offers different customization options. Here is a brief overview of how you can explore further customization:

1. Customizing KDE Plasma

KDE Plasma is particularly known for its extensive customization features. Right-click on the desktop to start exploring, add widgets, change the wallpaper, or enter 'Desktop Settings' for further configuration.

To customize even further, go to 'System Settings', which has options for appearance, window management, hardware settings, and more.

2. Tweak GNOME

GNOME offers many customization options through 'GNOME Tweaks', which can be installed via:

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

Open GNOME Tweaks to change themes, fonts, workspace settings, and install extensions that can further improve functionality and appearance.

3. Xfce settings

Xfce settings can be accessed through the ‘Settings Manager.’ From there, you can modify themes, window tweaks, and configure panel settings to further enhance your desktop experience.

Changes back to GNOME

At any time, you can switch back to the GNOME desktop environment if you want. Simply log out and select GNOME from the environment selector on the login screen.

If you need to uninstall a desktop environment you've tried or that you don't want to keep, you can do so using the Terminal. For example:

sudo apt remove --purge kde-plasma-desktop
sudo apt remove --purge xfce4
sudo apt remove --purge lxde

Running these commands will remove the associated desktop environments.

Conclusion

Changing your desktop environment in Ubuntu allows you to explore different interfaces and work styles that now match your preferences and system capabilities. Whether it's the visual appeal of KDE, the efficiency of GNOME, or the lightweight nature of Xfce or LXDE, Ubuntu's flexibility allows you to customize your personal computing environment effortlessly. Experimenting with other desktop environments and learning about them can enhance your understanding of Ubuntu and satisfy your quest for a more personal computing experience.

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