FreeBSD 15 probably will include KDE as DE installtion option

duncan_bayne · 2026-01-04T10:03:03+0000

Is this still likely to happen given KDE seems to be dropping FreeBSD support?

Drop code for FreeBSD support (e78f33ae) · Commits · Plasma / Plasma Login Manager · GitLab

We rely on systemd/logind, so FreeBSD is not supported

invent.kde.org

Alain De Vos · 2026-01-04T10:06:54+0000

It's a waste of resources. I use "icewm". & not bloated gnome or kde.

fmc000 · 2026-01-04T10:09:28+0000

I wish FreeBSD moved to COSMIC as it does support non systemd installations. It looks like both Gnome and KDE are now out of scope.

T-Aoki · 2026-01-04T10:41:08+0000

Isn't "simply don't use login manager and use legacy CUI login, then, startx" sufficient?
Or use other login manager that support starting up KDE, if any?

astyle · 2026-01-04T12:45:59+0000

duncan_bayne said:
Is this still likely to happen given KDE seems to be dropping FreeBSD support?

Drop code for FreeBSD support (e78f33ae) · Commits · Plasma / Plasma Login Manager · GitLab

We rely on systemd/logind, so FreeBSD is not supported

invent.kde.org

Now this is rather unfortunate, esp. given that FreeBSD cooperated with KDE for nearly 25 years... Looks like I may need to explore alternatives, I like KDE.

astyle · 2026-01-04T12:49:14+0000

T-Aoki said:
Isn't "simply don't use login manager and use legacy CUI login, then, startx" sufficient?
Or use other login manager that support starting up KDE, if any?

SDDM supports KDE just fine, see the my comment (#725) in Thread trying-to-run-kde-6-plasma-with-wayland.93951, towards the end.

T-Aoki · 2026-01-04T14:24:24+0000

astyle said:
SDDM supports KDE just fine, see the my comment (#725) in Thread trying-to-run-kde-6-plasma-with-wayland.93951, towards the end.

I myself don't use login managers as already described, but I have impression that sddm seems to be fragile at least for Wayland.

As discussions looks mangled here between each speakers (maybe the person already updated to fixed version or not?), I'm confused with the situation.

But if it is continuously maintained independent from KDE project, it may be fine.

I hope Mate DE does NOT go through such a way.

fmc000 · 2026-01-04T14:49:00+0000

I left KDE for good about two months ago I believe and never looked back. CDE for the win

fjdlr · 2026-01-04T14:58:01+0000

I've always hated KDE. I've always seen it as a big, clunky thing.

That said, we have the choices; nothing is forced.

We install FreeBSD, with whatever third-party components we want.
As I said earlier, my choice is and will remain Openbox for a long time, with my personal menu, and Plank or Tint2.

A terminal emulator.
Why such a behemoth?...
To each their own tastes

rbranco · 2026-01-04T15:02:23+0000

astyle said:
Now this is rather unfortunate, esp. given that FreeBSD cooperated with KDE for nearly 25 years... Looks like I may need to explore alternatives, I like KDE.

This is only the login manager, which itself is a fork of SDDM. KDE helped with OpenBSD support:

> Improved and fixed support for OpenBSD in multiple places.

This Week in Plasma: new year, new accessibility features!

Welcome to a new issue of This Week in Plasma! Plasma developers are starting to trickle back from their vacations, and are polishing up and merging work that was nearing completion late last year. Among them are some impactful accessibility features, plus lots more holiday goodies!

blogs.kde.org