Desktop environments

Learn what a desktop environment is and compare the main options you’ll see when choosing a distro.

• GNOME

  Simple, accessible desktop for everyone

  GNOME is a popular desktop environment that focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

• KDE Plasma

  Powerful, customizable desktop

  KDE Plasma is a flexible desktop environment with a traditional layout and lots of options to tweak. It is the default on many distros and appeals to users who want control over how their desktop looks and behaves.

• Steam Gaming Mode

  Full-screen gaming interface from Steam

  Steam Gaming Mode (Big Picture-style) is a full-screen interface that Steam provides for browsing and launching games. On systems like Bazzite or Steam Deck it can be used as the main way to interact with the device.