10 Best Linux Desktop Environments, How to Install Each Of Them On Ubuntu

One of the best things about Linux is the sheer range of different desktop environments one can choose to have in their own computer. If you are bored with your current desktop environment why don't you try something new? There is a plenty of desktop environments out there from which you can choose, all of them are opensource and beer free to download.

A desktop environment includes components like the window manager, icons, toolbars, panel, widgets, wallpapers and a basic set of applications, which make it easier for you to use your computer.

In this article, we are going to show 10 best desktop environments and how to install each one of them on  Ubuntu.

To install one of the Desktop Environments on Ubuntu, open the Terminal and run the following commands shown below.

You can open the terminal by typing CTRL + ALT  and T.

1. KDE

Minimal install

sudo apt install plasma-desktop

Full install

sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop

2. GNOME

Minimal install

sudo apt install gnome-shell

Full install

sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop

3. Cinnamon

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon

sudo apt update && sudo apt install cinnamon

4. Xfce

Minimal install

sudo apt install xfce4

Full install

sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop

5. Unity

(Installed by default on ubuntu)

Minimal install

sudo apt install unity

Full install

sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop

6. MATE

Minimal install

sudo apt install mate-desktop-environment

Full install

sudo apt install ubuntu-mate-desktop

7. LXQt

sudo apt install lxqt

8. LXDE

Minimal install

sudo apt install lxde

Full install

sudo apt install lubuntu-desktop

9. Enlightenment

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:niko2040/e19

 sudo apt update && sudo apt install enlightenment terminology

10. Budgie

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:budgie-remix/ppa 

sudo apt update && sudo apt install budgie-desktop

After installing any of the new desktop environments being explained in this tutorial, log out and select the new desktop from the login screen menu.

Which desktop environment do you prefer and why? Let us know in the comments.

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