Trying to install Plasma version 6 or later on my computer. I can only get up to version 5.27 apparently it has something to do with repositories.
I am fully aware that what I'm trying to do is unconventional. I am aware that most people advise against using an alternate desktop environment. I currently have plasma version 5.27 installed.
I'm tinkering with an old laptop that doesn't have anything important on it so I'm not too concerned if it gets borked. I just really want to see if I can do something unconventional.
after all: linux is supposed to be all about freedom. I should be able to install whatever I want right?
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you can take a look at this
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True, but there are other factors to take into consideration. Zorin is a fork of Ubuntu but it is always based on an LTS usually 2 years behind the current version of Ubuntu. Why? Because it takes time to bring together a working system, above all else a stable system.
Don't always think a newer version of Plasma is going to be plain sailing. For example, Tiled Menu by zren, which mimics the Windows 10 menu, does not work as smoothly in Plasma 6 as it does on 5.27 where tiles in the menu can be easily dragged to a different place, instead you have to use x/y co-ordinates. True there is a new version by a different dev called 'Prime Tiled Menu' but I only ever got that to work while playing with Fedora 44.
I noticed when Kubuntu 26.04 was released they stayed with the more stable 5.27 version of Plasma.
If you are keen to have version 6 then I respectfully suggest you look into seeing if there are any Noble backports for it. I remember someone posting on here that used Zorin 17 used Jammy backports to get Plasma 6 installed (5.24 was all you could install on Zorin 17).
Alternatively, take a look at the latest release of Q4OS 6.8 "andromeda" based on Debian 13 "trixie" that uses Plasma 6.3.6, or alternatively PCLOS Debian KDE Plasma based on Debian 13, or Artix.
[Nourpon beat me to it!]
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Or maybe conpile it. I found this site:
Adding the KDE Neon repository will likely cause dependency issues sooner or later. Compiling it yourself isn't a walk in the park either and is difficult to handle if you want to go back to the previous state.
If you just want to explore it and see what's possible, and you're not afraid to reinstall Zorin if something goes wrong, then go for it. But it is not a recommended and safe way.
It's best to create a backup first, for example, using Timeshift.
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On Zorin 18 no. Well, You can try Stuff, yes. But I would be careful because of Dependencies and Libraries. When You want Plasma 6, You could try KDE Neon (not the best Idea) or Kubuntu. Debian 13 would be an Option, too.
It depends, too if You want the newest Plasma Version. If yes, KDE Neon or a Rolling Release Distro would be the Way to go. Fedora KDE for Example. Or You go an unconventional Way and use Debian Sid.
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If you want a functional kde plasma 6 best to try , as Ponce-De-Leon said, a dedicated distro such as Kubuntu if you still want a Debian based, or Opensuse, Fedora Spin KDE. Opensuse offer a very stable version with Leap and a " Continuously Updated" version with Tumbleweed who claim to be stable enough as well for daily use. I used Opensuse Leap in the past and about Tumbleweed it's better to get feedback from communities or other sources.
Debian 13 use Plasma 6.3, it's also a way to go ! 