Plasma 6.7 Set to Bring KWin Performance Fixes and UI Refinements

KDE’s Plasma desktop environment is gearing up for a major milestone as version 6.6 prepares to land next Tuesday, February 17. While the final touches are being applied to this stable release, developers are already looking ahead, revealing exciting details about the upcoming Plasma 6.7. This glimpse into the future of one of Linux’s most beloved desktop environments showcases a commitment to refinement, usability, and visual polish that continues to set Plasma apart.

Let’s dive into what’s coming in Plasma 6.7, as revealed by the KDE development team. One of the first notable changes is the reorganization of System Settings. The “Remote Desktop” page has been moved to the “Security & Privacy” section, a logical shift that reflects the increasing importance of secure remote access in modern computing. This move not only streamlines the settings menu but also underscores KDE’s focus on user privacy and security.

Another practical improvement comes in the form of better handling of loop devices by the Disks & Devices widget. For those unfamiliar, loop devices are used to mount disk images as if they were physical drives. With this update, mounted images will now behave more consistently, making it easier for users to manage virtual drives and disk images without unexpected quirks.

Visual enhancements are also on the menu. Wallpaper previews, which show both light and dark variants side by side, now render with less visual jagginess in the split preview effect. This subtle but important change means that users will enjoy smoother, more polished previews when customizing their desktops, making the experience both more attractive and more intuitive.

The Kicker Application Menu, a staple for many Plasma users, is also getting a boost. It now supports non-square panel icons, matching the flexibility already available in Kickoff. This change allows for greater customization and creativity, letting users tailor their panels to their exact preferences without being constrained by icon shape limitations.

Window management is set to become even more versatile with the addition of a new global action that allows users to untile a quick-tiled window. While this feature doesn’t have a default keyboard shortcut, users can assign one manually, offering a new level of control over window layouts. Additionally, Plasma 6.7 introduces a configurable delay for the window switcher. This means users can set how long Alt+Tab must be held before the interface appears, allowing for a more personalized and efficient workflow.

The login experience is also getting attention. Videos used in SDDM (Simple Desktop Display Manager) themes can now be previewed directly from System Settings. This feature makes it easier for users to select and customize their login screens, adding a touch of personalization right from the start. KWin dialogs, the windows that appear for various system actions, have also received visual improvements, making interactions with the desktop environment more pleasant and modern.

On the technical side, a longstanding issue with KWin—the window manager for Plasma—has been resolved. Previously, scrollable views created by the compositor operated at reduced speed, which could be frustrating for users. This fix restores expected responsiveness, ensuring that scrolling and other interactions feel smooth and natural. More importantly, this resolution paves the way for future enhancements, such as the development of a scroll-to-switch virtual desktops feature in the Overview effect, promising even more intuitive navigation in upcoming releases.

While Plasma 6.6 is just around the corner, the sneak peek at 6.7 demonstrates KDE’s relentless drive to improve and innovate. From reorganized settings and better device management to visual polish and enhanced window controls, these updates reflect a deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to delivering a desktop environment that is both powerful and delightful to use.

For those eager to learn more about these developments, the KDE team has shared additional details in their “This Week in Plasma” post on the KDE Blogs. As always, the Plasma community can look forward to a steady stream of improvements, with each release building on the last to create a desktop experience that is truly second to none.

Tags: KDE, Plasma 6.6, Plasma 6.7, desktop environment, Linux, open source, System Settings, window management, SDDM, KWin, user experience, customization, security, privacy, visual enhancements, scrollable views, virtual desktops, KDE development, desktop innovation

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