Mastering KDE Plasma 6.7: Remote Desktop and Notification Enhancements

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Overview

With the release of the KDE Plasma 6.7 beta, Linux enthusiasts gained access to a refined desktop experience that pushes the boundaries of usability and performance. This version introduces significant improvements to two core features: the built-in remote desktop server and the Plasma notification system. Whether you're a developer needing seamless remote access or a power user who values crisp, non-intrusive alerts, Plasma 6.7 delivers. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and configuring these enhancements, from installation to fine-tuning, ensuring you can leverage the full potential of your Plasma desktop.

Mastering KDE Plasma 6.7: Remote Desktop and Notification Enhancements

Prerequisites

Before diving into the new features, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

KDE Plasma 6.7 Beta or newer – You can download the beta from the official KDE Neon testing repository or compile from source using the kdesrc-build script. For most users, the easiest route is to add the KDE Neon Testing PPA on Ubuntu-based distributions: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kde-neon/testing && sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade.
Network configuration – The remote desktop server requires an active network connection (LAN or WAN) and, for external access, port forwarding on your router (default port 3389).
KDE System Settings – Familiarity with the Settings application is helpful, as most configurations are managed there.
Backup – As beta software may contain bugs, take a snapshot of your current system using tools like Timeshift or at least back up critical data.

Once these are in place, you're ready to explore the new capabilities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Setting Up the Built-In Remote Desktop Server

Plasma 6.7 refines the remote desktop server (based on krfb), making it more reliable and easier to configure. Follow these steps to enable remote access:

Open System Settings – Launch the Settings application from the application menu or press Alt + F2 and type systemsettings.
Navigate to Remote Desktop – In the left sidebar, go to Networking → Remote Desktop. If you don't see this option, ensure your Plasma version is 6.7 beta or later.
Enable the server – Toggle the switch at the top to On. You'll be prompted to configure authentication. Choose between Password (simple) or Certificate (more secure). For this guide, we'll use password authentication.
Configure security – Click Configure... next to the authentication method. If using password, set a strong password (minimum 8 characters). For certificate, generate a self-signed certificate or import an existing one.
Adjust network settings – Under Network, select the interface you want the server to listen on (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet). For remote access over the internet, you'll need to set up port forwarding on your router to forward port 3389 (RDP) or 5900 (VNC) depending on the protocol selected.
Connect from client – Use any RDP client (e.g., Remmina on Linux, Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows) to connect to your machine's IP address. Log in with the credentials you set.

Code example for testing the server: If you prefer the terminal, you can start krfb manually and see debug output:

krfb --start && sleep 5 && krfb --status

This will output the current connection status. For a list of active sessions, use krfb -l.

Enhancing Plasma Notifications

Plasma 6.7 brings improved visual effects and smarter grouping for notifications, making them less intrusive. To customize:

Open System Settings → Notifications under the Personalization section.
Select an application – Scroll through the list of applications on the left, or click Add Notification Group to create a custom group (useful for new apps).
Fine-tune notification behavior – For each app, you can toggle Show notifications in the popup (enables the toast-style popup), Show notifications in the history (keeps a log), and Play a sound. In Plasma 6.7, the Do Not Disturb mode has been enhanced: enable it from the system tray (speaker icon) or set a schedule in Notifications → Do Not Disturb.
Adjust visual effects – Under Configure Notification Popup, you can set the Animation style (slide, fade, or none) and Popup timeout. The new effects reduce motion blur and improve readability.
Group notifications – In the same section, enable Group notifications from the same application to bundle multiple alerts into one expandable notification. This is especially useful for chat apps like Telegram or Slack.

To test changes, send a test notification using the terminal:

notify-send "Test Notification" "This should appear with your chosen settings."

If the popup doesn't show, check that Show notifications in the popup is enabled for the application sending it.

Common Mistakes

Remote Desktop

Firewall blocks connection – Even if the server is enabled, a local firewall (like ufw) can block incoming RDP/VNC traffic. Run sudo ufw allow 3389 (for RDP) or sudo ufw allow 5900 (for VNC) to open the port.
Incorrect IP address – Use the correct local IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10) for LAN connections, or your public IP with port forwarding configured for WAN. Verify with ip a or hostname -I.
Certificate authentication fails – When using certificate-based auth, ensure the client trusts the server's certificate. For self-signed certs, you may need to manually accept the certificate warning.

Notifications

Notifications not showing – Check if Do Not Disturb is enabled (indicated by a crossed-out bell in the system tray). Disable it or set an automatic schedule.
Animation too fast or slow – Adjust the Popup timeout setting in Configure Notification Popup (recommended: 5 seconds).
Groups not collapsing – Grouping only works for applications that send multiple notifications within a short time. If you don't see grouping, increase the Grouping interval in the same settings page.

Summary

KDE Plasma 6.7 beta brings tangible improvements to two everyday features: remote desktop access and notification management. By following the steps outlined above, you can enable a secure remote desktop server in minutes and tailor notifications to your preference, reducing clutter and distraction. The built-in remote desktop server now offers more stable connections and easier setup, while notifications gain smarter grouping and refined animations. As always, beta software may have rough edges—check the KDE community forums for known issues and updates. Experiment with these enhancements and enjoy a more productive Plasma experience.