Linux · Accessories
Konsole
Konsole is KDE's default terminal emulator for running command-line shells with tab support and customizable profiles.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Latest version
- 26.04.3 (July 2, 2026)
- Developer
- KDE
- Installs
- 16,498 (Flathub, 30 days)
What is Konsole?
Konsole is KDE's long-standing terminal emulator, part of the KDE Plasma desktop since its early days. It's mature, stable, and tightly integrated with KDE applications, though it runs fine on other desktop environments. Over the years, it has evolved into a full-featured terminal with solid performance and reliability.
It's ideal for users who want a powerful, configurable terminal without needing third-party tools. If you're on KDE, it's likely already installed. Even on other desktops, it's a solid pick for those who prefer Qt-based applications or want deep customization beyond basic terminal functions.
Compared to Windows' Command Prompt, Konsole is far more capable out of the box. It doesn't just replace cmd—it surpasses it in features and flexibility. While Windows Terminal now offers tabs and theming, Konsole has had these for years, along with profile management and session logging.
Best for: Users on KDE Plasma or those wanting a full-featured, customizable terminal emulator.
Key features of Konsole
- Tabbed terminal sessions
- Customizable color schemes and fonts
- Multiple terminal profiles with different settings
- Silence and activity notifications
- Bookmark support for frequently used directories
- Search within terminal output
- Save terminal output to file
- Drag-and-drop and split views (in some layouts)
Pros
- Highly customizable with profiles and themes
- Tightly integrated with KDE Plasma
- Stable and mature with active development
- Supports advanced features like session logging and monitoring
- Available in most major Linux distributions
Cons
- Heavier than minimal terminals like xterm or alacritty
- KDE dependencies may feel bloated on non-KDE desktops
- Some features are buried in menus, not immediately obvious
Windows programs Konsole replaces
Command Prompt (cmd)How to install Konsole on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.kde.konsolesudo apt install konsolesudo apt install konsolesudo dnf install konsolesudo pacman -S konsolesudo zypper install konsoleTips for Windows users
If you're used to Command Prompt, know that Konsole runs bash or zsh by default, not cmd.exe. Most keyboard shortcuts are similar (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V), but copy/paste uses Ctrl+Shift+C/V. You won't need to install extra tools for tabs or colors—those are built in. Your old .cmd scripts won't work; use shell scripts (.sh) instead.
Recent releases
- 26.04.3 —
- 26.04.2 —
- 26.04.1 —
- 26.04.0 —
Konsole: frequently asked questions
Is Konsole only for KDE?
No, Konsole runs on any Linux desktop, but it integrates best with KDE Plasma. On GNOME or XFCE, it still works well but may pull in Qt dependencies.
How do I open a new tab in Konsole?
Press Ctrl+Shift+T to open a new tab. You can also right-click the tab bar or use the menu.
Can Konsole run Windows commands?
No, Konsole runs Linux shell commands. For Windows programs, you'd need WSL or a virtual machine.
How do I change the font or colors in Konsole?
Go to Settings > Edit Current Profile > Appearance. You can choose from built-in color schemes or create your own.
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