KDE Plasma 6.8 beta released with new backup and remote desktop features

KDE has released the beta version of Plasma 6.8, which is scheduled for a full launch on October 14, 2026. The update introduces several significant functional and interface improvements to the desktop environment.

Key features include the integration of the Kup backup system, which will now follow regular release cycles and allow users to schedule backups to external or remote storage. The update also enhances remote desktop support via a built-in RDP server, enabling bidirectional clipboard sharing and a new remote desktop mode that locks the physical screens of the remote computer to create a virtual display.

Technical improvements include the enablement of triple buffering by default for NVIDIA GPUs to ensure smoother animations, and the introduction of the Union theming system for QtWidgets and QtQuick applications. Accessibility enhancements feature a new built-in dwell clicker and improved screen reader capabilities. Other UI refinements include overhauled clipboard settings, improved input method widgets, and optimized notification speed graphs.