FreeBSD and Plasma 6 install - a log

21 May, 2026

All choices in here are strictly my personal ones

--> First version: August 16 2025 Updated: May 21 2026

Boot the dvd iso (I used FreeBSD-15.0-RELEASE-amd64-dvd1.iso):

Selection:

Install FreeBSD
Choose your keymap
Set your hostname
Packages (Tech Preview)
Network (Select a network interface)

Partitioning

Choose Auto (ZFS)

ZFS Configuration

Encrypt disks: YES - Pool Type/Disks: Choose stripe - 0 disks - Partition Scheme: Choose GPT (UEFI) - Swap Size: Choose 2G (default)

Proceed with Installation

Stripe - No Redundancy - Select the correct disk! and answer YES, then enter the encryption phrase (and re-enter)

Select System Components

I just choose Base, feel free to add whatever you like

Installation starts

System Configuration

Add password for root - select timezone

Select services at boot

sshd [x] ntpd [x] powerd

System Hardening

random_pid [x] clear_tmp [x] secure_console

FreeBSD Firmware Installer

choose all applicable options

Add Users

Invite user into other groups?: wheel operator video
Add a passwd to the account and exit the installation (no manual configuration)
Reboot

Pkgs and first update

mkdir -p /usr/local/etc/pkg/repos
cp /etc/pkg/FreeBSD.conf /usr/local/etc/pkg/repos/FreeBSD.conf

! For the "Latest" branch:

ee /usr/local/etc/pkg/repos/FreeBSD.conf
change both url's quarterly to latest, esc to exit and save

Either way:

pkg update -f & pkg upgrade

Graphics driver

pciconf -lv|grep -B4 VGA This will tell your graphics driver, mine was an AMD one.
pkg install drm-kmod

Add to /etc/rc.conf to load the GPU driver at startup

sysrc kld_list+=amdgpu (for Intel GPU's it is sysrc kld_list+=i915kms)

Reboot the system when finished and login as root again

Basic tooling:

pkg install mc micro doas htop fastfetch git zsh zsh-completions seatd

Obviously these are my choices, with seatd being the only true mandatory one.

ee /usr/local/etc/doas.conf - add: permit nopass keepenv {USER) - logout and login as {USER}
chsh -s /usr/local/bin/zsh

QoL (completely voluntary):

Edit: doas ee /boot/loader.conf and add:

autoboot_delay=3
hw.usb.no_boot_wait=1
loader_logo="beastie"

When done, reboot afterwards and login as the regular user again.

The Big K

doas pkg install plasma6-plasma konsole dolphin kate gwenview okular librewolf networkmgr automount pavucontrol

Then (as root or with doas):

sysrc dbus_enable="YES" (required)
sysrc seatd_enable="YES" (required)
sysctl net.local.stream.recvspace=65536 (technically not required anymore)
sysctl net.local.stream.sendspace=65536 (technically not required anymore)
mixer pcm=1.0 (just a generic sound setting I apply to crank up the volume)

SDDM et all

There's a reason Linux distro's are switching to plasma-login-manager, and no, it's not just systemd. Truth is SDDM has proven to be a bit finicky at times and my guess is it'll become more redundant over time. So there you have it.

Startup and login as the regular user

Right now I made an alias to launch KDE Wayland from the CLI:

alias kde="ck-launch-session /usr/local/lib/libexec/plasma-dbus-run-session-if-needed startplasma-wayland"

Add that alias to your shell of choice or make a small script for it.

Reboot and login into KDE Plasma 6 Wayland on FreeBSD.

Additional software

a couple of nerd fonts: doas pkg install nerd-fonts-meslo nerd-fonts-jetbrainsmono clearsans font-awesome
install powerlevel10k from here: https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k
some terminal based applications: doas pkg install eza fresh fzf yazi
additional applications: doas pkg install elisa haruna libreoffice qbittorrent

Feel free to use these builds and dots as you like. I do not, however, imply any form of support or ongoing maintenance. And of course, you use them entirely at your own risk. Have fun!