Which operating systems can run Kate?
Updated
Kate runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS. That is the platform list given on the official site, so if you are on one of those three systems you can install and use it. The site also points to the Microsoft Store as a distribution channel, which is relevant if you are on Windows and prefer installing from there rather than downloading a package directly.
Supported platforms at a glance
| Operating system | Supported | Notes from the official site |
|---|---|---|
| Linux | Yes | Listed as an available platform |
| Windows | Yes | Listed as an available platform; a Microsoft Store channel is referenced |
| macOS | Yes | Listed as an available platform |
The homepage states plainly: "Available for Linux, Windows and macOS."
Why it works across all three
Kate is built on the KDE Frameworks and Qt. That combination is what makes a single editor available on Linux, Windows, and macOS rather than being tied to one desktop environment. In practice this means the core editing experience — tabs, split views, syntax highlighting, plugins — is the same editor regardless of which of the three systems you install it on.
What this means for you
- On Linux: Kate is a natural fit, since it is a KDE application. You can install it through your distribution's package sources or the channels the project provides.
- On Windows: You can install Kate, and the site references the Microsoft Store as one route. If you prefer not to use the Store, the project's download options are the alternative.
- On macOS: Kate is available here too, so you are not limited to Linux or Windows.
A practical check before you commit
Because the site confirms the three platforms but does not spell out minimum OS versions or installer formats on the page, verify the current download options for your exact system version before installing. The safest path is to start from the official "Get it" download link on kate-editor.org and pick the package that matches your OS.
If your system is not Linux, Windows, or macOS, Kate is not listed as an option — you would need a different editor.