Bug 429308

Summary:	no way to simultaneously open multiple settings window
Product:	[Applications] systemsettings	Reporter:	lilydjwg
Component:	general	Assignee:	Plasma Bugs List <plasma-bugs-null>
Status:	RESOLVED INTENTIONAL
Severity:	normal	CC:	nate
Priority:	NOR
Version First Reported In:	5.20.3
Target Milestone:	---
Platform:	Arch Linux
OS:	Linux
Latest Commit:		Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:

Description lilydjwg 2020-11-18 14:52:02 UTC

SUMMARY

There is no way to simultaneously open multiple settings window. For example I can't configure shortcuts for kwin and other settings for kwin at the same time. Or I just want to check some setting while configuring something else.

STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. open settings for some component, potentially deep inside (e.g. with a keyword search for shortcuts for kwin)
2. try to configure another component, e.g. open from krunner

OBSERVED RESULT

The previous settings window now shows settings the new component.

EXPECTED RESULT

Another settings window appears, without overidding the previous one, so I don't need to find the desired configurations again.


SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS

Linux/KDE Plasma: Arch Linux
(available in About System)
KDE Plasma Version: 
KDE Frameworks Version: 
Qt Version: 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

I know Windows 10 has the same annoying behavior, but KDE's is even worse --- there is no Back button.

Comment 1 Nate Graham 2020-11-18 20:46:45 UTC

This was an intentional change in Plasma 5.19 IIRC, at least in the GUI. We got bug reports about the old behavior because people couldn't navigate back to the full set of settings from the single-KCM windows that used to appear.

You can still open KCMs in separate windows if you really want to using the kcmshell5 app on the command line. For example, run `kcmshell5 kcm_colors` to open the colors KCM in its own window. YOu can get a list of the options using `kcmshell5 --list`

Comment 2 lilydjwg 2020-11-19 03:00:28 UTC

I didn't ask for the single-KCM windows (and I was annoyed by a setting window that can't go back to other settings recently). I mean, could you make multiple instances of the current settings window? i.e. any of them can go back and forth, switching between different KCMs. If you must, you can forbid the same KCM appear in multiple windows, but different ones should technically be OK?

It's good to know that I can bring up a separate window from the command line, but krunner is nicer to use.