by ·154 Comments

It is now possible to upgrade Linux Mint 21 to version 21.1.

If you’ve been waiting for this we’d like to thank you for your patience.

1. Create a system snapshot

You can use Timeshift to make a system snapshot before the upgrade.

If anything goes wrong, you can easily restore your operating system to its previous state.

Launch Timeshift from the application menu, follow the instructions on the screen to configure it and create a system snapshot.

2. Prepare for the upgrade

  • Disable your screensaver
  • If you installed Cinnamon spices (applets, desklets, extensions, themes), upgrade them from the System Settings

3. Upgrade the operating system

Upgrading to Linux Mint 21.1 is relatively easy.

In the Update Manager, click on the Refresh button to check for any new version of mintupdate or mint-upgrade-info. If there are updates for these packages, apply them.

Launch the System Upgrade by clicking on “Edit->Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.1 Vera”.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

If asked whether to keep or replace configuration files, choose to replace them.

4. Change artwork (optional)

Linux Mint 21.1 features artwork changes. The icons, the colors and the mouse cursor look different.

We recommend you reboot your computer for all changes to properly apply, then run the welcome screen to select your favorite color tones.

If you preferred the way Linux Mint looked prior to the upgrade launch the “Themes” settings. The 20.2 look is available under the name “Mint-Y-Legacy”.

5. Reboot the computer

Once the upgrade is finished, reboot your computer.

Commonly asked questions

  • If the upgrade is not available to you, check that you have the latest versions of mintupdate (5.9.6 or higher) and mint-upgrade-info (1.2.0 or higher) and restart the Update Manager by launching it again from the applications menu.
  • If the latest versions of mintupdate and mint-upgrade-info are not yet available in your mirrors, switch to the default repositories.
  • This happens rarely, but if you ever got locked and were unable to log back in, switch to console with CTRL+ALT+F1, log in, and type “killall cinnamon-screensaver” (or “killall mate-screensaver” in MATE). Use CTRL+ALT+F7 or CTRL+ALT+F8 to get back to your session.

by ·510 Comments

If you’ve been waiting for this I’d like to thank you for your patience.

It is now possible to upgrade Linux Mint 20.3 to version 21.

The upgrade instructions are available at: https://linuxmint-user-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/upgrade-to-mint-21.html

Take your time

Read all the instructions and take the time to understand them, ask for help if you’re stuck.

The instructions will ask you to be up to date and to prepare system snapshots. Don’t rush into upgrading and do not take shortcuts.

Don’t panic

If you’re stuck or wondering about something don’t hesitate to ask for help:

  • You can post here in the comments section.
  • You can ask for help in the forums.
  • You can connect to the IRC (from within Linux Mint, launch Menu->Internet->Hexchat). If you’re new to IRC, read this tutorial.

Notes

by ·85 Comments

It is now possible to upgrade LMDE 4 to version 5.

First, refresh your cache and install the Upgrade Tool by typing the following commands in a terminal:

apt update
apt install mintupgrade

Then type the following command to launch the Upgrade Tool:

sudo mintupgrade

Follow the instructions on the screen.

When the tool is done and the upgrade is successful uninstall it and reboot your computer.

apt remove mintupgrade
sudo reboot

This is a major upgrade. It can take several hours.

You will be asked to be up to date and to prepare system snapshots. Do not rush, do not take shortcuts.

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you have questions or if you face problems with the upgrade.