How to Install Linux Mint – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What is Linux Mint?

What is Linux Mint?

Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distributions worldwide, focused on simplicity, stability, and user-friendliness. It is based on Ubuntu (or Debian) and developed by a community led by Clement Lefebvre. The first version was released in 2006, and since then Mint has gained a strong user base looking for a Windows alternative that "just works."

Linux Mint is ideal for everyday users as well as more advanced users who want a stable and powerful system:

  • As a daily desktop system for work, internet, gaming, and multimedia.
  • For older computers thanks to lightweight desktop environments (like Xfce).
  • For developers and tech-savvy users who appreciate access to Ubuntu and Debian packages.
  • For users switching from Windows who want a familiar desktop experience.

How to Install Linux Mint – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Linux Mint is one of the best beginner-friendly distros – stable, clear, and Windows-like. This guide will walk you through installing Linux Mint step by step, from downloading the ISO file to your first boot.

What you’ll need:

  • USB flash drive (at least 4 GB, 8 GB or more recommended)
  • Computer capable of booting from USB
  • Internet connection
  • Linux Mint ISO image (free to download)
  • Tool to create bootable USB (e.g., Rufus, balenaEtcher)

1. Download the Linux Mint ISO

  1. Visit the official website: https://linuxmint.com/download.php
  2. Choose an edition (we recommend Cinnamon if you’re unsure)
  3. Click “Download” and select the mirror closest to your location
  4. Download the file, e.g., linuxmint-21.3-cinnamon-64bit.iso

 

2. Create a bootable Linux Mint USB

Here’s a video showing how to create a bootable Linux Mint USB.

Using Rufus:

  • Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie
  • Insert your USB flash drive and open Rufus
  • Set the following:
    • Device: select your USB drive
    • Boot selection: select the downloaded Linux Mint ISO
    • Partition scheme: GPT (for newer PCs with UEFI from 2012+) or MBR (for older BIOS/UEFI-CSM systems)
    • File system: FAT32
  • Click START and confirm to erase the USB

Warning: The USB drive will be completely erased!

How to check if your PC uses UEFI or BIOS (Windows & Linux)

Windows:

  • Press Win + R, type msinfo32 and hit Enter
  • In System Information, find “BIOS Mode”:
    • UEFI = modern mode
    • Legacy = old BIOS mode

How to check if your disk is GPT or MBR:

  • Press Win + X → Disk Management
  • Right-click your disk (e.g., Disk 0) → Properties
  • Go to Volumes tab → Partition style:
    • GUID Partition Table (GPT) = modern
    • Master Boot Record (MBR) = old style

3. Boot from the USB – step by step

  • Insert the USB into a powered-off PC
  • Power on and immediately press the key to enter Boot Menu (varies by brand):
    • F12 (Dell, Lenovo, Acer)
    • ESC (HP)
    • F11, F8, F10 or DEL (depends on brand)
  • Select your USB drive and press Enter

If Boot Menu doesn’t work:

  • Enter BIOS/UEFI setup (usually DEL, F2, or ESC; some Lenovo need Fn+F2)
  • Find Boot Menu or Boot Options and enable it
  • Save changes (usually F10) and restart

Note:

  • You might need to disable Secure Boot to boot Linux USB
  • On new PCs, you may also need to enable CSM if using MBR USB

4. Installing Linux Mint

  • After booting, choose “Start Linux Mint”
  • When loaded, click “Install Linux Mint” icon

Language and keyboard layout:

  • Select your language (e.g., English)
  • Select keyboard layout

Network:

  • Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet (Internet not required but recommended for updates)

Installation type:

  • Erase disk and install Linux Mint – best for beginners
  • Install alongside Windows (dual boot)
  • Something else – manual partitioning (advanced)

5. Optional: Manual disk partitioning (advanced)

Recommended layout:

Partition File system Size Mount point
/boot/efi FAT32 300 MB /boot/efi
swap swap 2–4 GB –
/ ext4 20+ GB /
/home ext4 rest /home

6. Dual boot with Windows

  • Choose “Something else” and use free disk space
  • Keep Windows partitions intact!
  • Create new partitions for Mint (/ , swap, /home)
  • Don’t format EFI partition
  • Don’t touch Windows partitions (NTFS)

Encrypted install:

  • Check “Use LVM” and “Encrypt the installation”
  • Enter a strong password

7. User setup

  • Enter your name and computer name
  • Create username and password
  • Choose automatic login if desired

8. Start installation

  • Click “Install Now”
  • Confirm disk changes
  • Wait a few minutes
  • When finished, click “Restart Now”
  • Remove USB before reboot

9. First boot

Congratulations! After reboot, you’ll see the Linux Mint login screen. Enter your password and enjoy your new system!

Bonus: What next?

  • Update system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  • Open Software Manager and install favorite apps:
    • VLC, GIMP, Steam, Thunderbird, Chromium
  • Explore, customize, and enjoy a stable and fast Linux!

What is Linux Mint suitable for?

  • Beginners wanting a smooth Windows transition
  • Everyday users for work, browsing, multimedia
  • Schools, homes, seniors needing stability and ease
  • Developers wanting a clean, fast system

Which Linux Mint editions exist?

  1. Cinnamon (flagship)
    Modern, elegant, visually appealing desktop designed for Mint with full integration. Ideal for newer PCs.
  2. MATE
    Lightweight classic desktop based on GNOME 2. Balanced performance and appearance. Good for mid-aged PCs.
  3. Xfce
    Lightest Mint edition focused on speed and low resource use. Perfect for old or low-power computers.

Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE)

  • Debian-based alternative to Ubuntu-based Mint
  • Backup plan if Ubuntu becomes unusable
  • Same Cinnamon desktop but Debian under the hood

What comes with Linux Mint?

  • Up-to-date and stable Linux kernel
  • Desktop environment of your choice (Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce)
  • Software Manager for easy app installation
  • APT package system compatible with Ubuntu .deb packages
  • Pre-installed apps: Firefox, LibreOffice, Rhythmbox/Celluloid, Nemo file manager, GIMP, Timeshift backups
  • Easy driver and update management

Advantages of Linux Mint

✅ User-friendly interface – familiar to Windows users, no unnecessary changes
✅ Fast and stable – well optimized, no bloated effects
✅ No ads, no telemetry – no tracking or forced packages
✅ Great multimedia support – codecs included out of the box
✅ Choice of desktop environments – from lightweight to modern
✅ Easy updates and system management
✅ Ubuntu compatibility – huge software library
✅ Backup and restore with Timeshift

Disadvantages

❌ Smaller development team than Ubuntu – some new features arrive slower
❌ Based on Ubuntu – inherits some Ubuntu quirks (kernel or library changes)
❌ Less focus on servers or cloud – Mint is strictly a desktop distro