With the release of Linux Mint 21.3 ‘Virginia,’ many of you might be keen to jump from the previous version, Mint 21.2 ‘Victoria.’ And why not? It brings great improvements such as a Cinnamon 6.0 desktop environment, File Manager enhancements, better TV viewing experience, experimental Wayland support, etc.
Furthermore, staying current also means improved security and more pleasing overall performance.
Because of this, in this article, weโll guide you through the simple yet important process of upgrading to Linux Mint 21.3 from version 21.2. So, letโs dive in and unlock all the new possibilities the new release has in store for you!
Step 1: Backing Up Your System (Optional)
Although this step is optional, we urge you never to upgrade your operating system without ensuring youโll be on the right side if something goes wrong.
Mintโs Timeshift app is an excellent solution for creating a reliable backup. It will take a snapshot of your system, which implies that you can restore your entire system, including its data, to its prior and working state at any time.
So, before upgrading, launch Timeshift from the application menu and take a snapshot of your current Mint 21.2 ‘Victoria’ system.
Step 2: Update All Software
Ensure your current Linux Mint 21.2 system is fully upgraded and has no packages waiting to be updated.
However, there is a peculiarity here. Even if Update Manager shows you no pending updates, press the โRefreshโ button.
A notification will appear informing you of a new version of the Update Manager. Additionally, you should see the “mint-upgrade-info” package, version 1.2.5, available for update.
It’s important to note that the option to upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 won’t appear in the Update Manager until this package receives an update to v1.2.5 or higher.
To install it, click the โApply the Updateโ button.
Then check again for pending updates and apply them if available. Reboot if required, and then proceed to the next step.
In addition, disable your screensaver, and if you installed some additional Cinnamon spices such as applets, desklets, extensions, or themes, upgrade them from the System Settings.
Step 3: Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 from 21.2
Everything is now in place to begin the upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3. Launch the Update Manager app and choose the โEditโ menu, where you will find the newly appeared โUpgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 Virginiaโ option. Click on it.
This action will open a new window that will take you through the upgrade process. Click the โNextโ button.
The following two screens, โRelease notesโ and โNew features,โ are entirely informative, so keep pressing the โNextโ button to proceed.
On the “Requirements” screen, tick the checkbox confirming that you know the risks and click the โApplyโ button to proceed.
A new window pop-up prompts you to enter your userโs password. So, enter it and click the โAuthenticateโ button to confirm.
The actual upgrade process to Linux Mint 21.3 ‘Virginia’ will start. Downloading and installing the updates will take some time; be patient and wait for the process to complete.
When the process is finished, the Update Manager will notify you that the upgrade has succeeded. So, you can safely close the window now.
Thatโs all. Your system has been successfully upgraded to Linux Mint 21.3 โVirginia.โ Reboot, log in, and enjoy your newly upgraded Mint system.
Conclusion
Upgrading to Linux Mint 21.3 from Mint 21.2 is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy the latest features, security updates, and performance enhancements.
In addition, we also recommend you consider setting up automatic updates; however, if you donโt know how, weโve covered it in our comprehensive and easy-to-follow โHow to Configure Linux Mint 21 Automatic Updatesโ guide.
Furthermore, we recommend you also check theย official manualย for additional help or valuable information.
Thanks for your time! Your feedback and comments are most welcome.
