How to Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 from Mint 21.2

Upgrading to Linux Mint 21.3 from 21.2? Follow our quick guide for a hassle-free update, unlocking new features, and better stability.

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, weโ€™ll guide you through the simple yet important process of upgrading to Linux Mint 21.3 from version 21.2. So, letโ€™s 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 youโ€™ll be on the right side if something goes wrong.

Mintโ€™s 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 โ€œRefreshโ€ button.

Update current system.

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 โ€œApply the Updateโ€ button.

Update current system.

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 โ€œEditโ€ menu, where you will find the newly appeared โ€œUpgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 Virginiaโ€ option. Click on it.

Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 from 21.2.

This action will open a new window that will take you through the upgrade process. Click the โ€œNextโ€ button.

Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 from 21.2.

The following two screens, โ€œRelease notesโ€ and โ€œNew features,โ€ are entirely informative, so keep pressing the โ€œNextโ€ button to proceed.

Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 from 21.2.
Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 from 21.2.

On the “Requirements” screen, tick the checkbox confirming that you know the risks and click the โ€œApplyโ€ button to proceed.

Agree to the upgrade.

A new window pop-up prompts you to enter your userโ€™s password. So, enter it and click the โ€œAuthenticateโ€ button to confirm.

Authenticate and start the upgrade process.

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.

Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 from Mint 21.2.

When the process is finished, the Update Manager will notify you that the upgrade has succeeded. So, you can safely close the window now.

Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.3 successfully finished.

Thatโ€™s all. Your system has been successfully upgraded to Linux Mint 21.3 โ€˜Virginia.โ€™ Reboot, log in, and enjoy your newly upgraded Mint system.

Successfully upgraded to Linux Mint 21.3 from 21.2.

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 donโ€™t know how, weโ€™ve covered it in our comprehensive and easy-to-follow โ€œHow 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.

Bobby Borisov

Bobby Borisov

Bobby, an editor-in-chief at Linuxiac, is a Linux professional with over 20 years of experience. With a strong focus on Linux and open-source software, he has worked as a Senior Linux System Administrator, Software Developer, and DevOps Engineer for small and large multinational companies.

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