With the release of Linux Mint 20.3 you might be wondering how to upgrade from Linux Mint 20.2 to Linux Mint 20.3 – here’s how!
You can upgrade your Linux Mint 20.1 or 20.2 to Linux Mint 20.3. If you have an older version 19.x you will need to update your Mint 20 first in order to upgrade to the latest version.
But before you upgrade anything you should be prudent about backing up your important files. You should also use the Timeshift utility (it comes with Linux Mint) to take a snapshot of your system. This way you can quickly restore a working version of the operating system if something goes wrong during the update process (although don’t panic: this rarely happens).
In addition, Linux Mint recommends that you update all the Cinnamon “products” (i.e. applets, booklets, themes, etc.) before you start the update process.
Once you’ve backed up and upgraded, you can move on to the main task: upgrading to Linux Mint 20.3 “Una”.
Updating to Linux Mint 20.3 is easy
First, update your system by entering the following command in the terminal
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeI’ll assume you’re connected to the internet, you have a stable connection and you’re able to download and unzip the update itself.
Open the Mint menu and start the Update Manager tool. When it opens, click on the Refresh button to check for remaining updates or a new version of mintupdate or mint-upgrade-info. If any updates show up as available, download and install them first.
Then click the “Change” button on the Update Manager application toolbar. Locate the option: “Update to “Linux Mint 20.3 Una”” as shown in the screenshot below.
Click on this option and follow the instructions that will appear in the window that will open:
Proceed with the upgrade!
This step consists mostly of clicking on “Next”, “Next”, “Next” and “Apply”, but since you are given links to view the release notes and system requirement changes, you can do that:
Follow the instructions.
If you are asked if you want to keep or replace any configuration files during the upgrade, it is recommended to choose “replace”. If you are not asked this question, there is nothing wrong with it. It just pops up in certain situations.
Once the update process starts (you will be prompted for a password), you can walk away from the machine, because it has been scientifically proven that if you look at the update panel, the process will go slower. Just let the update tool do all the hard work. Go make coffee or check the latest posts on your favorite Linux blog (ahem).
When it’s done, you’ll be prompted to reboot your computer. Do this request to complete the upgrade process. After restarting the computer and loading Linux Mint you will be taken to the login screen.
Finally, enter Linux Mint 20.3 and start enjoying its new look, new features, and great new applications.
Have you updated your systems yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
