Let’s learn about the update and upgrading of Linux Mint OS. Keeping your Linux Mint system updated is essential for security, performance, and compatibility. Whether you prefer using the Terminal or the Graphical Update Manager, i.e., GUI in the update manager, understanding the difference between updating and upgrading is key to maintaining a stable and efficient Linux Mint environment. In this blog, you can choose any method that is suitable for both beginner and advanced users.

Why should I update Linux Mint?

Updating Linux Mint can keep your system safe. There are some features based on security, software updates, bugs, and kernel updates.

• Security patches: Protect your system from threats.
• Software updates: Get the latest features and improvements.
• Bug fixes: Fix the issues for smoother performance.
• Kernel updates: Make your system work better with new hardware.

Method 1: Updating Linux Mint via GUI as an Update Manager

Linux Mint offers two methods for updating your operating system. Let’s start with the first method, which involves updating by the update manager in VMWare or other workstations.

Step 1: Start with the Linux virtual desktop and open the search bar. Search update manager. The update manager page will be visible on your desktop.

Step 2:

At the top of the page, you can see the Menu bar includes Files, Edit, View, and Help.

Click the option “Install updates”, and the installation package starts to install.

Step 3:

The installation updates with the authentication requirement that you have used while installing the Linux Mint OS

Once the authentication verification is done. It starts to install and also takes some time.

Step 4:

After the completion of installing the updates, you need to reboot or shut down the system for the update.

Reboot the system again and start with Linux Mint on your VMware or other workstations.

Step 5:

Go to the update manager in the settings and click “edit”

You can see the available option with the upgrade to “Linux Mint 22.2”

Step5:

Click the update version and upgrade it. It starts with some Features like introduction, release notes, requirements, and summary.

You can go through it, and you can learn about the upgrade version of “Linux Mint 22.2”

Step 6:

After the introduction, you can go with the release notes. You should go through the release notes before upgrading. It also explains the issue of upgrading and updating to the new version.

Click the link for “release notes” and click “next” to continue.

Step 7:

 Next would be the New Version, if you go through the Linux Mint features that have been updated.

And click” Next” to continue.

Some requirements of the updated version of Linux Mint 22.2 can be associated with the system. It requires a risk factor and security for the data server.

Step 8:

Once you have completed the summary, you can go by clicking “Finish”. It requires the authentication again, and by completing it, it starts to install the upgrade version of “Linux Mint 22.2”

Step 9:

The installation package starts to install, then after the completion, the page will show that you have successfully upgraded.

Now reboot the system.

Step 10:

After rebooting the system, you can go to the system settings and check whether the version has been successfully upgraded to “Linux Mint 22.2”

Method 2: Updating Linux Mint via Terminal

Let’s come up with a fast way of upgrading the Linux Mint version 22.2 based on the command line.

Step 1: Open the terminal by pressing “Ctrl+Alt+T” or by searching in the application menu.

Before starting, use the command “bash”; it’s a command-line tool for interacting with your system.

Step 2:

For updating the package list, use the command “sudo apt update”

“sudo” uses the command as an administrator, and “apt update” helps the package index so that your system shows what updates are available.

It starts to read the package list and upgrade the packages that are available in your system.

Step 3:

If you want the full upgrade, then use the command “sudo apt full-upgrade” and run the command. It starts to list and upgrade the full version.

Step 4:

The upgrade package list will update all the installed packages to their latest versions. It may have prompted a command asking to continue the update.

Press “y” and press “Enter” to continue.

Step 5:

Then reboot the system, because some update requires a restart for the upgrade. Running updates regularly helps keep your system secure and stable.

GUI vs. Terminal: Which Should You Use?

Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
GUI (Update Manager)	Beginners	Simple, visual, user-friendly	Slightly slower
Terminal	Intermediate/Advanced users	Faster, more control	Requires commands

Take Action Now

Keeping your Linux Mint system updated is quick, easy, and essential for security and performance. Don’t wait for problems to appear, just follow the steps above and update your system today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How often should I update Linux Mint?
It’s recommended to check for updates at least once a week. Critical security patches may be released anytime, so updating regularly keeps your system safe.

2. Do I need to restart after updating?
Most updates don’t require a restart. However, if the Linux kernel or system libraries are updated, you’ll need to reboot for changes to take effect.

3. What’s the difference between upgrade and full-upgrade?

Both the commands in line “sudo apt upgrade” have updated packages without removing anything. “sudo apt full-upgrade” Updates packages but may remove or replace old versions.

4. Can I update Linux Mint without the internet?
No, you need an active internet connection since updates are downloaded from Linux Mint repositories.

5. Is it safe to use the GUI and Terminal interchangeably for updates?
Yes, both methods update from the same repositories. You can use whichever you’re more comfortable with.