How to Install Linux Mint Step by Step
Linux Mint, alongside Ubuntu, is one of the most recommended distributions for people coming from Windows — the Cinnamon desktop feels familiar from minute one.
Linux Mint, alongside Ubuntu, is one of the most recommended distributions for people coming from Windows: the Cinnamon desktop feels familiar from minute one. Here's everything you need to install it.
Note: looking for a general guide on creating the install USB? Check how to create a bootable USB first. Here we focus on the specific screens of the Mint installer, which has a few differences from Ubuntu's.
The simple explanation
Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, but with its own desktop (Cinnamon by default) designed to feel more like traditional Windows: Start menu, taskbar at the bottom, desktop icons from the first moment. That's why many people trying Linux for the first time start here.
Step by step
1. Download the official ISO image
From linuxmint.com, choose the Cinnamon edition (the most recommended for starting out) and download the .iso file.
2. Create the install USB
Using Rufus (Windows) or balenaEtcher (Windows/Linux/Mac), write the ISO to a USB drive of at least 4 GB.
3. Boot from the USB
Restart with the USB plugged in and enter the boot menu (F12, F10 or Esc depending on the manufacturer, right when powering on).
4. Choose "Start Linux Mint"
This takes you to a trial desktop without installing anything yet — perfect for checking that Wi-Fi and graphics work well on your machine before committing.
5. Double-click "Install Linux Mint"
Installer screens, in order:
1. Language
2. Keyboard layout
3. Multimedia (check "install multimedia codecs")
4. Installation type (alongside Windows, or erase disk)
5. Time zone
6. User and password
Warning: at the "Installation type" step, if you want to keep Windows, choose the option that mentions installing it "alongside" your current system, never the one that says to erase the entire disk.
6. Wait and restart
Installation takes between 15 and 25 minutes. When it's done, remove the USB when prompted and restart the machine.
Tip: coming from Windows? Don't change anything about the Cinnamon desktop at first — it's set up precisely to feel familiar from day one.
Common mistakes
A common slip-up is not checking the "install multimedia codecs" box during installation, which later causes some videos or audio formats not to play. If that happens to you, it can be installed afterward from Software Manager → Multimedia codecs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Linux Mint better than Ubuntu for beginners?
Neither is objectively better: Mint looks more like Windows visually and uses somewhat fewer resources, while Ubuntu has more documentation and official software vendor support. For someone coming from Windows, Mint usually feels more comfortable from the start.
Can I have Windows and Linux Mint on the same PC?
Yes, by choosing the install-alongside-Windows option during the process. The installer resizes the space automatically and you'll be able to choose which system to boot each time you turn the machine on.
How much space does Linux Mint need?
The recommended minimum is 20 GB, though for comfortable use with programs and files it's better to leave at least 50-60 GB.