Upgrade Your System: Linux Mint Debian Edition 6 Now Available

The much-anticipated Linux Mint Debian Edition 6 (LMDE 6) has officially arrived, bringing with it an array of enhancements, a new kernel, and updated drivers. For users currently on LMDE 5, we’ll guide you through the simple process of upgrading to this latest version.

Step-by-Step Upgrade Guide: Transitioning to LMDE 6

To transition from LMDE 5 to LMDE 6, you will utilize the mintupgrade tool. Although LMDE is built on Debian, mintupgrade simplifies the upgrade procedure, making it safer and user-friendly.

Installing the Mintupgrade Tool

First, you need the mintupgrade tool installed on your system. Open your terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or searching for “Terminal” in your applications. Input the following command to install mintupgrade:

sudo apt install mintupgrade

Initiating the Upgrade Process

With mintupgrade installed, it’s time to begin your upgrade. The first step is to fetch the latest upgrades from the Linux Mint servers using:

sudo mintupgrade download

Upon executing this command, a graphical interface will pop up, labeled “Upgrade tool,” that prompts you to begin the transition to LMDE 6, code-named Faye. Click on the “Let’s go” button to continue.

Preparation Phase

You will then enter Phase 1: Preparation. Here, simply click “OK” to permit the mintupgrade tool to conduct necessary tests ensuring your system is ready for the upgrade.

Once this initial testing is complete, the tool will present a “System snapshots” screen offering a safety option. This ensures that if the upgrade faces any issues, you can revert to a previous stable state. To create this snapshot, click the “Fix” button.

If you haven’t configured system snapshots yet, you can consult our comprehensive guide on setting them up.

Running the Upgrade Simulation

After you’ve set your snapshot, you’ll return to Phase 2: Simulation and Download. Click “OK” to proceed, and the tool will simulate the upgrade to confirm a smooth transition. Click “OK” again to start this simulation.

Beginning the Upgrade

Once the simulation concludes successfully, you’ll move to Phase 3: Upgrade. Click “OK” to kick off the actual upgrade process. This might take some time, requiring your patience as the system updates.

Completion and Reboot

Once the upgrade finishes, you’ll have successfully transitioned from LMDE 5 to LMDE 6. Reboot your computer, log back in, and enjoy the fresh features of your upgraded Linux Mint Debian Edition!

Exploring LMDE 6: How to Download and Try it Without Upgrading

If you prefer to experience LMDE 6 fresh rather than upgrading, follow these steps:

1. Download and Install Etcher: Get the Etcher USB tool from the official website, install it, and open it.

2. Download LMDE 6: Visit LinuxMint.com to download the latest LMDE 6 release.

3. Create a Bootable USB:
   • Click on “Flash from file,” locate the downloaded LMDE 6 ISO file, and select it.
   • Insert your USB flash drive, then click “Select target” and select your USB drive.
   • Hit “Flash!” to begin creating your bootable USB.

After the USB creation is complete, reboot your computer and enter the BIOS settings to set the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. When the LMDE 6 installer loads, select “Install Linux Mint” and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup.

By following these steps, you can easily upgrade to or try out Linux Mint Debian Edition 6, embracing the new features and performance enhancements it offers. Enjoy your upgraded experience!