Linux Mint Beginner’s Guide 2025: Why It’s the Best Linux Distro for Everyday Users
Linux Mint has long been one of the most popular Linux distributions—not only among beginners, but also for people who want something fast, stable, elegant, and easy to use for everyday computing. If you’re new to Linux or thinking about leaving Windows for good, Linux Mint is one of the friendliest places to start. It’s simple, pretty, lightweight, and doesn’t try too hard to change your habits.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Linux Mint in a relaxed, easy-to-digest way. We’ll talk about what makes it great, how it compares to other Linux distros, which edition you should pick, what hardware you need, how to install it, and what you should do after installation. By the end, you’ll have a complete Linux Mint beginner guide you can follow with confidence.
1. What Is Linux Mint and Why Do People Love It?
Linux Mint has one job: to make Linux feel familiar. Unlike some distros that chase new designs or experimental features, Mint focuses on stability, comfort, and usability. For people coming from Windows, it feels immediately recognizable—taskbar at the bottom, a start menu, window buttons where you expect them, and everything just works.
Why Linux Mint Stands Out
✔ Beginner-friendly — almost no learning curve
✔ Super stable — based on Ubuntu LTS
✔ Traditional desktop feel
✔ Loaded with essential apps ready to use
✔ Runs well on old and new hardware
✔ Great Cinnamon desktop (beautiful + lightweight)
✔ Amazing community support
Mint takes the power of Linux but wraps it in a warm, friendly interface that doesn’t overwhelm you. If Ubuntu feels “modern but different,” Mint feels “comfortably familiar.”
2. Linux Mint Editions: Cinnamon, MATE, or Xfce?
Linux Mint comes in three desktop editions, each designed for different performance levels and taste preferences.
1. Cinnamon (Recommended for most users)
This is Mint’s flagship edition—modern, smooth, and polished. It’s visually pleasing yet still lightweight compared to GNOME.
Best for:
- Modern laptops
- Daily use
- Users who like a sleek, Windows-like interface
2. MATE
Older-style interface but extremely efficient. Great for users who prefer a classic desktop feel.
Best for:
- Low-power PCs
- Offices
- Users who want long-term stability
3. Xfce
The lightest and most resource-friendly edition.
Best for:
- Very old hardware
- Mini PCs / homelab use
- High performance with minimal RAM
If you’re unsure, choose Cinnamon. It’s the Mint experience the developers intended.
3. Hardware Requirements for Linux Mint
One of Mint’s biggest strengths is its ability to run well even on old hardware. You don’t need a high-end system.
Minimum Requirements
- 2GB RAM
- 20GB storage
- CPU: 64-bit dual core
- GPU: any basic integrated graphics
Recommended Specs for a Smooth Experience
- 8GB RAM
- SSD instead of HDD
- Intel or AMD CPU
- Basic Intel or AMD GPU
Even if you’ve got a 10-year-old laptop, Linux Mint will likely run faster than Windows.
4. How to Install Linux Mint (Simple Step-by-Step)
Installing Linux Mint is very beginner-friendly. Here’s the quick version:
Step 1: Download Linux Mint ISO
Go to the official website and grab the version you want (preferably Cinnamon).
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB
Use tools like:
- Balena Etcher
- Ventoy
- Rufus (Windows)
Step 3: Boot Into the Installer
Restart your computer, enter BIOS or boot menu, choose your USB drive.
Step 4: Try Mint or Install
Mint allows you to test it first—no installation required.
Step 5: Partitioning
You can:
- Install alongside Windows
- Replace Windows entirely
- Use custom partitions (advanced users)
Step 6: Create User Account
Choose username, password, keyboard layout, and timezone.
Step 7: Reboot
Remove the USB and boot into your fresh Mint desktop.
That’s it—Linux Mint is ready to roll!
5. First Things You Should Do After Installing Linux Mint
To get the most out of Mint, do these simple steps.
1. Run System Updates
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
2. Install Codecs
Mint offers a one-click installer for multimedia support.
3. Enable Timeshift (System Snapshots)
This lets you easily restore your system if something goes wrong.
4. Install Additional Apps
Some popular ones:
- Google Chrome or Brave Browser
- VLC and MPV
- Steam (for gaming)
- GIMP (image editing)
- VS Code (coding)
5. Customize the Desktop
Themes, icons, panel layout—Mint is one of the most customizable distros.
6. Everyday Use: What You Can Do with Linux Mint
Linux Mint is built for daily use, not just “techie stuff.” Here’s what you can easily do:
- Browse the web
- Watch movies and Netflix
- Play games (Steam + Proton support)
- Write documents (LibreOffice)
- Edit images and videos
- Manage files easily
- Connect to printers and scanners
- Use Bluetooth and WiFi without complications
Mint is not just for geeks anymore—it’s for everyone.
7. Linux Mint vs Ubuntu vs Windows
Let’s break it down the simple way.
Linux Mint vs Ubuntu
- Mint uses Cinnamon, more traditional
- Ubuntu uses GNOME, more modern but heavier
- Mint aims for familiarity
- Ubuntu aims for innovation
- Mint is simpler
- Ubuntu has more corporate backing (Canonical)
Linux Mint vs Windows
- Mint is faster
- No forced updates
- No ads or bloatware
- Free forever
- Better for older hardware
- More secure (no viruses, no spyware)
If you’re tired of Windows slowing down or taking too much control, Mint is the perfect escape.
8. Gaming on Linux Mint
Gaming has improved massively thanks to Steam Proton, a compatibility layer that lets you run Windows games on Linux with amazing performance.
What works well:
- Steam games
- Epic Games through Heroic Launcher
- Lutris for multi-platform gaming
- Retro emulation
Mint supports modern GPUs and gaming optimizations—just install the correct drivers.
9. Linux Mint for Work or School
Linux Mint is excellent for productivity:
- LibreOffice (free Microsoft Office alternative)
- Thunderbird (email)
- VS Code (coding)
- Zoom & Discord support
- Perfect for writing, browsing, studying
Mint is stable and distraction-free—exactly what you need to get work done.
10. Should You Switch to Linux Mint?
You should definitely consider it if:
✔ Your PC feels slow on Windows
✔ You want a clean, simple interface
✔ You want to avoid spyware and advertising
✔ You want a system that “just works”
✔ You’re a beginner looking for a comfortable Linux
✔ You want to revive old hardware
Mint is the “it just works” version of Linux. No unnecessary complications. No learning curve. Just a smooth, friendly desktop.
