How to try out the Linux Mint 21 Beta
Linux Mint 21 codename “Vanessa” has its first Beta out. Mint 21 has a lot of new and exciting things to offer, such as a new version of the Linux kernel, updated drivers, an updated Cinnamon desktop, and more.
In this guide, we’ll show you how you can try out the Linux Mint 21 beta. However, be warned that this software is still developing, and you will run into issues. Be sure to report these issues so Mint developers can improve the OS for the final release.
Downloading Mint 21 Beta
Like every release of Linux Mint, 21 Beta is distributed in the form of a downloadable ISO image. Select one of the following links to get your hands on the Beta ISO.
After downloading the Beta, you may want to check out the Linux Mint Blog’s July 2nd entry. It goes over all of the plans for Mint 21, including features, fixes, etc. It’s a good read for Linux Mint fans and users.
Creating a bootable Linux Mint 21 Beta installer
You’ll have to create a bootable USB installer to install the Linux Mint 21 Beta on your computer. Thankfully, making a bootable USB installer on Linux is very easy. To set it up, you must download the Etcher application. Head to Etcher.io, download the software and run it on your Linux system by double-clicking the AppImage file.
Note: Etcher is cross-platform and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. So, if you create your Linux Mint 21 Beta USB on a Mac or Windows PC, the instructions in this guide are the same.
Step 1: Find the “Flash from file” button in Etcher and select it with the mouse. Then, choose the Linux Mint 21 Beta ISO you downloaded to your computer previously.
Step 2: Find the “Select target” button inside the Etcher application and click on it with the mouse. After selecting this button, a pop-up window will appear. Browse for your USB flash drive in the window and select it to use with Etcher.
Step 3: Find the “Flash!” button in the Etcher application, and click on it with the mouse. After selecting this button, the flashing process will begin. Sit back and allow Etcher to create your bootable Linux Mint 21 Beta installer.
When the bootable Linux Mint 21 Beta installer is created, reboot your computer and load up the BIOS. Once inside of the BIOS, configure it to boot from USB.
Installing the Linux Mint 21 Beta
To install Linux Mint 21 Beta, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Step 1: Select the “Install Linux Mint” icon on the Mint desktop to start the installation tool. Once the Linux Mint 21 Beta installation tool opens, select your language and click on the “Continue” button.
Step 2: You must now select your preferred keyboard layout. Using the UI, choose your layout. When done, find the “Continue” button and select it to move to the next page.
Step 3: Mint 21 Beta will now ask you about multimedia codecs. Select the checkbox to enable Mint 21 to download and install required proprietary codecs for video and audio. Choose “Continue’ when done.
Step 4: You’ll now be asked to choose an installation type. Select the “Erase disk and install Linux Mint” option for best results. If you’re an expert, choose the “Something else” option. Click “Install Now” when done.
Step 5: A pop-up window will appear after selecting the “Install Now” button. This window will ask if you want to “Write the changes to disks?” Select “Continue” to confirm you wish to make the changes to your disks.
Step 6: Upon allowing Mint 21 to write changes, you’ll be asked to choose where you live on a world map. This is to configure your time zone. Select where you live, then select “Continue.”
Step 7: You must now configure your name and your PC’s name and choose a username and a password. Fill out your name in the “Your name box.” Then, fill out your PC’s name in the “Your computer’s name” box.
After filling out your name and your computer’s name, enter your username in the “username” box and your password in the “choose a password box.”
Step 8: After filling out user information, you may wish to encrypt your home folder. Select the “Encrypt my home folder” to enable encryption. Otherwise, leave it unchecked.
Select “Continue” when done.
Step 9: Upon clicking “Continue,” Linux Mint will install on your PC. This process should take about 15-20 minutes. When complete, reboot to use Linux Mint 21 Beta!
