How to Install GNOME 46 on Linux Mint 22.04

Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distributions for beginners and advanced users alike. It comes with Cinnamon, MATE, or Xfce desktop environments by default, but what if you want to try GNOME 46 for a fresh look and features?

This guide will show you how to safely install GNOME 46 on Linux Mint 22.04 and switch between desktop environments if you want.

Why Install GNOME 46 on Linux Mint?

GNOME 46 brings:

• A refreshed, modern interface with smooth animations
• Improved performance and responsiveness
• New settings and utilities
• Better support for Wayland sessions

If you like modern desktop experiences or want a setup closer to Ubuntu’s GNOME version, this upgrade is worth trying.

Important Notes Before You Start

1. Backup your system: Switching desktop environments can affect system settings. Use Timeshift or another backup tool.
2. Keep Linux Mint up to date: Run: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
3. Installing GNOME will also install some new packages, so you need around 2–3 GB free space.
4. You can have multiple desktop environments installed, and switch between them at the login screen.

Step 1: Add the GNOME 46 PPA

Linux Mint 22.04 is based on Ubuntu 22.04, so you can use Ubuntu PPAs. For GNOME 46, we’ll use the Ubuntu GNOME 46 PPA. Open a terminal and run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gnome3-team/gnome3
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gnome3-team/gnome3-staging
sudo apt update

• gnome3 PPA: Stable GNOME packages
• gnome3-staging PPA: Testing packages required for GNOME 46

Step 2: Install GNOME 46

Once the PPAs are added, install GNOME 46 with:

sudo apt install gnome-shell gnome-session gnome-control-center gnome-terminal gdm3

• gnome-shell: The core GNOME desktop
• gnome-session: Session manager
• gnome-control-center: Settings app
• gnome-terminal: Terminal emulator
• gdm3: GNOME Display Manager (login screen)

Step 3: Switch to GDM3

Linux Mint uses LightDM by default. GNOME works better with GDM3. Enable it with:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdm3

• Select GDM3 when prompted.
• Restart your system: sudo reboot

Step 4: Log In to GNOME 46

After reboot:

1. At the login screen, click the gear icon next to your username.
2. Select GNOME or GNOME on Xorg.
3. Enter your password and log in.

You’ll now be running GNOME 46 on Linux Mint 22.04.

Step 5: Optional — Install GNOME Tweaks

GNOME Tweaks lets you customize themes, extensions, fonts, and behavior. Install it with:

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

After installation, open Tweaks from the menu and start customizing your GNOME 46 desktop.

Step 6: Optional — Install GNOME Extensions

GNOME extensions add extra functionality like a dock, taskbar, or system monitor. You can install them via:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions

Then manage them with GNOME Extensions app.

Step 7: Switch Between Cinnamon and GNOME

You don’t have to remove Cinnamon — Linux Mint lets you switch desktops:

1. Log out of your current session.
2. Click the gear icon on the login screen.
3. Choose Cinnamon or GNOME.
4. Log in to your preferred environment.

This way, you can try GNOME 46 without losing Cinnamon.

Troubleshooting

1. GNOME doesn’t start / black screen:

• Make sure gdm3 is installed and active: sudo systemctl enable gdm3 sudo systemctl start gdm3

2. Missing themes or icons:

• Install GNOME themes: sudo apt install gnome-themes-extra

3. Performance issues:

• Make sure you’re using Xorg session if Wayland causes lags.

Conclusion

Installing GNOME 46 on Linux Mint 22.04 gives you a modern, feature-rich desktop while keeping your old Cinnamon setup intact. You get the best of both worlds: Mint’s stability and GNOME’s polished interface.

With GNOME Tweaks and extensions, you can customize it to match your workflow, making your Linux experience smoother and more enjoyable.