> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Linux Mint 21.3 Lands With Cinnamon 6.0 Desktop - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/linux-mint-21-3-release/ - Published: 2024-01-16T07:42:50.000Z - Updated: 2024-01-16T07:42:50.000Z - Description: Linux Mint 21.3 has arrived! - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: Distribution Releases, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15 Being one of the [best Linux distros for Ubuntu lovers](https://itsfoss.com/best-ubuntu-based-linux-distros/), Linux Mint is a very popular alternative to Ubuntu that differentiates itself by providing a beautiful user interface with Flatpak support by default (instead of Snap). The last major release was [Linux Mint 21.2](https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-21-2/) that provided many improvements, especially in the visuals department. But, with a recent announcement, the **Linux Mint 21.3 β€œVirginia” release** aims to one up that by serving more refinements over its predecessor. So, let's take a brief look at it. **Suggested Read** πŸ“– [Better than Ubuntu? 11 Best Linux Distros for Ubuntu LoversWant Ubuntu as the base with other tweaks, a different user experience? Try these options!![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/12/android-chrome-192x192.png)It's FOSSSagar Sharma![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/09/best-ubuntu-based-distros.jpg)](https://itsfoss.com/best-ubuntu-based-linux-distros/) ## πŸ†• Linux Mint 21.3: What's New? ![a screenshot of linux mint 21.3](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/01/Linux_Mint_23.1.jpg) Introduced as **a long-term support release** (until 2027), Linux Mint 21.3 uses [Ubuntu 22.04](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-22-04-release/) and [Linux kernel 5.15](https://itsfoss.com/linux-kernel-5-15-release/) as its base to deliver a range of improvements. We start with the **updated application suite** that now sees **Hypnotix**, the TV viewer application, being offered with new features such as the **ability to set channels as favorites**, **add custom channels**, and **much tighter** [**Yt-dlp**](https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp?ref=itsfoss.com) **integration**. Similarly, with **Warpinator**, you can now manually connect to other devices by entering IP addresses, or by scanning a QR code. The [Sticky](https://github.com/linuxmint/sticky?ref=itsfoss.com) note-taking app also sees an update, it now has **support for DBUS commands that make it possible to implement scripts or keybindings** for managing notes. Then there's the **highlight of this release**, [Cinnamon 6.0](https://itsfoss.com/cinnamon-6-0-release/), which features a new add-on category called β€œ**spices**” (formerly known as β€œ*Nemo Actions*”) that **allows you to install neat add-ons** to further augment the user experience on Cinnamon. ![a screenshot of linux mint 21.3 beta neofetch output system info and actions feature](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/12/Linux_Mint_23.1_b.jpg) Linux Mint 21.3 is also the release where we see **experimental support for Wayland**, the developers don't expect it to replace the Xorg session anytime soon, but are slowly working towards it. They **don't expect it to be ready before 2026**, that would put it around the time Linux Mint 23.x is scheduled to go live. And to wrap this up, the **Linux Mint 21.3 release also features some new, very neat looking wallpapers** that were the work of community contributors. You can go through our [previous coverage](https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-21-3-beta/) of the beta or the [announcement blog](https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4624&ref=itsfoss.com) for more details on this release. **Suggested Read** πŸ“– [Linux Mint 21.3 Beta Will Let You Try Cinnamon 6.0 Now!Linux Mint 21.3 beta is here!![](https://news.itsfoss.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/08/android-chrome-192x192.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://news.itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/12/mint-21-3-beta-release.png)](https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-21-3-beta/) ## πŸ“₯ Download Linux Mint 21.3 To get the latest Linux Mint release, you may head over to the [official website](https://linuxmint.com/download.php?ref=itsfoss.com) where you will find three editions; **Cinnamon**, **MATE**, and **Xfce**. [Linux Mint 21.3](https://linuxmint.com/download.php?ref=itsfoss.com) ### βš™οΈ Upgrade from Older Release First and foremost, ensure that you have backed up all your data using a system snapshot tool like [Timeshift](https://itsfoss.com/backup-restore-linux-timeshift/). Then, fire up the β€œ*Update Manager*” and click on the β€œ*Refresh*” button to check for new version of β€œ*mintupdate*” or β€œ*mint-upgrade-info*”, then apply updates, if there are any. ![a screenshot of the edit dropdown menu in the update manager on linux mint](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/01/Linux_Mint_21.3_Upgrade.png) Now, go into the β€œ*Edit*” menu and click on *Upgrade to β€œLinux Mint 21.3 Virginia”* to get started with the system upgrade. Follow the on-screen instructions and replace the configuration files when asked to do so. When the upgrade process is finished, do a reboot to finish applying the changes. If you have any doubts, then you can refer to the official [upgrade blog](https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4629&ref=itsfoss.com).