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Yes. Linux Mint’s official upgrade guide supports an in-place upgrade from Mint 21.1 to Mint 21.2, codenamed Victoria. You do not need to reinstall, but create a Timeshift snapshot first, update any Cinnamon customizations, refresh Update Manager, and use Edit → Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria.
This is a version-specific, historical procedure. Mint 21.2 is documented as supported until April 2027, but these sources do not establish which Mint release is currently recommended in 2026. If you want the newest supported release rather than specifically 21.2, check Linux Mint’s current official upgrade guidance before proceeding.
Can you upgrade Mint 21.1 without reinstalling?
Yes. Linux Mint lists Mint 21 and Mint 21.1 as supported starting points for the Mint 21.2 Victoria upgrade. The process runs through Update Manager and preserves your existing installation, applications, user files and settings subject to normal release-upgrade configuration changes.
Before you start
Create a Timeshift system snapshot
Open Timeshift and create a system snapshot before changing the release. Linux Mint specifically recommends this so you have a restore point if the upgrade fails or leaves the system unusable. Verify that the snapshot completed before continuing.
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- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor (12M Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.6 GHz) - 256GB Solid State Drive - 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging
Update Cinnamon spices
If you use Cinnamon applets, desklets, extensions or themes (collectively called spices), open System Settings and update them. Release changes can make old desktop customizations incompatible.
Use a reliable power and network connection
- Keep the computer connected to AC power if it is a laptop.
- Use a stable internet connection; the upgrade must download packages and metadata.
- Close working applications before starting and avoid forcing a shutdown while packages are being changed.
Upgrade Linux Mint 21.1 to 21.2
- Open Update Manager. Launch it from the applications menu.
- Refresh package information. Click Refresh and wait for the check to finish.
- Install upgrade-component updates. If Update Manager offers updates for
mintupdateormint-upgrade-info, apply them. These packages provide the release-upgrade function and its version information. - Start the release upgrade. In Update Manager, select Edit → Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria.
- Follow the on-screen checks. Read the warnings and continue only when you are ready for the package changes.
- Answer configuration-file prompts. When asked whether to keep or replace a configuration file, Linux Mint’s 21.2 guide says to choose the replacement option.
- Restart when finished. Reboot after Update Manager reports that the upgrade is complete.
If “Upgrade to Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria” is missing
The 2023 Mint 21.2 instructions identify these minimum package versions for the missing-option problem:
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- Intel Core i5-10210U (up to 4.2GHz) - 1TB PCIe NVMe + 1TB HDD - 32GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 17.3" HD+ (1600x900) Display, Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Built in HD 720p Webcam with Microphone - Bluetooth Version4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.1 (Data Only), 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack
- Linux Mint Cinnamon 64-Bit - 6-Row Keyboard w/ Full Numberpad
| Package | Version required by the 21.2 guide | What to do |
|---|---|---|
mintupdate |
6.0.3 or higher | Install the offered update in Update Manager. |
mint-upgrade-info |
1.2.2 or higher | Install the offered update in Update Manager. |
- Refresh Update Manager and install the package updates if they are offered.
- Close Update Manager.
- Restart Update Manager from the applications menu.
- Check Edit again for the Victoria upgrade entry.
If those package versions have not reached the mirror configured on your system, switch the software sources back to the default repositories, refresh again, and restart Update Manager. These thresholds belong to the historical Mint 21.2 instructions; they should not be treated as general requirements for current Mint releases.
What changes in Mint 21.2?
Mint 21.2 is named Victoria. Its release documentation describes it as an LTS release supported until April 2027, based on Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy). The feature documentation lists Linux kernel 5.15 and full HEIF and AVIF image support among its changes.
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- Intel Quad Core i7-8565U Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.90 GHz) - 1TB NVMe-PCIe Solid State Drive (SSD) -32GB DDR4 RAM
- 13.3” FHD (1920x1080) IPS, Anti-Glare Non-touch Display - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9560 With Bluetooth 5.0 - Intel UHD Graphics
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Dolby Audio with Harman Speakers - Best-in-class 6-row backlit keyboard - Full Aluminum Body (in Mineral Gray)
- Integrated 720p HD Webcam with dual array noise-cancelling microphones with ThinkShutter Camera Privacy Feature - I/O: 2x USB 3.1 Ports (one always on), 1x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen2 (Supports Audio, Video and Data Transfer), Headphone/Mic Combo Jack, HDMI 1.4b
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The release notes also record issues such as Secure Boot compatibility concerns with some installation ISOs and a GRUB boot error. Those are release-note issues, not blockers identified for the in-place Update Manager procedure above.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you upgrade to 21.2 or choose a newer Mint release?
Choose 21.2 when you specifically need that Victoria environment, its Ubuntu 22.04 base, or compatibility with software that targets it. For a new deployment or a move to the currently supported Mint release, consult the current Mint upgrade documentation first: the January 14, 2024 Mint instructions already described upgrades from Mint 21, 21.1 and 21.2 to 21.3, and the material available here does not verify the release landscape in September 2026.
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- Intel Core i7-1065G7 (8M Cache, up to 3.90 GHz) - 1TB Hard Disk Drive - 20GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 15.6" HD Non-Touch Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- Built in HD 720p Webcam with Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.1
- I/O Ports: 1x USB 2.0 / 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 / 1x HDMI 1.4b / 1x Card reader / 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm) / 1x Power connector
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad
When comparing destinations, evaluate the documented support end date, hardware support, application compatibility and the official upgrade path. Do not assume that 21.2 is the newest release simply because this procedure is available.
Quick Recap
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- Live Boot: Simply plug the USB drive into your computer, select the USB drive as your boot device, and experience Linux Mint without installation. This allows you to test the OS and its features before making any changes to your system.
- Install Option: Once you've tested and decided to keep Linux Mint, you can easily install it on your computer directly from the USB drive.
- Pre-installed software like LibreOffice for office tasks, a capable web browser (Firefox), email client (Thunderbird), and multimedia tools. This minimizes the need for additional downloads, saving you time and effort.
- Resource Efficiency: Designed to run efficiently on a variety of hardware configurations. It demands fewer system resources compared to some other operating systems, making it an excellent choice for older computers or devices with limited hardware specifications.
- Compatible with PC/Laptop/Desktop brands - Dell, HP, Sony, Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, Toshiba & more. Minimum system requirements 4 GB RAM Dual-Core Processor (2 GHz) 20 GB of free disk space
After the reboot
- Open System Information or run
cat /etc/linuxmint/infoto confirm that the system reports Linux Mint 21.2 Victoria. - Check that networking, audio, graphics, printers and any proprietary drivers work normally.
- Re-enable or update Cinnamon spices that were disabled during the release change.
- Keep the Timeshift snapshot until you have confirmed that the upgraded system is stable.
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