Install Linux Mint 21.1 (Dual Boot)
This is a log of the steps to install Linux Mint 21.1 “Vera”, which I put on my new laptop. The laptop comes with pre-installed Windows 11, and I’m installing Linux Mint alongside it.
Preparation
On Windows 11
- Resize the disk partitions to reserve disk space for Linux Mint installation.
- Typically, I reserve >100 GB.
On some Linux system
- Download the Linux Mint ISO file (e.g.
linuxmint-21.1-mate-64bit.isofrom the official website). - Create a LiveUSB from the ISO file.
On BIOS
- Disable Secure Boot.
Installation
- Boot from the LiveUSB.
- Install Linux Mint
- For the installation type, I’d recommended to select the option “Something else” and create the partitions manually. Typically, I go with 3 partitions: one Ext4 partition for
/(i.e. root), one Ext4 partition for/home, and one swap area. The root partition should be at least 15 GB.
- For the installation type, I’d recommended to select the option “Something else” and create the partitions manually. Typically, I go with 3 partitions: one Ext4 partition for
Post-installation
On new Linux Mint
- Read the release note.
- Switch to mirrors in the Update Manager.
- Run
sudo apt dist-upgrade. - Search and install hardware drivers.
- If using a SSD disk drive, reduce swappiness.
- To reduce system load, change the window manager from “Marco + Compositing” to “Marco + Compton”.
On BIOS
- Re-enable Secure Boot.