Mint
Debian family, based on Ubuntu · first released 2006
- Popularity rank
- #2
- Index
- 299
- GitHub stars
- 5,652
- Commits / mo
- 103
- Released
- 2006
- Latest release
- 22.3 LTS
- Supported until
- Apr 2029
you're new to Linux, your computer is older or low on memory, you prefer tested updates on a fixed schedule or you want a desktop that feels like Windows.
Switching from Windows? What changes and which apps to use
Pros and cons
Good
- Windows-style Cinnamon desktop that feels familiar
- Media codecs and drivers offered at install
- Built on Ubuntu LTS, so most Ubuntu guides apply
Trade-offs
- Newest apps and kernels arrive later than on Fedora or Arch
- Wayland support is behind GNOME and KDE
- No official ARM builds
How Mint fits what you do
Everyday use: Good fit
Good
- Made for day-to-day desktop use
- Easy to set up if you're new to Linux
- Windows-style desktop that feels familiar
Trade-offs
None we know of.
Gaming: Can work
Good
Nothing that stands out for this.
Trade-offs
- Graphics drivers and kernels update more slowly
- Steam and gaming tweaks are up to you
Older computers: Good fit
Good
- Offers a lightweight desktop
Trade-offs
- No 32-bit images
Programming: Can work
Good
- A stable base that doesn't change under you
Trade-offs
- Language and tool versions can lag behind
- Fewer developer guides than the big distros
AI & Local LLMs: Not the best fit
Good
Nothing that stands out for this.
Trade-offs
- No official CUDA packages, so NVIDIA AI tools need workarounds
- AMD ROCm isn't officially supported
Servers & home labs: Can work
Good
- Fixed releases with tested updates
Trade-offs
- Mainly a desktop system
Privacy & security: Can work
Good
- Sends no usage data
Trade-offs
- Privacy tools like Tor or sandboxing are up to you
Music, video & graphics: Can work
Good
Nothing that stands out for this.
Trade-offs
- Creative apps and low-latency audio setup are up to you
From our hand-written profile of Mint. Take the quiz to compare it with other distros for your setup.
Rank over time
| Window | Rank | Index | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last month | #2 | 299 | |
| 12 months | #2 | 299 |
Shorter windows react faster. A better rank there than over 12 months means interest is growing.
Telemetry
NoneLinux Mint says the OS collects no telemetry.
The OS itself, by default. Every distro contacts its servers to check for updates; that isn't counted here. Apps you install have their own settings. Based on the project's own statement. Source
Rate Mint
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Ranking from our composite index: English Wikipedia article views, DistroWatch page hits, GitHub stars and views on this site, built 2026-11-12. All of these measure interest, not installs. Repository activity from GitHub. Release dates and support from endoflife.date (CC BY-SA 4.0). Ratings come from signed-in LinuxStatistics users.