GNOME 46 runs on Linux Mint 22.04, but you need to add a third-party repository first

Linux Mint 22.04 ships with GNOME 45 by default. GNOME 46 is not in Mint's standard repositories, so you cannot install it through the normal update process. You will need to add the GNOME Shell PPA (Personal Package Archive) maintained by the GNOME team, then install GNOME 46 from there. This process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and requires using the terminal.

Before you start, back up your current desktop settings. GNOME 46 will replace your existing GNOME 45 installation, and while your files stay safe, your panel layouts and extension configurations may change. If you use GNOME extensions, check whether they support GNOME 46 before you proceed — not all extensions from GNOME 45 work with version 46.

Key Takeaways

  • GNOME 46 requires adding the GNOME Shell PPA repository to your system before installation.
  • The installation process uses four terminal commands and takes about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish.
  • Your desktop settings and extensions may reset or break during the upgrade, so back up your configuration first.
  • After installation, you may need to log out and select GNOME from the session menu to use the new version.

Add the GNOME Shell PPA to your system

Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T, or search for "Terminal" in your application menu. Type the first command exactly as shown:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gnome-shell-team/gnome-shell-ppa

Press Enter. You will be asked to confirm by pressing Enter again. This adds the GNOME team's repository to your system. The repository contains GNOME 46 packages that are not available in Mint's default sources.

Update your package list

After adding the repository, your system needs to refresh its list of available packages. Type:

sudo apt update

Press Enter. This command contacts the new repository and downloads the list of packages it contains. You will see several lines of text as the system checks multiple repositories. Wait until you see the command prompt return (usually a $ symbol).

Install GNOME 46

Now install GNOME 46 itself. Type:

sudo apt install gnome-shell

Press Enter. The system will show you a list of packages it plans to install and ask you to confirm. Type y and press Enter. The download and installation will take several minutes depending on your internet speed. Do not close the terminal or restart your computer while this runs.

When the installation finishes, you will see the command prompt return. Type:

sudo systemctl restart gdm

Press Enter. This restarts the login screen (GDM) so GNOME 46 takes effect immediately. Your screen will go black for a few seconds, then return to the login screen.

Select GNOME 46 at the login screen

When the login screen appears, look for a small gear icon or menu in the bottom right corner. Click it and select GNOME from the list of available sessions. This tells the system to use GNOME 46 instead of the default Cinnamon desktop. Enter your password and log in.

If you do not see a session menu, your system may have automatically switched to GNOME 46. Log in normally. You will know the installation worked if you see the GNOME Activities button in the top left corner instead of the Mint panel at the bottom.

Verify GNOME 46 is installed

To confirm you are running GNOME 46, open the Activities menu (top left corner) and search for "Settings". Open the Settings application. Click About in the left sidebar. Look for the line that says "GNOME Version" — it should show 46.0 or higher.

If it still shows 45, restart your computer completely. Sometimes the new version does not fully activate until after a full reboot rather than just a session restart.

Restore your settings if needed

GNOME 46 may have reset your desktop layout, wallpaper, or panel configuration. If you backed up your settings before the upgrade, you can restore them manually. Open Settings, go to Appearance, and set your wallpaper and theme. If you use GNOME extensions, open the Extensions application and check which ones are still active — you may need to disable or update extensions that do not support GNOME 46.

If you encounter problems with specific extensions, visit the GNOME Extensions website and check the compatibility information for each extension. Many extension developers update their work within days of a new GNOME release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go back to GNOME 45 if GNOME 46 does not work?

Yes. Open a terminal and type sudo apt install gnome-shell=45.0-1ubuntu1 to downgrade to GNOME 45. You may also need to remove the PPA by typing sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:gnome-shell-team/gnome-shell-ppa, then run sudo apt update. Restart your system after downgrading.

Will my files be deleted during this installation?

No. GNOME 46 only replaces the desktop environment software. Your documents, photos, and other files remain untouched. Only your desktop settings like panel layout and wallpaper may reset.

Do I have to use GNOME 46, or can I keep Cinnamon?

You can keep Cinnamon. At the login screen, select Cinnamon from the session menu instead of GNOME. Both desktops can coexist on the same system. You switch between them by choosing a different session at login.

What if the terminal commands do not work?

Make sure you typed them exactly as shown, including spaces and hyphens. If you get a "command not found" error, your system may be missing required tools. Type sudo apt install software-properties-common first, then try the add-apt-repository command again.

Why does my screen look different after the upgrade?

GNOME 46 has a different default layout and appearance than GNOME 45. Open Settings and go to Appearance to customize your theme, accent color, and wallpaper back to your preference. Your extensions may also need to be reconfigured or updated.