Post-Install Setup: Making It Yours
Linux Mint is installed — now let's update it, fix the annoying password prompts, install Chrome, and get comfortable with your new desktop.
What You Will Need
- Linux Mint 22 Cinnamon installed and booted (from Part 2)
- Internet connection (Wi-Fi or ethernet)
- About 30 minutes
Run Your First System Update
The first thing to do on any new Linux install is update the system. This downloads the latest security patches and software improvements.
Look for the Update Manager — it's the shield icon in your taskbar (bottom-right area). Click it, enter your password when asked, and click Install Updates.
Alternatively, open a terminal (press Ctrl + Alt + T) and type:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yWhat Does This Command Do?
apt update checks for new software versions. apt upgrade downloads and installs them. The -y flag automatically says "yes" to all prompts so you don't have to confirm each package.
Fix the Annoying Keyring Password Prompt
If Chrome or other apps ask for a "keyring password" every time you open them, here's how to fix it. The keyring is Linux's password manager — we'll remove its password so it unlocks automatically.
Open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and run these two commands:
rm ~/.local/share/keyrings/login.keyring
rm ~/.local/share/keyrings/Default.keyringThen close Chrome completely, log out and back in (or restart), and reopen Chrome. It should no longer ask for a keyring password.
If a New Keyring Prompt Appears
If Linux creates a new keyring and asks you to set a password, just press Enter without typing anything. This creates a keyring with no password, so it unlocks automatically.
Remove the Sudo Password Requirement
Every time you install software or run a system command, Linux asks for your password. This is a security feature, but on a personal home computer it can feel like a constant interruption. Here's how to disable it.
Home Computers Only
Only do this on a personal computer that only you use. On a shared computer or laptop you take outside the home, keep the password for security.
Open a terminal and type:
sudo visudoThis opens a text editor. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the very bottom of the file. Add this line at the end (replace yourusername with your actual username):
yourusername ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALLTo find your username, look at the terminal prompt — it shows username@computername. Or type whoami and press Enter.
Press Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter to save and exit.
Testing It
Open a new terminal window and type sudo apt update. If it runs without asking for a password, the change worked.
Remove the Update Manager Password Prompt
The graphical Update Manager uses a different authentication system than the terminal. To disable its password prompt too, run these commands:
sudo mkdir -p /etc/polkit-1/localauthority/50-local.dsudo nano /etc/polkit-1/localauthority/50-local.d/disable-password.pklaPaste this into the file:
[Disable password prompt]
Identity=unix-user:*
Action=*
ResultAny=yes
ResultInactive=yes
ResultActive=yesPress Ctrl + X, Y, Enter to save. Then restart PolicyKit:
sudo systemctl restart polkitLog out and back in for the change to take full effect.
Install Google Chrome
Linux Mint comes with Firefox, but if you prefer Chrome, here's how to install it. Chrome is not in the Linux Mint software manager, so we install it manually.
wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.debsudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.debsudo apt install -fAfter installation, Chrome will appear in your application menu. You can also delete the downloaded file:
rm google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.debChrome Will Stay Updated Automatically
Once installed, Chrome adds itself to your software update sources. Future Chrome updates will come through the Update Manager automatically.
Access Your Windows Files from Linux
You can read and write files on your Windows drive while in Linux. Linux Mint will automatically detect your Windows SSD.
- Open the Files application (the folder icon in the taskbar)
- In the left sidebar, look for your Windows drive — it will appear as a drive with its size (e.g., "500 GB Volume" or your drive's label)
- Click it once to mount it
- Browse to your files — Documents, Pictures, etc. are in the Users folder
Always Shut Down Windows Fully Before Accessing Its Files
If Windows is hibernated (not fully shut down), its drive is locked and Linux cannot safely write to it. Always use a full Shutdown (not Restart, not Sleep) in Windows before switching to Linux.
BitLocker Users
If your Windows drive is encrypted with BitLocker, you'll need additional tools to access it from Linux. Search for "dislocker Linux" for instructions.
Explore and Customize Your Desktop
Linux Mint's Cinnamon desktop is designed to feel familiar to Windows users. Here are a few things worth knowing:
| Feature | Where to Find It | Windows Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Application Menu | Bottom-left button | Start Menu |
| Taskbar | Bottom bar | Taskbar |
| System Settings | Menu → Preferences → System Settings | Control Panel |
| File Manager | Folder icon in taskbar (Nemo) | File Explorer |
| Software Manager | Menu → Administration → Software Manager | Microsoft Store |
| Terminal | Ctrl + Alt + T | Command Prompt |
| Desktop Icons | Right-click desktop → Customize | Right-click desktop |
| Trash | Desktop icon or Files sidebar | Recycle Bin |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Chrome keeps asking for a keyring password
Follow Step 2 above. Delete the keyring files and restart. If a new prompt appears, press Enter without typing a password.
My Wi-Fi doesn't work after installing
Some Wi-Fi cards need proprietary drivers. Open the Driver Manager (Menu → Administration → Driver Manager), let it scan, and install any recommended drivers. Restart afterwards.
My screen resolution is wrong
Go to System Settings → Display. Select your correct resolution and click Apply. If your resolution isn't listed, you may need to install graphics drivers via the Driver Manager.
I can't find a program I need
Open the Software Manager and search for it. If it's not there, try searching online for "[program name] Linux install" — most popular software has a Linux version or a good alternative.
Windows won't boot anymore
Press F12 (or your boot menu key) at startup and manually select your Windows SSD. If Windows still doesn't appear, enter BIOS and check that the Windows SSD is listed as a boot device.
You're Done — Welcome to Linux!
You've successfully installed Linux Mint 22 Cinnamon, set it up the way you want it, and learned the basics. Your Windows installation is safe and untouched on its own drive. You can switch between them any time using your BIOS boot menu.
Give yourself a week to get comfortable. Most things work just like Windows — and the things that are different are usually better once you know them.