If you’re using Linux Mint, or you’ve just installed it on your computer, this guide is for you.
Linux Mint already offers one of the smoothest and most beginner-friendly Linux experiences out there. Still, a fresh installation doesn’t automatically mean an optimized system. There are a few important steps that can significantly improve performance, battery life, SSD health, usability, and daily workflow comfort — especially if you plan to use your system for work or long sessions.
In this article, we’ll walk through the most important things to do right after installing Linux Mint, using a calm, step-by-step approach. Nothing here is experimental or risky. These are practical adjustments that make Linux Mint feel more complete and polished from day one.
Let’s get started.
Update Your System First (Even on a Fresh Install)
Before changing anything else, updating your system should always be the first step.
Even if you installed Linux Mint today, updates may already be available. These can include:
- Security patches
- Bug fixes
- Performance improvements
- Updated drivers
How to Update Linux Mint Properly
Open the Update Manager from the system tray or application menu and click OK to check for updates.
If updates are available:
- Click Install Updates
- Enter your system password when prompted
Switch to Faster Download Mirrors
During this process, Linux Mint may suggest switching to a local mirror for faster download speeds. Always click Yes.
Then:
- Open Edit → Software Sources
- Change both Main and Base mirrors
- Let the system test available servers
- Select the fastest mirror from the list
- Click Apply for both options
Once done, return to the Update Manager and install the updates.
After everything finishes, restart your system. This ensures all changes apply cleanly.
Disable the Welcome Screen and Clean Startup Apps
After rebooting, Linux Mint may show the welcome screen every time you log in. If you prefer a cleaner startup experience, you can disable it.
Simply uncheck the option “Show this dialog at startup”.
Managing Startup Applications
You can also control which applications launch automatically:
- Open Startup Applications from the menu
- Disable anything you don’t need running in the background
This helps:
- Speed up boot time
- Reduce background resource usage
Install Media Codecs for Full File Compatibility
By default, Linux Mint doesn’t ship with all proprietary media codecs due to licensing restrictions. Installing them ensures your system can handle common media formats.
Why This Matters
Once installed, your system will:
- Play MP3 and most video formats
- Open Microsoft Office documents correctly
- Use common fonts required by shared files
How to Install Codecs
Open Terminal and run:
sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras
Press Y when asked and enter your password.
This is a one-time setup step that prevents countless compatibility issues later.
Enable the Firewall for Extra Security
Linux Mint includes a firewall tool, but it’s not enabled by default.
Enabling it adds an extra layer of protection by blocking unauthorized incoming connections.
How to Enable the Firewall
- Open the application menu
- Search for Firewall Configuration
- Launch it
- Toggle Status to On
- Ensure:
- Incoming traffic: Deny
- Outgoing traffic: Allow
You don’t need to configure anything else unless you run servers or advanced networking setups.
Add Your Favorite Apps to the Panel (And Use Keyboard Shortcuts)
Linux Mint makes application launching incredibly efficient once you know this trick.
Why Panel Shortcuts Are Powerful
When apps are pinned to the panel:
- You can launch them instantly
- You can use Meta (Windows) key + number to open them
- No extra shortcut configuration is required
How to Do It
Simply:
- Right-click an application
- Select Add to Panel
This small change dramatically speeds up daily workflows.
Enable Night Light (Blue Light Reduction)
Unlike some desktop environments, Linux Mint doesn’t include built-in Night Light controls by default.
Reducing blue light:
- Reduces eye strain
- Improves comfort during night use
- Helps with better sleep after long screen sessions
Installing Redshift for Night Light
Open Software Manager and search for:
- Redshift
- Install it
Then:
- Right-click the bottom panel
- Select Applets
- Click Download
- Search for Redshift
- Install the Redshift Applet
Go back to Manage, enable it, and close the window.
You can now control night light easily from the panel.
Official project page:
https://github.com/jonls/redshift
Improve Battery Life with TLP (For Laptops)
If you’re using Linux Mint on a laptop, TLP can significantly improve battery life.
TLP automatically adjusts:
- CPU frequency
- Disk power usage
- Wireless power consumption
You don’t need to configure anything manually.
Installing TLP
Open Terminal and run:
sudo apt install tlp
Confirm with Y and enter your password.
Once installed, TLP runs silently in the background. If you mostly use your laptop plugged in, you may choose to skip this step — otherwise, it’s highly recommended.
Enable TRIM to Keep Your SSD Fast
If your system uses an SSD, enabling TRIM is essential for maintaining long-term performance and lifespan.
TRIM helps the SSD:
- Manage unused blocks efficiently
- Prevent performance degradation over time
Check If Your SSD Supports TRIM
Open Terminal and run:
sudo fstrim -v /
If you see output indicating trimmed bytes, your SSD supports TRIM.
Enable Automatic TRIM
Run the following commands one by one:
sudo systemctl enable fstrim.timer
sudo systemctl start fstrim.timer
To verify status:
systemctl status fstrim.timer
That’s it — TRIM is now enabled automatically.
Boost Productivity with Hot Corners
Hot Corners allow you to trigger actions by moving your mouse to screen corners.
They’re simple, fast, and surprisingly powerful for multitasking.
How to Enable Hot Corners
- Search for Hot Corners in settings
- Open it
You’ll see four corners, each configurable with a different action.
Examples:
- Show all workspaces
- Show all windows
- Display desktop
You can also set a delay to prevent accidental activation.
Once you get used to Hot Corners, they become second nature.
Enable Touchpad Gestures (If Your Device Supports Them)
Touchpad gestures make navigation smoother, especially on laptops.
Enabling Gestures
- Search for Gestures in the menu
- Enable the feature
Linux Mint includes useful defaults like:
- Three-finger swipe left/right to switch workspaces
- Two-finger actions for navigation
You can use them immediately without manual configuration.
Enable Zoom for Accessibility or Presentations
Linux Mint includes a built-in zoom feature for accessibility and precision tasks.
How to Enable Screen Zoom
- Open Accessibility Settings
- Enable Zoom
- Choose your preferred activation key
Once enabled:
- Press the selected key
- Use mouse wheel or trackpad to zoom in and out anywhere on the screen
This is especially useful for presentations, design work, or reading small text.
Customize Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Control
Keyboard shortcuts are one of the biggest productivity boosters on Linux.
Setting a Lock Screen Shortcut
- Search for Keyboard
- Open Shortcuts
- Under System, find Lock Screen
- Assign your preferred shortcut (for example:
Meta + L)
You can customize almost every system action here.
Improve Software Manager Search Results
By default, Linux Mint’s Software Manager only searches app names, which can limit results.
Enable Better Search Results
- Open Software Manager
- Click the three dots in the top-right corner
- Open Preferences
- Enable Search in package descriptions
Now when you search for apps like “Figma” or “Design,” you’ll see more relevant alternatives and tools.
Final Thoughts: Small Tweaks, Big Difference
Linux Mint doesn’t need heavy customization to feel great — but these small adjustments turn a fresh install into a comfortable, efficient, and long-term daily system.
Once you apply these steps, you’ll notice:
- Better performance
- Improved battery life
- Faster workflows
- Less eye strain
- A cleaner overall experience
Take your time, apply what fits your usage, and enjoy the stability Linux Mint is known for.
Disclaimer
Commands shown in this article are safe for standard Linux Mint installations. Always double-check commands before running them on production or critical systems.
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