How to Install Cinnamon Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04?

Ubuntu 24.04, codenamed Noble Numbat, is a robust and versatile operating system that offers a variety of desktop environments to suit different user preferences. For those Linux users who prefer a classic yet modern desktop experience, Cinnamon is an excellent choice. As of the latest updates, Cinnamon version 6 is available, which continues to maintain the traditional desktop user experience while integrating advanced features.

This guide provides different methods for installing the Cinnamon Desktop Environment on Ubuntu 24.04.

How to Install Cinnamon Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04?

Installing the Cinnamon Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 can enhance your computing experience by offering a traditional yet innovative user interface.

Method 1: Using a Default Ubuntu Repository

This desktop environment is renowned for its stability and reliability and is a first option for those who prefer a more classic look with the benefit of modern features. 

To Install Cinnamon Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 using the Default Ubuntu Repository, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Update System 

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure that your system is up-to-date. It ensures compatibility with the new desktop environment. You can update your system using the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
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If a reboot is required, do so to ensure all updates are correctly applied.

Step 2: Install Cinnamon Desktop

Cinnamon, originally a fork of GNOME 3, has evolved into an independent desktop environment that doesn’t rely on GNOME components. To install Cinnamon, use the default Ubuntu repositories via the following command:

sudo apt install task-cinnamon-desktop
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Alternatively, you can install the full Cinnamon desktop environment with:

sudo apt install cinnamon-desktop-environment
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Step 3: Reboot Your System

Once the installation is accomplished, reboot the Ubuntu system to apply the changes:

sudo shutdown -r now

Step 4: Selecting Cinnamon on the Login Screen

Once your system restarts, you’ll arrive at the login screen. Here, hit the gear icon located in the lower-right corner and pick “Cinnamon” from the listed desktop environments.

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Step 5: Enjoy Your New Desktop

Log in as usual, and you will be greeted by the Cinnamon desktop environment, ready for you to explore and customize. Cinnamon offers a balance of traditional design and modern functionality, making it a popular choice for many users:

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By following these steps, you have successfully installed the Cinnamon Desktop Environment on your Ubuntu 24.04 system. 

Method 2: Using a PPA Repository

For users seeking the latest features and updates, installing Cinnamon via a PPA is an excellent option. PPAs are repositories hosted on Launchpad that allow you to install and update packages not available in the official repositories.

To install the Cinnamon Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 through the PPA Repository, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Add the PPA

Now, users can add the PPA repository for Cinnamon. Let’s add the Cinnamon PPA to the system through the below command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon
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Step 2: Update the System

Once the repository is imported, users need to reload the package list to include the new repository’s packages. Let’s update your package list to include the newly added PPA:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install Cinnamon

Install Cinnamon from the PPA with the following command:

sudo apt install cinnamon
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Step 4: Reboot and Select Cinnamon

Once Cinnamon installation is accomplished, log out of the existing session. Now, hit the gear icon and pick the Cinnamon session from the menu at the login screen. Log back in to start using Cinnamon:

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Step 5: Verification

Cinnamon is highly customizable. You can change themes, and add applets, desklets, and extensions to enhance your desktop experience. Explore the settings and make Cinnamon your own:

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Now, you’ve successfully installed the Cinnamon Desktop Environment on your Ubuntu 24.04 system. Explore the new features and settings available to customize your desktop experience to your liking.

Revert to Default Desktop (Optional):

If you wish to revert to the default Ubuntu desktop environment, you can install it by running the below command:

sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop

For more detailed information or troubleshooting, refer to the comprehensive guides available on the official site.

How to Uninstall Cinnamon Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04?

However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall Cinnamon, perhaps to declutter your system or because you prefer another desktop environment.

Remove Cinnamon Using Ubuntu Repository

To remove the Cinnamon desktop environment and all related packages.

sudo apt autoremove task-cinnamon-desktop
sudo apt-get purge cinnamon*
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Remove Cinnamon Using PPA Repository

For users who are new to Linux or those who are not comfortable with the PPA repository of Cinnamon, execute the below command: 

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon
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Conclusion

To install the Cinnamon Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04, you should start by updating your system’s repositories with the command “sudo apt update”. After updating, you can install the Cinnamon desktop environment by executing “sudo apt install task-cinnamon-desktop” or “sudo apt install cinnamon-desktop-environment”. Once the installation is done, reboot the system. At the login screen, you can then select Cinnamon from the gear icon options to start enjoying your new desktop environment.

For most users, installing from the default repositories will provide a stable and enjoyable experience with Cinnamon on Ubuntu 24.04.