If you’re an Ubuntu user who enjoys the default GNOME desktop but wants to try the Cinnamon desktop environment without losing your current setup, this guide is for you. Installing Cinnamon alongside GNOME lets you switch between two distinct desktop experiences on the same system, offering flexibility for testing or daily use. Below, we cover detailed steps and considerations for installing Cinnamon on Ubuntu without removing GNOME, ensuring a smooth multi-desktop experience.
1. Add the Official Cinnamon PPA
Ubuntu’s default repositories include Cinnamon, but to get the latest stable version, it’s best to add the official Linux Mint Cinnamon PPA. You can do this by running sudo add-apt-repository ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon. This PPA is maintained with up-to-date Cinnamon packages compatible with Ubuntu, ensuring you get new features and bug fixes without waiting for Ubuntu’s release cycle.
2. Update Your Package List
After adding the PPA, run sudo apt update to refresh your package list. This step is crucial because it allows your system to recognize the new packages available from the Cinnamon PPA. Without updating, your system won’t know about the Cinnamon packages, so installation would fail or pull outdated versions.
3. Install Cinnamon Desktop Environment
Install Cinnamon by running sudo apt install cinnamon-desktop-environment. This package installs the full Cinnamon desktop along with its essential components, including window manager Muffin, Nemo file manager, and the Cinnamon settings tools. The ‘cinnamon-desktop-environment’ package provides a complete Cinnamon session, so you don’t miss any key functionality.
4. Avoid Removing GNOME During Installation
By default, installing Cinnamon does not remove GNOME or any of its packages. However, avoid installing meta-packages like ubuntu-desktop again or running commands that autoremove unused packages immediately after Cinnamon installation. This ensures your GNOME environment remains intact. You’ll be able to choose between GNOME and Cinnamon at the login screen.
5. Switch Desktop Environments at Login
Once Cinnamon is installed, log out of your current session. At the login screen (GDM for Ubuntu), click the gear icon or session menu near your username. You should see options like ‘Ubuntu’ (GNOME) and ‘Cinnamon’. Select ‘Cinnamon’ to start a session with the Cinnamon desktop. This ability to switch desktops without uninstalling anything is a key benefit of having multiple desktop environments installed.
6. Customize Cinnamon Without Affecting GNOME
Cinnamon uses its own settings daemon and configuration files stored in your home directory under .cinnamon and .config/cinnamon. Tweaks you make in Cinnamon’s System Settings won’t interfere with GNOME’s settings, allowing you to personalize each environment independently. This separation means you can experiment freely with Cinnamon themes, applets, and extensions without risking your GNOME setup.
7. Manage Startup Applications Separately
Cinnamon and GNOME have distinct startup application lists. Cinnamon uses a graphical tool called ‘Startup Applications’ (accessible from its menu), which is different from GNOME’s startup management. This means you can control which programs launch at login for each desktop environment individually, giving you tailored workflows depending on which session you choose.
8. Install Cinnamon-Specific Apps Without Conflict
Cinnamon comes with certain applications like Nemo (file manager), Xed (text editor), and Cinnamon’s Control Center. Installing these does not conflict with GNOME’s Nautilus or Gedit. You can run both sets of apps side-by-side, and you can even set default applications per environment. This coexistence lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.
9. Keep Your System Updated Regularly
To maintain compatibility between GNOME and Cinnamon, regularly update your system with sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. Updates from the Cinnamon PPA and Ubuntu repositories will be applied without removing either desktop. This keeps your system secure and stable while preserving your dual desktop setup.
10. Remove Cinnamon Safely If Needed
If you decide Cinnamon isn’t for you, remove it without affecting GNOME by running sudo apt remove cinnamon-desktop-environment followed by sudo apt autoremove. This removes Cinnamon and its dependencies, leaving your GNOME environment untouched. Cleaning up the PPA afterward is optional using sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon.
How to Choose
When deciding whether to use GNOME, Cinnamon, or both, consider your workflow preferences and hardware capabilities. GNOME offers a modern, streamlined experience with extensive extensions, while Cinnamon provides a more traditional desktop layout reminiscent of Windows, which some find more intuitive. Performance-wise, Cinnamon tends to be lighter on resources than GNOME, benefiting older or less powerful machines. Installing both allows you to test each and switch based on your needs without reinstalling or risking your current setup. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal usability preferences and the specific features you prioritize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will installing Cinnamon remove GNOME or break my current desktop?
No, installing Cinnamon alongside GNOME does not remove or disable GNOME. Both environments coexist and can be selected at login.
Q: Can I use Cinnamon and GNOME apps interchangeably?
Yes, applications from either environment can run in both sessions, though some apps are tailored for their native desktop’s look and feel.
Q: How do I switch back to GNOME after logging into Cinnamon?
Log out, then at the login screen use the session selector (gear icon) to choose ‘Ubuntu’ or ‘GNOME’ before logging in again.
Q: Does having both desktops installed increase disk space usage significantly?
Installing Cinnamon alongside GNOME adds several hundred megabytes of packages, so it uses more disk space, but it’s not excessive for most modern systems.
Q: Will system updates cause conflicts between GNOME and Cinnamon?
Generally no, because they are maintained separately. Keeping the Cinnamon PPA updated ensures compatibility with Ubuntu’s packages.
Q: Can I customize keyboard shortcuts separately in Cinnamon and GNOME?
Yes, each desktop environment manages its own keyboard shortcuts, allowing independent customization without overlap.
Final Thoughts
Installing Cinnamon on Ubuntu without removing GNOME is a straightforward way to explore a different desktop experience while retaining your familiar environment. Thanks to Ubuntu’s flexible package management and session selection at login, you can safely experiment with Cinnamon’s features, layout, and performance benefits. Whether you want to switch desktops daily or just test Cinnamon before committing, this setup provides the freedom to do so without risk. Follow the steps outlined above to enjoy the best of both worlds on your Ubuntu system.
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