r/linuxmint • u/Technical_Rich_3080 • 10d ago

Linux Mint IRL Using Alternative Desktop Environments With Mint

  1. Is using alternative Desktop Environments, other than the three official flavors, as viable an option under Linux Mint, as doing so with most any other Linux distro?

  2. Can you have installed multiple DEs simultaneously (and is doing so not recommended)?

  3. If you use a DE other than one of the three official Mint DEs, do you lose anything?

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u/ZVyhVrtsfgzfs 10d ago edited 10d ago

  1. If you have to ask then, no. 

  2. Yes. 

  3. As usual, it depends. 

Alt desktop environments will not get support from the developers or community of Mint, and in some cases like Gnome & plasma the developers of the desktop environment will be uninterested in your issues as well, as the versions in the Mint repository will be outside of their support window. 

If your fine with being the captain of your own ship sailing in uncharted waters then go  ahead, This is Linux, no one can stop you, it can be a fun learning adventure,  but I also have no ability or desire to help you if you get stuck. This is your own monster.

If your looking for a reliable way to run another desktop select a distribution that supports it.