How to Install XFCE Desktop Environment in Linux Mint
Abstract: 1. You need to log out of the current desktop and sign in to the previous one. 2. Open the Synaptic Package Manager as in the above step you did durin
XFCE is a well know desktop environment for Linux, Solaris, and BSD systems. It is a fast, lightweight, user-friendly, GTK toolkit-based desktop environment. It comes with a wide range of applications and Linux users find it very useful and appealing.
You can download Linux Mint 20, in three editions Cinnamon, MATE, or Xfce. Here I will show you how to install Xfce 4.14 (GTK3 based) desktop environment on Linux Mint 20 Ulyana.
Requirement
Installed Linux mint with Cinnamon or MATE desktop
Method 1: Install XFCE from terminal1. First, update your system
sudo apt update
2. Install the XFCE desktop by using the command:
sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop -y
You may need to press Y to continue. Wait for some time to download all the necessary package.
3. Reboot the system to switch to Xfce desktop
Method 2: Install XFCE Desktop from GUI1. Launch Synaptic Package Manager
Synaptic Package Manager is used to install Xfce desktop in GUI mode. Click on 'Synaptic package Manager' by searching from the start menu.
Launch synaptic package managerWhen it prompt for the authentication provide the password. Then, click the Authenticate button.
2. Search Xfce4
Now search for Xfce4, double click on it and Click on Mark as shown below.
Search xfce and mark3. To apply changes click on 'Apply' button
Click Apply button4. Changes applied and close
The following window appears when the installation completes. Click on Close button.
Click close button5. Switch to Xfce
Reboot or log out of the system. The following login screen appears for login click the icon as highlighted below:
Click the icon6. Select Xfce session
All the desktop environment appears here. Select Xfce Session and sign in:
Xfce sessionNow you should see Xfce desktop.
Xfce desktop environment Uninstall Xfce from GUIFollow the following step to remove Xfce from another GUI:
1. You need to log out of the current desktop and sign in to the previous one.
2. Open the Synaptic Package Manager as in the above step you did during installation.
3. Search for the xfce4 package.
4. Right-click the xfce4 package and select Mark for Complete Removal.
5. Click on 「Apply」
Remove xfce from GUI Uninstall XFCE from terminalIn case you need to uninstall the Xfce, first log out of the current desktop and log in with other environment, and open terminal issue following command.
sudo apt-get remove xubuntu-desktop -y
Conclusion
We learned how to switch from one desktop environment to Xfce. Please comment below on your experience on using Xfce environment.