Still on 17.3.

[WT101]

Mint has updated to new releases a couple of times since I began using it but I've been on 17.3 for a really long time. What release should I be on now? Is there a way to nudge the update manager to get a newer release?

Thanks.

[JoeFootball]

Mint has updated to new releases a couple of times since I began using it but I've been on 17.3 for a really long time. What release should I be on now?

The 17.x series has been unsupported since April 2019, so you definitely want to move to a 18.x (supported until April 2021) or 19.x (supported until April 2023) installation as soon as you can.

EDIT: You didn't mention what desktop you prefer, but here are some links with more info...

https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3832

https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3833

https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3834

https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3457

https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3458

https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3480

https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3481

[WT101]

How do I update from 17.3?

[JoeFootball]

How do I update from 17.3?

I'd recommend a fresh install at this point. While you may be technically able to do a migration of your current installation to another major version series, it's convoluted at best, and I've seen many issues in doing so.

EDIT: More info, if still interested in pursuing: https://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/2316

[WT101]

In the past the update manager notified me of the update and I used that. Is that no longer the case?

[JoeFootball]

In the past the update manager notified me of the update and I used that. Is that no longer the case?

I'm not sure the Update Manager allowed for upgrades from one major series to another. e.g., 17.x to 18.x

Perhaps you're thinking of within a major series? e.g., 17.2 to 17.3

[squiggles3]

In the past the update manager notified me of the update and I used that. Is that no longer the case?

I'm not sure the Update Manager allowed for upgrades from one major series to another. e.g., 17.x to 18.x

Perhaps you're thinking of within a major series? e.g., 17.2 to 17.3

You certainly can upgrade through major releases.

Check this forum thread viewtopic.php?f=143&t=235992
You'll find instructions on upgrading from each release.

Mint doesn't necessarily nag you about upgrading since it is not usually vital, you usually have to seek it out. For your case you will need to upgrade from 17.3 through the 18 versions and then up through the 19 versions.

It's a bit tedious but you can follow this tutorial https://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/2416

For versions 18 and newer you should be able to open up the update manager and click the "Edit" menu there should be an "Upgrade to [Some version]" option. I'd highly recommend making a backup of your data and software selection before doing an upgrade this major. Make sure to do a full system update and install the most up to date packages for each Mint version before proceeding to the next Mint version upgrade.

[Moem]

For versions 18 and newer you should be able to open up the update manager and click the "Edit" menu there should be an "Upgrade to [Some version]" option.

True, but that will never get you from 18.x to 19.x. Only to 18.x+1.

[Hoser Rob]

There were a lot of big changes going from Mint 17.3 to 18. It's better to do a clean reinstall anyway when upgradi8ng to a new major point release because the web upgrade process isn't as reliable as it should be (true in the UBuntu base as well). With so many things changed in 18, this is especially true.

IOW I definitely think you should just backup data and reinstall.

[squiggles3]

Oooh, I see what your saying. I read JoeFootball's posts as though he was saying a fresh install had to be done between major releases. Specifically the Update Manager won't upgrade to new major releases, the method I linked to from Clem has to be used for that. Sorry for the confusion folks!

[JoeFootball]

I read JoeFootball's posts as though he was saying a fresh install had to be done between major releases.

I had said it while was technically feasible to do so, it was convoluted at best, and a fresh install was my recommendation. Regardless of my personal opinion, I also provided further information to the contrary.

[squiggles3]

I read JoeFootball's posts as though he was saying a fresh install had to be done between major releases.

I had said it while was technically feasible to do so, it was convoluted at best, and a fresh install was my recommendation. Regardless of my personal opinion, I also provided further information to the contrary.

Sorry Joe, re-reading everything I see now I only reiterated what you had already shared. I must be losing my mind. Anyways, just for fun I decided to install 17.3 on a clean partition and upgrade it to 19.3 and see what kinds of problems or instabilities arise. Still haven't made it to 19.3 yet...

[JoeFootball]

Sorry Joe, re-reading everything I see now I only reiterated what you had already shared.

Quite alright. I was just ensuring that I was articulating myself correctly.

I must be losing my mind.

I, too, suffer from a similar malady.

Anyways, just for fun I decided to install 17.3 on a clean partition and upgrade it to 19.3 and see what kinds of problems or instabilities arise. Still haven't made it to 19.3 yet...

I shall leave you to your own devices.