How to Install Cinnamon Desktop Environment on Fedora 39/38/37 Linux

Cinnamon is a desktop environment developed by the Linux Mint team, which is free and open-source. It is based on the GNOME desktop environment but has a unique and intuitive user interface that is highly customizable and user-friendly. Cinnamon has become popular among Linux users due to its modern and sleek design, ease of use, and excellent performance. Installing Cinnamon alongside your default desktop, such as GNOME, offers many benefits, including easily switching between desktop environments. It can be useful if you prefer a different look and feel or need to use a specific application that works better on a different desktop environment.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to install the Cinnamon desktop environment on Fedora Linux using the command line terminal.

Step 1: Update Fedora

First, update your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date to avoid conflicts. This is essential for installing desktop environments, so do not skip it, given how quickly Fedora pushes out updates.

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Step 2: Install Cinnamon Desktop Environment

To begin installing the Cinnamon Desktop Environment, open the terminal on your Fedora Linux system and type the following command:

sudo dnf group install "Cinnamon Desktop"

This command will install the Cinnamon Desktop Environment on your system and its dependencies. It may take a few minutes to complete the installation process.

After the installation is complete, you need to reboot your system. To do this, type the following command directly into your terminal.

reboot

Step 3: Log in to Cinnamon Desktop Environment

After the installation, you must log out of your current session and restart your computer. Once your system has rebooted, you will be prompted to log in to your desktop environment.

Before logging in, select the Cinnamon Desktop Environment instead of the default GNOME desktop environment. To do this, click on the configuration option icon close to the password box. From the options presented, select “Cinnamon” or “Cinnamon (Software Rendering)” if you experience any issues accessing your graphics card by the default desktop. It is recommended to choose the standard Cinnamon option, as it provides the best performance and features.

After selecting the Cinnamon Desktop Environment, enter your login credentials as usual, and you will be taken to the Cinnamon desktop interface.

Example (Click Image Expand):

After installing the Cinnamon Desktop Environment on Fedora Linux, you may wonder what to expect when logging in. Here are some tips to help you get started and explore some of the unique features and applications of the Cinnamon Desktop Environment:

• Explore the Cinnamon Menu: The Cinnamon Menu is located in the bottom left corner of the screen and provides access to all the installed applications and system settings. Take some time to explore the various categories and see what applications are available.
• Customize the Panel: The Cinnamon Panel is at the bottom of the screen and can be customized to suit your preferences. Right-click on the panel and select “Panel Settings” to access the customization options.
• Use the Cinnamon Settings: The Cinnamon Settings provide access to various customization options for the desktop environment. You can access the settings by clicking on the configuration option in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
• Check out Nemo File Manager: Nemo is the default file manager for the Cinnamon Desktop Environment and comes with a range of features, including tabbed browsing, split pane views, and an easy-to-use interface.
• Try the Cinnamon Applets: Cinnamon has a range of applets that can be added to the panel to provide quick access to system settings, weather updates, and more. Right-click on the panel and select “Add applets” to see the available options.

Example of Cinnamon Desktop Environment on Fedora:

Example of Cinnamon applets on Fedora Linux:

Additional Tips

BlueTooth SELinux Issue

If you encounter an issue with Bluetooth SELinux policy when you first log in, you can resolve it using the following terminal command:

sudo ausearch -c 'blueman-mechani' --raw | audit2allow -M my-bluemanmechani

Then execute the command:

sudo semodule -X 300 -i my-bluemanmechani.pp

It is important to note that you should only run this command if you encounter an SELinux error with Bluetooth.

Update Cinnamon Desktop Environment

To update the Cinnamon Desktop Environment and any default DNF packages, you can run the standard dnf update command in the terminal:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Remove (Uninstall) Cinnamon Desktop Environment

If you wish to remove the Cinnamon Desktop Environment, you can use the following terminal command:

sudo dnf group remove "Cinnamon Desktop"

After the removal is complete, reboot your system by typing the following command:

reboot

While removing alternative desktop environments mostly works well on Fedora, you may encounter some leftover applications or instabilities that you need to fix yourself. It is recommended to keep alternative desktop environments unless it is essential to remove them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cinnamon Desktop Environment on Fedora Linux is a powerful and customizable alternative desktop environment that offers users a unique and user-friendly interface. With its range of features and customizations, Cinnamon provides a modern and sleek design that is easy to use and offers excellent performance. Following the simple steps outlined in this guide, even novice users can easily install and begin using the Cinnamon Desktop Environment on their Fedora Linux system.

For further information on using the Cinnamon desktop environment, visit the official documentation.