How to Install Grub Customizer on Linux Mint

Grub Customizer gives you graphical control over your GRUB2 bootloader without editing configuration files manually. Whether you need to change the default boot entry for a dual-boot system, adjust boot timeouts, or customize your bootloader’s appearance with themes and background images, Grub Customizer provides an intuitive interface that makes these tasks straightforward.

This guide shows how to install Grub Customizer on Linux Mint using the official Launchpad PPA maintained by Daniel Richter. You will learn how to add the repository, install the application, launch it from both the command line and desktop menu, and manage updates or removal when needed.

Update Linux Mint System

Before installing Grub Customizer, update your Linux Mint system to ensure you have the latest security patches and package compatibility. Run these commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Add Grub Customizer PPA

Add the Grub Customizer PPA maintained by Daniel Richter to your system. This repository provides the latest stable version of Grub Customizer:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:danielrichter2007/grub-customizer -y

Refresh the APT Package Cache

After adding the PPA, refresh your package cache so APT recognizes the newly added repository:

sudo apt update

Install Grub Customizer

Now install Grub Customizer using APT:

sudo apt install grub-customizer

Verify the installation by checking the version:

grub-customizer -v

This command will output the version of Grub Customizer that is installed on your system, as shown below:

Grub Customizer, version x.x.x

Launching Grub Customizer

Launch from Command Line

For users comfortable with the terminal, launch Grub Customizer by running:

grub-customizer

The application opens with root privileges, displaying your current GRUB configuration ready for customization.

Launch from Desktop Menu

To launch Grub Customizer from the desktop menu:

• Click the Menu button at the bottom left corner of your desktop
• Type “Grub Customizer” in the search bar
• Click the Grub Customizer icon in the results

The application opens with your current GRUB configuration, ready for customization.

Since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu LTS, some interface elements and boot entries may display “Ubuntu” instead of “Linux Mint.” This is normal and does not affect functionality.

Additional Management Tips for Grub Customizer

Update Grub Customizer

Keep Grub Customizer current with your system’s regular updates:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

These commands refresh your package lists and upgrade all installed packages, including Grub Customizer, to their latest versions from the PPA.

Uninstall Grub Customizer

If you no longer need Grub Customizer, remove it with:

sudo apt remove grub-customizer

This removes the application but preserves your configuration files. If you want to reinstall later, your previous settings will remain intact.

Remove the Grub Customizer PPA

If you no longer need Grub Customizer, remove its PPA to keep your system clean and prevent unnecessary repository checks during updates:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:danielrichter2007/grub-customizer -y

Conclusion

Grub Customizer provides graphical control over GRUB2 bootloader configuration without manual file editing. The installation through Daniel Richter’s official PPA ensures access to stable releases with straightforward updates through your system’s package manager. Your Linux Mint system now has the tools to manage boot entries, adjust boot order, customize themes, and configure advanced bootloader settings through an intuitive interface.

Additional Useful Links

To extend your knowledge and discover more about Grub Customizer, the following official sources and documents can be helpful:

• Grub Customizer on Launchpad: This is the official project page for Grub Customizer, where you can find the latest releases and other project information.
• GNU GRUB Manual: The official manual for GNU GRUB provides an invaluable resource for understanding the intricacies of the GRUB bootloader.
• Grub Customizer PPA: This is the official Personal Package Archive for Grub Customizer. It is where the application is hosted and maintained by the developer.