HPR4524: Living the Tux Life Episode 3 - Automating the Install

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Setting up Linux Mint with Custom LVM and Luks

Linux Mint with Custom LVM on LUKS

Overview

The current Linux Mint installer doesn't support custom partitions when setting up a new machine with LUKS encryption using LVM. I prefer having a separate partition for my home directory and a backup partition for Timeshift, so that reinstalling or fixing issues won't overwrite my home directory.

I found several approaches to achieve this. One method involves setting up partitions first and then using the installer to select them, but this requires extensive post-installation configuration to get boot working with the encrypted drive.

I discovered this blog which explains how to repartition your drive after installation. Combined with my guide on setting up hibernation, I created this documentation to help remember how to install a fresh copy of Linux Mint with LVM and LUKS.

Tested on: Linux Mint 22 Cinnamon

Partition Layout

For this guide, I'm working with a 1TB drive that will be split into the following logical volumes:

• Root - 100GB (system files and applications)
• Swap - 32GB (for hibernation support)
• Home - 700GB (user files and documents)
• Backup - 100GB (Timeshift snapshots)
• Unallocated - ~68GB (reserved for future expansion)

This setup ensures that system snapshots and user data remain separate, making system recovery much easier.

Installation Guide

Step 1: Initial Linux Mint Installation

Start the Linux Mint installation process as normal:

1. Boot from your Linux Mint installation media
2. Follow the installation wizard (language, keyboard layout, etc.)
3. When you reach the Installation type screen:
   • Select "Erase disk and install Linux Mint"
   • Click "Advanced features"
   • Enable both options:
     • ✓ Use LVM with the new Linux Mint installation
     • ✓ Encrypt the new Linux Mint installation for security
   • Click Continue
4. Enter a strong encryption password when prompted
5. Complete the rest of the installation (timezone, user account, etc.)
6. When installation finishes, do NOT click "Restart Now" - we'll repartition first

Important: Do NOT reboot after installation completes. We need to repartition before the first boot.

Step 2: Access Root Terminal

After installation finishes, open a terminal and switch to root:

sudo -i

This gives you administrative privileges needed for disk operations.

Step 3: Check Current Disk Layout

View your current partition structure:

lsblk -f

This displays your filesystem layout. You should see your encrypted volume group (typically vgmint) with a large root partition consuming most of the space.

Step 4: Resize Root Partition

Shrink the root partition from its default size (nearly full disk) to 100GB:

lvresize -L 
            

            

                Published on 1 week, 5 days ago