- Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with kernel 6.14 and support until 2029
- New visual tweaks: a more blueish Mint-Y theme, blur on login and avatars
- Fingwit adds fingerprint authentication; improvements to Sticky, Hypnotix, and Warpinator
- Easy update from 22/22.1 via Update Manager; ISOs already on mirrors
After the August testing period, the Linux Mint community confirms that the edition 22.2 “Zara” is now available; learn how to install Linux Mint. The final images have been uploaded to the official mirrors, and the upgrade path has also been enabled for those coming from branch 22.
This delivery maintains the Ubuntu base 24.04 LTS (Noble) and adopts the Linux kernel 6.14, which translates into better hardware compatibility and a more polished experience in the long run. As usual, it comes in editions with Cinnamon 6.4, Xfce 4.18 and MATE 1.26, and will have security support until 2029.
Desktop Highlights
The team has refined the overall look with a Mint-Y theme slightly bluer, which provides a more metallic and modern touch without losing consistency with the distro's classic style. Dark mode elements have also been revised to make them look smoother.
El login adds blur effect in the panel and dialog box, and now supports user avatars. This small change improves readability and gives the session selector a touch of identity.
Modern apps based on GTK4/libadwaita better fit the Mint-Y, Mint-X, and Mint-L themes thanks to stylesheet adjustments. In addition, the XDG Desktop Portal XApp exposes accent colors, so that Flatpak applications can adapt to the color of the chosen theme.
Mint‑Y's icon set also gets attention with new and revised pictograms for popular applications and web services, reinforcing visual consistency across the desktop.
Refreshed apps and new features
The most striking new feature in security is Fingwit, a utility that centralizes fingerprint authentication. With it, you can use the reader to unlock the screensaver, authorize sudo and validate administrative apps through PKEXEC, without constantly typing the password.
It should be taken into account that the fingerprint login It depends on the encryption of the home directory or the use of a keyring: in these cases, the password will still be required. And, as is the case with some readers on Linux, fingerprint enrollment may not be completed on the first attempt on some computers. even if the device is listed as supported by libfprint.
The sticky notes app (Sticky) lights rounded corners and Wayland support, plus a D-Bus method for reloading notes on the fly. Those who want to sync with their mobile device can use this feature. StyncyNotes for Android (available on F‑Droid), which uses SyncThing to keep notes safe between devices.
The IPTV player hypnotix It incorporates two display modes: Theater hides menus and controls (shortcut F6), while Borderless remove bars and borders for an ideal floating window like PiP (shortcut F7). It also boots faster, searches better in large lists, and no longer resets the volume when changing channels.
In the utility ecosystem, warpinator expands horizons with its version for iOS, WebAppManager allows you to edit the description of the webapps and Software Manager premieres welcome page with an explanatory notice about the differences between system packages and Flatpak.
More changes to the system
El Update Manager now displays a reset button when a patch requires it, reducing uncertainty after applying important updates. Mint Menu Improves the behavior of the application list after searches and the MATE menu fine-tunes the accuracy of the results.
A miniaturizer for AIFF covers (xapp-aiff-thumbnailer), xviewer disables EDID-based color correction by default, Rename supports leading zeros and increment steps, and Timeshift mode incorporates improvements in Btrfs for more reliable copies.
In the drivers section, the connectivity test of Mint Drivers switches to using HTTPS. And, as a project calendar note, the features added here will also be coming to LMDE 7 “Gigi” in a future update.
Performance, base and support
Linux Mint 22.2 is based on Ubuntu LTS 24.04 and kernel 6.14, a combination that brings compatibility improvements for recent GPUs and power management on laptops. Hardware support is bolstered with the latest HWE, making installation on modern equipment more straightforward.
This version maintains the policy of five years of updates for the 22.x series, with a horizon until 2029. For those looking for stability and few surprises, it is a solid desktop option with a long life cycle.
Download, requirements and how to update
The final ISOs are already in the official mirrors and main website will link to them as the deployment progresses. The Minimum requirements remain: 64-bit CPU, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended), GB disk 20 (100 GB suggested) and a resolution of 1024x768 or higher; if you need guidance, consult How to install Linux Mint on my computer.
If you're already using Linux Mint 22 or 22.1, the jump is straightforward. First, make sure your system is up to date with sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade and then open the Update managerIn the "Edit" menu, you'll see the option "Upgrade to Linux Mint 22.2 Zara." A wizard will guide you through the steps and, if necessary, prompt you to accept a warning before continuing.
During the process, install any updates to the software itself. Update Manager If it appears, this ensures compatibility with the migration wizard. When finished, restart the computer when prompted. The update path is available at the same time as the ISOs on the mirrors.
With consistent visual tweaks, finer GTK4/libadwaita app integration, and practical improvements to security, utilities, and software management, Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” It solidifies the 22.x series as a comfortable everyday desktop, with good hardware compatibility and extended support that's a great buy. Also, check out our analysis of the best Linux distribution if you're unsure which one to choose.
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