Linux Mint 22.3 'Zena' Released with Cinnamon 6.6
• Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” is available now with Cinnamon 6.6, Xfce 4.18 and MATE 1.26. • Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and shipping with Linux kernel 6.14 for improved hardware support. • New System Information and System Administration tools, Timeshift snapshot pause, and XApp Symbolic Icons support. • ISOs are published on official mirrors; existing 22.2 users can upgrade via Update Manager.
What’s new in Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena”
Desktop and core platform
Linux Mint 22.3 is built on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS stack and runs the Linux kernel 6.14, which should broaden hardware compatibility. The release ships in three desktop editions: Cinnamon 6.6, Xfce 4.18 and MATE 1.26.
Cinnamon 6.6 highlights
Cinnamon 6.6 is the headline feature for many users, bringing a redesigned application menu applet and modernized keyboard handling. It also improves the virtual keyboard, theme support and updates several applets for a more polished desktop experience.
System tools, apps and UX improvements
New administration and information tools
Mint introduces new System Information and System Administration utilities to give users clearer insight into their machines. These tools aim to simplify troubleshooting and routine maintenance on the desktop.
Notifications, icons and display
Per-app panel notification indicators have been added, and the release includes support for XApp Symbolic Icons (XSI). "Symbolic icons are simple, monochrome icons used throughout applications for buttons, menus, and status indicators. They scale cleanly at different sizes and remain clear in both light and dark interface themes," the Linux Mint developers said.
Backup, updates and file operations
Timeshift gains the ability to pause snapshots, while the Nemo file manager can pause file operations—useful for large transfers. The Update Manager now shows a warning icon in the system tray if a restart is recommended after applying updates.
App updates and package tooling
Warpinator, Hypnotix and Captain
Warpinator gains IPv6 support and text-message sending. Hypnotix adds an option to hide the mouse cursor in full-screen and better forwards keys to MPV. Captain, Mint’s package management suite, now handles installing multiple packages via apt:// URLs.
Download, upgrade and support
ISOs and support window
The final ISO images for Cinnamon, Xfce and MATE are available on official mirrors now. The Linux Mint 22 series will be supported until 2029, and all upstream Ubuntu 24.04 LTS package and security updates are included.
How to upgrade from 22.2
Existing Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” users can upgrade through Update Manager (Edit > Upgrade to Linux Mint 22.3 'Zena'). Back up important files and ensure the system is fully up to date before starting the upgrade process.
