The Linux Mint team has released Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena”, the latest update in its long-term-support series 22. It was announced on January 13, 2026, and being an LTS release, it gets maintenance and security updates through 2029. If long-term stability is what you’re after, this is a safe bet.
Mint is one of the most widely used desktop distributions out there. It builds on Ubuntu around a familiar, polished desktop, and it suits people taking their first steps with Linux just as well as those who want a reliable, comfortable system with no surprises. The philosophy is simple: simplicity, elegance and a desktop that just works.
What’s new in Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena”
The release still uses the Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble) package base and ships with the Linux 6.14 HWE kernel, though you can stick with the LTS 6.8 kernel if you prefer. The highlights:
- Cinnamon 6.6: the flagship desktop brings much more complete Wayland support, a redesigned on-screen keyboard, and it folds traditional keyboard layouts together with IBus input methods inside the settings.
- Redesigned application menu: the Cinnamon menu gets a new customizable sidebar with avatar, places and favorite applications sections.
- XSI icons: the new XApp Symbolic Icons replace the deprecated Adwaita icons and give you consistent monochrome icons across every application.
- New diagnostic tools: the former “System Reports” tool is now called “System Information” and adds pages for USB, GPU acceleration, PCI components and BIOS. There’s a separate “System Administration” tool too.
- Nemo 6.6: the file manager adds template management, pausable file operations and improved search.
- Other enhancements: notifications with badges, Thunderbolt support, Night Light improvements and text messaging in Warpinator.
Linux Mint 22.3 comes in its three usual editions: Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce. If you’re already on an earlier 22.x release, you can upgrade straight through the Update Manager.
Want the full technical details, requirements and download options? Head over to our complete Linux Mint profile.