Linux Mint 22.3 "Zena" is now available for download. The Linux Mint team has initiated publishing final ISO images on official mirrors. It is based on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) operating system series and uses Linux kernel 6.14. Linux Mint 22.3 "Zena" includes editions with Cinnamon 6.6, Xfce 4.18, and MATE 1.26 desktop environments.
The Cinnamon 6.6 desktop environment, included in this release, introduces several updates. These include a redesigned application menu applet, modernized keyboard handling, virtual keyboard improvements, and enhanced theme support.
Additional features in Linux Mint 22.3 include new System Information and System Administration tools, per-app panel notification indicators, an always-on Night Light feature, and support for XApp Symbolic Icons (XSI). The Timeshift backup tool now allows pausing snapshots, and the Nemo file manager supports pausing file operations.
Linux Mint developers state that symbolic icons are monochrome icons used for application buttons, menus, and status indicators. They are designed for clean scaling and clarity across different interface themes.
Updates to applications include Warpinator, which gains IPv6 support and text message sending capabilities. The Hypnotix IPTV player now supports hiding the mouse cursor in full-screen and forwarding keys to MPV.
Captain, the Linux Mint package management tool, has been updated to support installing multiple packages via apt:// URLs. The Update Manager utility now displays a warning icon in the system tray when a system restart is recommended after updates.
The mintbackup tool features a new "Include All" button, simplifying the inclusion of hidden files and folders in backups. The release also incorporates package updates and security patches from the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS repositories.
An official announcement from the Linux Mint team is anticipated early next week. ISO images are currently available on official mirrors. The Linux Mint 22 series will receive support until 2029. Existing Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara" users can upgrade to Linux Mint 22.3 "Zena" via the Update Manager tool by selecting "Edit > Upgrade to Linux Mint 22.3 'Zena'." Users are advised to ensure their system is up to date and to back up important files before upgrading.