The arrival of Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” This marks a new step in the evolution of one of the most popular desktop GNU/Linux distributions. It's not a revolutionary version, but rather a release with many small improvements that, together, make the system more pleasant and predictable for daily use. For those coming from Windows 10 or 11, or other more experimental distributions, Zena presents itself as a very stable option for working, studying, or simply browsing without complications.
This edition is being released as a timely update within the 22 seriesDesigned for those already using Mint 22.1 or 22.2 and for new users looking for a classic Windows-like environment but with the flexibility of Linux. The distribution maintains its commitment to... Cinnamon desk as the default option, but it also offers editions with Xfce and MATE for those who prefer a lighter or more traditional environment.
Linux Mint 22.3 technical base: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and updated kernel
Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” is based on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)updated to branch 24.04.3, providing a stable and long-term maintained package ecosystem. Based on this, Mint incorporates the Linux kernel 6.14, a version that improves support for recent Intel and AMD hardware, including laptops, graphics cards, and modern Wi-Fi chipsets.
In addition to this core, the Mint team uses the Canonical's hardware enablement stack (HWE)This update incorporates driver improvements from more recent kernels, reaching changes up to Linux 6.18. This combination seeks a balance between stability and compatibility, so that most desktop and laptop computers sold in Europe in recent years work "right out of the box" without having to struggle with additional drivers.
However, in release notes It is noted that some specific problems exist: this kernel has known issues with VirtualBox and with older Nvidia graphics cards that rely on the 470 driver, which is no longer officially supported. In tests performed on relatively recent desktop computers, VirtualBox works, although sometimes it requires manually adjusting certain graphics options, a behavior that occurs more with this kernel than with Mint itself.
Available editions and support cycle of Linux Mint 22.3
As usual, Zena is released in three main versions: the default desktop environment, Xfce 4.18 for those who want a lighter environment, and MATE 1.26 for users who prefer a more classic style. All three share the same Ubuntu 24.04 LTS base and the same Linux kernel, as well as the tools developed by the Linux Mint project itself.
The Linux Mint 22 series features support until 2029This makes it an attractive option for small offices, educational institutions, and home users who prefer to install and forget about drastic changes for a few years. During this time, the system will receive security patches and maintenance updates, keeping stability as a priority.
Cinnamon 6.6: a continuation but more polished desktop environment
The main focus of Linux Mint 22.3 is the desktop Cinnamon 6.6It incorporates a number of improvements focused on usability and paving the way for more modern technologies, such as Wayland and advanced multi-monitor support. Although the overall look still resembles the classic Windows design, many details have been refined beneath the surface.
One of the most visible changes is the redesign of the applications menuThe new menu features a sidebar design that displays the user's avatar, shortcuts to frequently used locations, and favorites. The categories area takes up less space, giving more prominence to the applications themselves, making it easier to find common programs without getting lost in submenus.
It's possible in the menu preferences hide different elements Or you can dedicate the sidebar solely to locations, bookmarks, or favorite apps, depending on your needs. Special system folders are handled separately from the rest of your bookmarks, which helps keep directory navigation more organized.
The keyboard handling and data entryThis includes the virtual keyboard and shortcut management, which is especially noticeable on touchscreen laptops or multi-monitor setups. The Muffin window manager receives a series of tweaks aimed at improving Wayland compatibility, although Mint continues to use X.Org by default, prioritizing short-term stability.
In day-to-day use, Cinnamon 6.6 adds small changes that add up: improved behavior of active corners Full-screen mode, smoother switching between virtual desktops, and more flexible window tiling options. For those who work with multiple applications simultaneously, these details make a big difference without requiring a change in habits.
Symbolic icons and a more uniform visual appearance
Another notable change is the widespread adoption of XApp Symbolic Icons (XSI). These monochromatic icons are designed to scale correctly to different sizes and look good in both light and dark themes. They are used in buttons, menus, and status indicators in compatible applications.
Although its appearance may seem more understated than other sets of colorful icons, its goal is to offer visual consistency between programs and improve readability on very dense screens or multi-monitor setups. It's a subtle change, but it points to a more modern and consistent interface across the entire system.
New tools: System information and System administration
Linux Mint 22.3 introduces two utilities that strengthen control over the computer: System information y System administrationThe first is an evolution of the old system Reports tool, now renamed and expanded with new sections and technical data.
From System Information, the user can Check the USB, BIOS, GPU, and PCI device settingsThis is useful when there are compatibility issues, hardware failures, or doubts about which exact component is installed. It's not a tool you'll use every day, but it can save a lot of time when diagnosing problems or preparing a report for technical support.
The new menu of System administration For now, it focuses on offering more options for how the PC starts up. Although its scope is still limited, it points to greater future centralization of administrative tasks that are currently spread across several tools.
Notifications, perpetual night, and small desktop details
This version refines several aspects of the desktop environment that, while not groundbreaking in themselves, contribute to a more comfortable experience. Among them, the addition of application notification indicators on the panelThis makes it easy to see at a glance which programs have generated pending notifications.
The function is also activated continuously Night lightDesigned to reduce eye strain by adjusting the screen's color temperature at specific times, this feature is especially useful for those who spend many hours in front of the computer at night, whether working remotely or studying.
Taken together, these changes reinforce Mint's philosophy: prioritize comfort in the actual use of the desk In the face of major aesthetic or experimental changes, those who were already comfortable with previous versions will find in Zena a continuity with fewer inconveniences and more control.
File management and backups: Nemo, Timeshift, and Mint Backup
The file manager Nemo It now incorporates the possibility of pause and resume file copy or move operationsFor people who move large volumes of data, work with external drives or cloud services, being able to temporarily stop a transfer and continue it later is a very practical change.
In the backup section, the tools Timeshift mode y Mint Backup They receive improvements designed to prevent surprises when updating or modifying the system. Timeshift, which creates system snapshots (similar to Windows System Restore), now allows pause and resume snapshot creationThis helps when there are temporary problems with storage or network in the case of external backups.
Mint Backup, for its part, incorporates a new button “Include everything” This feature adds all hidden user files and folders to the backup at once. These folders often contain important application settings; including them reduces the risk of losing custom settings when migrating or restoring the system.
Thanks to this dual approach —System snapshots with Timeshift and personal data backup with Mint Backup—, Zena encourages even less technical users to get used to having a basic backup plan before touching major updates.
Integrated applications and minor improvements
Linux Mint 22.3 comes with the usual set of pre-installed applications Designed to meet basic office and home needs, these suites include LibreOffice for office applications, Firefox as a web browser, and Thunderbird for email and calendar, all in recent versions adapted to the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS base.
The network file sharing tool warpinator now incorporates support for IPv6 and the ability to send text messages along with the files, which makes it easier to coordinate shipments between computers on the same network without resorting to third-party cloud services.
The IPTV player hypnotix adds the option of hide cursor in full screen mode It also improves integration with the MPV player, better remapping certain keys and controls. These are modest changes, but they refine the performance on large screens or televisions connected to the computer.
It is also updated Captain, Mint's suite of utilities for modern package management, which now It supports the installation of multiple packages via apt:// URLsFor its part, the Update Manager shows a Warning icon in the system tray when a restart is recommended after certain updates, something especially useful in work environments where restarts are often postponed.
Another practical detail is the reduction of default shutdown timeoutwhich is reduced from 90 to 10 seconds. This prevents having to wait so long when an application doesn't respond correctly when logging out or shutting down the computer.
Performance and compatibility on desktop and laptop computers
The tests carried out with desktop computers with recent Intel and AMD processors They exhibit very stable behavior. In typical office configurations—for example, desktops with Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processors, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD—the system runs smoothly and without any noticeable problems in daily use.
El kernel 6.14 and the HWE stack They enhance compatibility with integrated AMD Radeon and Intel graphics, and improve the detection of modern Wi-Fi chipsets, which is relevant for laptops purchased in recent years in the European market. In most cases, installation from the official ISO allows you to start working immediately without having to search for additional drivers.
Only in specific scenarios, such as intensive use of VirtualBox with certain hardware With older Nvidia cards, minor issues may arise that require manually adjusting some settings. However, these are very specific situations, and overall, the Zena experience aligns with Mint's reputation as an "install and use" distribution.
Upgrade process from Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara”
Those who already use Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” Users can upgrade to 22.3 “Zena” without reinstalling the system. The Mint team itself recommends following a series of steps to minimize risks and ensure everything goes smoothly.
The first thing to do is verify that the current system is fully updated via the Update ManagerIt's advisable to apply all pending updates and restart if prompted. Afterward, it's highly recommended to create a backup of personal files and settingsusing Timeshift and Mint Backup for this purpose.
When everything is up to date, all you have to do is open the Update Manager and access the menu “Edit > Update to Linux Mint 22.3 Zena”The assistant displays a welcome screen with access to the release notes and the list of new features, including notices about known issues and their possible solutions.
After reviewing this information and accepting the terms, click Apply and the system will proceed to Download and install the new packagesThe duration of the process depends on your internet connection speed and your computer's specifications. Once the installation is complete, a message will appear indicating that the update was successful and that further action is required. Restart your computer to apply all changes..
Clean installation and availability of ISOs
For new installations, Linux Mint 22.3 is distributed in official ISO images hosted at various mirrors around the worldincluding European servers, which facilitates fast downloads from Spain and other surrounding countries. The ISOs are already available in the official repositories, even before the full formal announcement on the project website.
The installation follows the usual procedure: Boot from the ISO in live mode, test the system and, if everything works correctly, start the installer.In that process you can choose the language (including Spanish from Spain), the time zone, the keyboard layout and partitioning options, as well as whether or not you want to encrypt the disk.
For users coming from Windows who want to try it without touching their current installation, it is possible use a USB in live mode without modifying the hard drive. This option allows you to evaluate performance, verify that the Wi-Fi card is working, and decide whether to proceed with a full installation.
General approach of Linux Mint 22.3: a stable desktop for smooth work
Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” does not intend to reinvent the Linux desktop, but polish it so that the day in front of the PC is less cumbersomeIts combination of an Ubuntu LTS base, a refined Cinnamon desktop, and accessible backup tools makes it a particularly suitable option for those who prioritize stability over flashy new features.
The best way to understand this version is as a set of quality of life improvementsA more practical applications menu, consistent icons, better-organized hardware data, simpler backups, and a system file that's better suited to modern hardware. These changes, made without fanfare, are a good fit for the typical European user who uses their PC regularly for work, study, or play without wanting to spend too much time on system maintenance.
For those already using version 22.x, the Zena upgrade is presented as a logical step to continue enjoying support until 2029 with a more refined desktop. And for new users coming from Windows and looking for a familiar environment but with fewer requirements and restrictions, Linux Mint 22.3 offers a stable entry point, predictable and with a manageable learning curve.
