The Linux Mint team announced the release of Linux Mint 22, codenamed "Wilma". Linux Mint 22 is a long-term support release which will be supported until 2029. It is based on Ubuntu 24.04 and comes with a number of new features, refinements, and a focus on security and user experience.
Table of Contents
Main Technical Updates in Linux Mint 22 Wilma
Linux Mint 22 comes with several significant technical updates, including:
- Kernel and Package Base: Linux Mint 22 is based on the Linux kernel 6.8 and the Ubuntu 24.04 package base.
- Hardware Enablement (HWE): Linux Mint 22.x point releases will adhere to the HWE series for compatibility with newer hardware.
- Pipewire Sound Server: The default sound server has transitioned to Pipewire.
- Software Sources Format: Support for the latest Debian DEB822 format has been integrated into Software Sources.
- GTK4 Theme Support: Themes have been updated to include GTK4 support.
- JXL Support in Pix: Pix, the image viewer, now incorporates JXL support and a dedicated thumbnailer.
- Migration to libsoup3: All software previously utilizing libsoup2 has been migrated to libsoup3.
- HiDPI Enhancements: Improvements to HiDPI support are evident in the boot sequence, Plymouth, and Slick-Greeter.
What's New in Linux Mint 22 Release
Enhanced Language Support
Linux Mint 22 introduces a new approach to language support. The installation size has been reduced by removing non-essential language packs, and selected language packs are now downloaded during installation if an internet connection is available. This approach allows for better localization and reduced disk space usage.
The ISO image includes language packs for English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, Dutch, and Italian.
Modern Technology Adoption
Linux Mint 22 adopts modern technologies to ensure better hardware compatibility and improved performance. The Linux kernel has been updated to version 6.8, and the distribution now features the Pipewire sound server, DEB822 support in Software Sources, GTK4 theme support, JXL support in Pix, libsoup3 migration, and improved HiDPI support.
Preservation of Popular Features
Linux Mint 22 continues to offer Thunderbird as a native .deb package, and restores GNOME Online Accounts functionality, which was lost in the GNOME 46 transition. Some GNOME apps have been reverted to GTK3 versions to maintain system theme compatibility.
Software Manager Enhancements
The "mintinstall" Software Manager has been improved with faster loading times, improved multi-threading, a new preferences page, and a banner slideshow.
Strengthened Security
Linux Mint 22 takes a strong stance on security by disabling unverified Flatpaks by default. Verified Flatpaks display their maintainer's name, and a warning highlights the security implications of enabling unverified Flatpaks.
If you choose to show the unverified flatpaks in the Software manager, simply toggle it to ON.
Once you have enabled this option, the unverified flatpaks will be marked as "unverified".
You can read more about this in the following blog post:
Transition to Matrix
Linux Mint 22 adopts the Matrix chat network, offering a modern experience with persistent discussions and multimedia support. A preinstalled Matrix Web App called "Element" aids onboarding and connects users to the Linux Mint Matrix space.
Cinnamon 6.2 Desktop Environment
Cinnamon 6.2 features a Layout Editor for Nemo actions, allowing customization with separators, submenus, and overridden labels and icons.
Other improvements include reduced printer notifications, Wayland support, Spices keybinding support, improved avatar support, workspace switcher enhancements, keybinding search, Cornerbar applet additions, and improved applet precision.
Other Improvements
Other notable improvements in Linux Mint 22 include:
- The Sticky notes app is now command-line invokable and configurable.
- Xed text editor gains text duplication, configurable quit behavior, and more recent files display.
- Timeshift introduces snapshot deletion confirmation.
- Firefox web applications created with WebApp Manager have a smarter, context-sensitive menubar and toolbar.
- Xfce's xfce4-xapp-status-plugin allows for configurable icon sizes.
- A new thumbnailer for GIMP files is available.
- FAT32 compatibility has been added to ISO images in File System Transposition mode.
- A new artwork collection from various artists is included.
Important Notes
- Linux Mint 22 will receive security updates until 2029.
- The same package base will be used until 2026, allowing for straightforward upgrades.
- Development focus will be solely on this base until 2026.
Download Linux Mint 22
Users are encouraged to download Linux Mint 22 from the official Linux Mint Downloads Page, and explore its features.
[NOTE]
In the Linux Mint live session, the username is "mint" and the password is empty (i.e. just press Enter if asked for a password).
Linux Mint is available in three flavours:
- Linux Mint Cinnamon - The most popular version, particularly developed for Linux Mint.
- Linux Mint MATE - A light weight edition suitable for older hardware.
- Linux Mint Xfce - A classic desktop edition. Ideal for who prefer the GNOME 2 style.
System Requirements
To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience with Linux Mint 22, we recommend the following system requirements:
- 2GB of RAM (4GB or more recommended)
- 20GB of disk space (100GB or more recommended)
- 1024×768 resolution (Note: on lower resolutions, press ALT to drag windows with the mouse if they don’t fit in the screen)
Verify ISO Images
Anyone could produce fake ISO images. So I highly recommend you to check the integrity and authenticity of the downloaded ISO file before installing Linux Mint.
All download mirrors provide the ISO images, a sha256sum.txt file, and a sha256sum.txt.gpg file. These files should be available in the same location where you downloaded the ISO image.
If you can't find them, you can browse the Heanet download mirror and select the version of Linux Mint you downloaded.
Steps to Download Verification Files:
- Download both
sha256sum.txtandsha256sum.txt.gpg. - Do not copy their content. Instead, use “right-click -> Save Link As…” to download the files.
- Ensure you do not modify these files in any way.
After downloading both files, head over to the following to verify the integrity and authenticity of the ISO file.
How to Upgrade to Linux Mint 22
If you are currently running the Linux Mint 22 BETA, you do not need to upgrade. Simply use the Update Manager to apply available updates. Or, run the following commands from your terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade
For users of Linux Mint 21.3, the official upgrade channel is not yet opened. So you have to wait a little longer. The upgrade instructions will be provided in the coming days in the Linux Mint official website. Please check back for further information.
Known Issues and Workarounds
Here's the list of Known issues in Linux Mint 22 along with their fixes:
- Shutdown Timeout: The default shutdown timeout is 10 seconds. If users have processes that need a longer time to finish before shutdown, they may need to adjust the timeout value.
- VirtualBox Issues: Users running Linux Mint 22 in VirtualBox might encounter black screens or rendering issues. Disabling 3D acceleration, enabling Nested Paging, and installing Guest Additions can resolve these problems.
- Xorg Crashes in Virtual Machines: Installing multimedia codecs can lead to Xorg crashes in virtual machines due to 3D acceleration requirements. Removing the
gstreamer1.0-vaapipackage or enabling 3D acceleration (though potentially causing other issues) are possible solutions. - Sound Issues: The switch to the Pipewire sound server might cause issues for some users. Reverting to PulseAudio is a potential solution if sound problems persist.
- HiDPI Display Issues: The Grub2 theme might appear too small on HiDPI monitors. Installing the
grub2-theme-mint-2kpackage can address this. - Touchpad Driver Issues: While the default touchpad driver is
libinput, users experiencing problems can switch tosynapticsorevdevdrivers. - NTFS Volume Mounting Issues: A regression in Kernel 6.8 might cause difficulties mounting NTFS volumes.
- Mouse Pointer Theme Issues: Changing the mouse pointer theme for root, Qt, and Flatpak applications require specific commands and configurations.
- DVD Playback Issues with VLC: Users might need to manually specify the disc device in VLC if their DVD player isn't automatically detected.
- Redshift Functionality: Redshift's reliance on a retired Mozilla location service limits its functionality. Manual configuration is possible, but automatic location-based features are affected.
- Freezing During Boot: Some graphics cards might cause freezing during boot. Using the "Compatibility Mode" boot option, installing NVIDIA drivers (if applicable), or trying specific boot parameters can help.
The users are encouraged to read the official Linux Mint 22 release notes. It provides detailed troubleshooting steps for all aforementioned issues.
Conclusion
Linux Mint 22 "Wilma" delivers a refined desktop experience with a strong emphasis on stability, security, and user-friendliness. It ships with updated technology, introduces new features and improvements across various aspects of the operating system.
Give it a try and let us know your experience via the comment section below.
