Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” Launches with Polished Features and LTS Support

Linux Mint 22.2 Zara is now available, offering a fresh wave of enhancements across performance, visual design, and usability. Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and running on the Linux 6.14 HWE kernel, the release delivers improved hardware compatibility and gains extended support through April 2029. Linux Mint 22.2 Zara Launches with Polished Features echoes this refined release in tone and brevity.

At the core of the update, the new Fingwit utility offers native fingerprint authentication for tasks such as system login, sudo commands, screensaver unlocking, and administrative authorisations—simplifying secure access across compatible devices. Visual improvements include a stylish blur effect and user avatars on the login screen and a subtly bluer theme across Mint-Y, Mint-X, and Mint-L, achieved via patched libAdwaita compatibility and the introduction of libAdapta for better theme coherence.

First-party apps receive significant polish. Hypnotix gains two new viewing options—Theatre Mode, which hides menus and controls, and Borderless Mode, which eliminates window borders for distraction-free viewing—while also improving performance, volume consistency, and playback stability. Sticky notes, now simply named Sticky, benefit from rounded corners, Wayland compatibility, and a D-Bus reload method, plus an Android companion app, StyncyNotes, enabling cross-device syncing.

System tools and apps also see thoughtful updates: the Software Manager sports a revamped welcome page with clear Flatpak versus system-package guidance; the Update Manager now displays a reboot button when needed; Xviewer’s colour correction is refined; WebApp Manager description fields are editable; and file renaming gains advanced enumeration options. Additionally, a new thumbnailer supports. aiff audio file cover art, and Warpinator unveils an iOS version alongside its existing Android variant.

Release notes advise caution: the HWE 6.14 kernel may cause issues with older NVIDIA drivers and VirtualBox; users affected may prefer holding back until upgrading from 22.1. The rollout is available now across Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce editions—upgrade paths are open via Update Manager or through fresh ISO downloads.