Linux Mint 22 beta based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS released

Here we go – Linux Mint 22 beta is now available for download.

Linux Mint 22 “Wilma” beta will be released before the expected stable release in late July/early August (depending on how many bugs, issues, and quirks can be found and fixed during the formal beta testing period).

Linux Mint 22 is a big update. It’s the first version based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and inherits all the basic goodies that the release offers. It includes the Linux 6.8 kernel, new graphics drivers, and PipeWire as the default sound server.

However, Linux Mint adds many of its own improvements to that Ubuntu base, including a new version of the Cinnamon desktop environment, a core suite of applications, a Flatpak-compatible software store, and a host of other significant changes.

I’ll start with the new features in Cinnamon 6.2, since that’s the default Linux Mint 22 desktop (though MATE and Xfce versions are also available for those who prefer them):

• The search bar is displayed by default when adding Startup applications
• New lock screen delay options: 5 and 10 seconds
• Workspace switcher supports deleting workspace by middle click
• Cinnamon Spices now supports customizable hotkeys
• You can now search for keyboard shortcuts (in the keyboard shortcut editor)
• User applet supports displaying user profile picture on panel
• Cinnamon Sessions now have Welcome Badges
• Mint Menu gains the category “Science”
• The corner bar applet allows you to configure the click action
• OSK presses the button to release OSK
• Active VPN connections add a padlock to network icons

Many default applications in Linux Mint 22 gain new features and/or improvements:

• Nemo gains a new layout editor and submenus for actions
• Matrix web app (Element) added to default installation
• Software Manager hides unverified Flathub apps by default
• Warpinator now has a “restart” item in the menu
• Casket now supports JXL images
• Sticky notes allow you to set the default screen position
• Time change backup now displays delete confirmation dialog
• NO text editor gains keyboard shortcut for toggling minimap
• Redshift removed (due to Mozilla’s location service being deprecated)

Additionally, Thunderbird remains packaged as a DEB package, although by the Linux Mint team. Ubuntu has switched to Thunderbird snap and made Thunderbird DEB in the repositories a transitional package that (re)installs the snap build.

Web Apps Built with Linux Mint Web Application Manager continue using Firefox (as before) But The toolbar and menu bar are now hidden by default (but will reappear when needed, such as when you open a link in a web app in a new tab).

Interestingly, many applications in Linux Mint 22 have been downgraded to older versions of GTK3. This is because newer builds adopt the libadwaita library, which Linux Mint doesn’t like because it affects integration with the Linux Mint desktop.

Among the apps downgraded to older versions (than those in the Noble repositories): Celluloid, GNOME Calculator, Simple scanning, Disk Usage Analyzer, System monitor, GNOME CalendarAND File roller.

More general changes in Linux Mint 22 include:

• Guest sessions are disabled by default
• PipeWire is now the default audio server
• Less disk space used for translations
• Default touchpad driver is now libinput
• A selection of new desktop wallpapers
• Shutdown time has been reduced to 10 seconds
• A handy greeter supports cursor scaling for HiDPI displays
• Standalone GNOME Online Accounts application

And many lower-level bug fixes, stability improvements, and performance improvements are (as you might expect) included in this update. But aside from these “invisible changes,” the above list covers the new features visible to the user in Linux Mint 22.

Download Linux Mint 22 Beta

Download the Linux Mint 22 beta from one of the official mirrors listed in the release announcement. Be sure to read the release notes and remember that this release is for testing purposes, may contain bugs, etc.

Testers should report bugs for Linux Mint 22 on the dedicated Github page (but please do not report Wayland-related bugs there).

No one is advised to make the beta their default operating system, but many do. Anyone running the beta will be able to “upgrade” to the final, stable version of Linux Mint 22 by installing updates.

Likewise, when the final release is released, you will be able to upgrade from version 21.3 to Linux Mint 22.

The final release of Linux Mint 22 will be supported with security updates until 2029, and work on the next major release, Linux Mint 23, will not begin until 2026. Linux Mint 22.1, 22.2, and 22.3 will also be based on Ubuntu 2404 LTS.