Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” Beta Released: Here’s What’s New

The Linux Mint team has officially announced the release of Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” Beta, marking the next step in the popular distribution’s evolution. Known for its user-friendly experience, stability, and Windows-like interface, Linux Mint continues to be one of the most recommended Linux distros for both beginners and experienced users.

The “Zara” release follows the Linux Mint 22 series and is built on top of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Long-Term Support), meaning users can expect long-term stability and security updates. This Beta release is intended for testing, feedback, and early adoption before the final stable release.

What’s New in Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” Beta?

1. Updated Desktop Environments

• Cinnamon 6.x – Polished animations, better multi-monitor support, and improved file manager responsiveness.

• MATE 1.28 – Updated panel applets, smoother scrolling, and bug fixes.

• Xfce 4.18 – Lightweight performance boosts and refreshed settings menus.

2. Improved Software Manager

• Faster package search and installation.

• New category icons for better navigation.

• Enhanced Flatpak integration for accessing more apps out of the box.

3. System Performance Enhancements

• Lower RAM usage on idle.

• Faster boot times, especially on SSDs.

• Better driver support for newer NVIDIA and AMD GPUs.

4. Revamped Update Manager

• Smarter update notifications that are less intrusive.

• Option to automatically remove unused kernels.

• More detailed changelogs directly in the update list.

5. Theming & Usability Changes

• New Zara wallpapers inspired by nature and abstract art.

• Improved dark mode with higher contrast for better readability.

• Refined system tray icons for consistency across apps.

6. Security & Privacy Improvements

• Updated Linux kernel with latest security patches.

• Stronger sandboxing for Flatpak apps.

• Better firewall integration via GUI tools.

Why “Zara”?

The Linux Mint team names releases alphabetically with female names, and Zara follows previous releases like Vanessa, Victoria, and Virginia.

Download & Testing

The Beta version is now available for download in all three editions: Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. Since this is a Beta release, it’s recommended for testing purposes only. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on bugs, performance issues, and UI changes to help the development team finalize the stable release.