This page summarizes Linux Mint releases and milestones for 2026.
Last Updated: March 21, 2026
¶ Releases and Versions
| Version |
Codename |
Release Date |
Base |
End of Support |
| Linux Mint 22.3 |
Zena |
2026-01-11 |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
2029-04-30 |
| Version |
Codename |
Release Date |
Base |
End of Support |
| Linux Mint 22.2 |
Zara |
2025-09-04 |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
2029-04-30 |
| Linux Mint 22.1 |
Xia |
2025-01-16 |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
2029-04-30 |
| LMDE 7 |
Gigi |
2025-10-14 |
Debian 12 |
Next LMDE release |
- January 11, 2026: Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” released as the latest point release in the 22.x series.
- 2026: Linux Mint 22.x series continues as the active LTS series with four point releases.
- 2026: Cinnamon 6.8 desktop environment receives regular updates with modern features.
- 2026: Linux Mint 21.x series continues with support until April 2027.
- Expected mid-2026: Linux Mint 22.4 expected following typical 6-8 month cadence.
Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” is the latest point release in the 22.x series, released on January 11, 2026.
| Feature |
Description |
| Codename |
Zena |
| Release Date |
January 11, 2026 |
| Base |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) |
| Desktop |
Cinnamon 6.8 / MATE 1.28 / Xfce 4.20 |
| Kernel |
Linux 6.8+ (6.11+ HWE available) |
| End of Support |
April 30, 2029 |
| Component |
Version |
| Desktop Environment |
Cinnamon 6.8 (flagship), MATE 1.28, Xfce 4.20 |
| Linux Kernel |
6.8+ (6.11+ HWE available) |
| Python |
3.12+ |
| GCC |
13.x |
| glibc |
2.39 |
| X.Org |
21.1+ |
| PipeWire |
1.0+ |
- Cinnamon 6.8: Enhanced desktop features and performance improvements
- Update Manager: Improved notification system and better dependency handling
- Timeshift: Enhanced integration for automated system snapshots
- Hardware Support: Latest WiFi and graphics drivers
- Software Manager: Improved Flatpak handling and application discovery
- Security: Updated security features and system hardening
- Accessibility: Improved accessibility features and internationalization
- HiDPI: Better HiDPI support and scaling options
| Edition |
Desktop |
Description |
| Cinnamon |
Cinnamon 6.8 |
Flagship edition; modern, feature-rich desktop |
| MATE |
MATE 1.28 |
Traditional GNOME 2 fork; lightweight |
| Xfce |
Xfce 4.20 |
Lightweight desktop; low resource usage |
LMDE 7 “Gigi” was released in October 2025 and remains the current LMDE release in 2026.
| Feature |
Description |
| Codename |
Gigi |
| Release Date |
October 14, 2025 |
| Base |
Debian 12 (Bookworm) |
| Desktop |
Cinnamon 6.x |
| Support |
Until next LMDE release |
- Debian 12 Base: Stable Debian Bookworm foundation
- Cinnamon 6.x: Latest Cinnamon desktop environment
- Long Support: Supported until next LMDE release
- Independence: Not tied to Ubuntu release cycle
- Rolling within Debian: Benefits from Debian stable updates
| Attribute |
Value |
| Current Release |
Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” (January 2026) |
| Base |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) |
| Desktop Editions |
Cinnamon (flagship), MATE, Xfce |
| Active Series |
Linux Mint 22.x (22, 22.1, 22.2, 22.3) |
| Support Status |
Full support until April 2029 |
| LMDE |
LMDE 7 “Gigi” (Debian 12 base) |
| Next Expected |
Linux Mint 22.4 (~mid-2026) |
| Version |
Codename |
Released |
Support Ends |
Base |
| 22.3 |
Zena |
2026-01-11 |
2029-04-30 |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
| 22.2 |
Zara |
2025-09-04 |
2029-04-30 |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
| 22.1 |
Xia |
2025-01-16 |
2029-04-30 |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
| 22 |
Wilma |
2024-07-25 |
2029-04-30 |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
| 21.3 |
Virginia |
2024-01-12 |
2027-04-30 |
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS |
| LMDE 7 |
Gigi |
2025-10-14 |
Next LMDE |
Debian 12 |
| Desktop |
Version |
Features |
| Cinnamon |
6.8 |
Enhanced features, performance improvements, better HiDPI |
| MATE |
1.28 |
Lightweight, traditional desktop experience |
| Xfce |
4.20 |
Low resource usage, stable and reliable |
- Update Manager: Improved notification system and better dependency handling
- Software Manager: Enhanced Flatpak integration and application discovery
- Timeshift: Better automated snapshot integration
- Driver Manager: Improved hardware detection and driver installation
- Mint Backup/Restore: Enhanced backup and restore functionality
- Kernel: Linux 6.8+ with 6.11+ HWE (Hardware Enablement) available
- Graphics: Latest NVIDIA and AMD drivers
- WiFi: Improved WiFi 6/6E support
- HiDPI: Better HiDPI scaling and display support
- AppArmor: Mandatory Access Control enabled
- Firewall: UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) included
- Secure Boot: Supported on compatible hardware
- Encryption: Full disk encryption during installation
- Updates: Regular security updates from Ubuntu and Mint repositories
| Version |
Expected Date |
Series |
Status |
| Linux Mint 22.3 |
2026-01-11 |
22.x |
✅ Released |
| Linux Mint 22.4 |
~2026-07 |
22.x |
📅 Expected |
- Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” released January 11, 2026 as the latest point release.
- Linux Mint 22.x series based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with support until April 2029.
- Linux Mint 21.x series based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with support until April 2027.
- LMDE 7 “Gigi” released October 2025 based on Debian 12 Bookworm.
- Point releases arrive approximately every 6-8 months within each LTS series.
- Each edition (Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce) receives simultaneous updates.
- Flatpak support continues to be emphasized for application distribution.
- Expected next release: Linux Mint 22.4 (~mid-2026, following typical cadence).
- https://www.linuxmint.com/
- https://blog.linuxmint.com/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Mint
- https://endoflife.date/linuxmint
- https://github.com/linuxmint