Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” Public Beta is now available for testing

Is the New Linux Mint 22.2 Beta the Amazing, User-Friendly Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For? Could the New Linux Mint 22.2 Beta Create Frustrating Problems for Your Main Computer?

A test version of Linux Mint 22.2, nicknamed “Zara,” is now available for you to try. This is an early look at the next big update. It is a long-term support release, which means it will receive security updates until 2029, making it a stable choice for years to come once the final version is released.

This new version is built on the foundation of Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS and includes many refinements to make your computer experience more comfortable. Before you consider downloading it, it’s important to understand what a “beta” version is. Think of it as a preview. It’s meant for testing and finding any issues before the official release, so it is not recommended for your primary computer that you rely on for daily work or school.

Major New Features in Linux Mint 22.2

The “Zara” update focuses on making the system more secure, visually appealing, and compatible with modern hardware.

Simple and Secure Fingerprint Login

One of the most exciting additions is a new application called Fingwit. This tool is designed to manage your computer’s fingerprint reader. If your device has one, you can now use your fingerprint for several tasks, making your workflow faster and more secure.

You can use Fingwit to:

• Log in to your computer.
• Unlock the screensaver.
• Approve administrative actions and commands.

Fingwit is designed to be smart. For example, if your home folder is encrypted, using a fingerprint to log in could cause a crash. The Fingwit application detects this and will ask for your password instead, preventing any problems. This thoughtful design is a fantastic improvement for everyday usability.

A Fresh, Modern Look for Your Desktop

Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” introduces several visual upgrades that give the operating system a more polished and modern feel. The login screen has been improved with a new blur effect and now shows your user avatar, creating a more personalized welcome.

Other visual enhancements include:

• Theme Updates The default Mint-Y theme has been adjusted with cooler grey tones for a softer, more modern appearance, especially in dark mode.
• Accent Colors You now have support for accent colors, allowing you to personalize the look of your desktop even further.
• Improved App Compatibility The system now has better compatibility with modern applications, ensuring that programs look and work correctly within the Mint environment.

Better Support for New Hardware

This update includes a newer Linux 6.14 kernel. Think of the kernel as the core engine of the operating system. A newer kernel means better support for the latest computer hardware, such as new processors, graphics cards, and Wi-Fi adapters. This is part of a Hardware Enablement (HWE) update, which ensures that Linux Mint runs smoothly on a wider range of modern devices.

Different Flavors and What to Expect

Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” is available in its usual three editions, each offering a different desktop experience: Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE. The Cinnamon edition has received special attention to improve its compatibility with Wayland, a newer technology for managing how graphics are displayed, although this feature is still considered experimental.

The beta test period typically lasts for a few weeks to allow the community to find and report any bugs. After this testing phase, a final, stable version of Linux Mint 22.2 is expected to be released for everyone.