Linux Mint is a free operating system for desktop and laptop computers. Its current supported release is Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena,” an LTS release supported until April 2029. Mint aims to make Linux comfortable and easy to use while still offering power and customization; choosing an edition and checking your hardware are the key first steps.
What is Linux Mint?
Linux Mint is a Linux-based desktop operating system that you can install instead of, or alongside, another operating system. The project describes it as “designed to be comfortable and easy to use but also powerful and configurable.” It is free of charge; no paid license or subscription is required to use it. See the Linux Mint FAQ and official download page.
Is Linux Mint good for beginners?
It can be a good starting point if you want a desktop operating system and are willing to learn a different interface and installation process. Mint offers three desktop editions, an installation guide, and an interface intended to be approachable. It is not a guarantee that every app or device you use on another operating system will work the same way, so check your essential hardware and software needs before replacing your existing setup.
Which Linux Mint edition should you choose?
The three editions differ mainly in desktop style and the resources they use. Mint does not publish controlled performance comparisons among them, so use the descriptions below as a starting point rather than a speed ranking.
#1 Best Overall
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- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging
| Edition | What Mint says | Good reason to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon | Mint’s most popular edition, developed primarily by and for Linux Mint. | You want the flagship Mint desktop and its full feature set. |
| Xfce | Lighter on resource use than Cinnamon, with fewer features. | You want to investigate a lighter desktop for a lower-resource computer. |
| MATE | A classic desktop environment and continuation of GNOME 2. | You prefer a traditional desktop style. |
These are distinctions in style and design, not evidence that one edition will be fastest or best on every computer. Read Mint’s edition descriptions and, if possible, try a live session before installing.
What is the current Linux Mint version?
Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” is the current release listed on the project’s supported-versions page. Mint released it on January 13, 2026; it is an LTS release supported until April 2029 and belongs to the 22.x series based on Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble). The versions page also lists Mint 22, 22.1, and 22.2 with support until April 2029, and 21.x releases with support until April 2027. Check the live supported versions list for status updates. More recent release plans mentioned on the Mint blog are not features of 22.3 unless the project identifies them as released.
Rank #2
- Intel Core i5-10210U (up to 4.2GHz) - 1TB PCIe NVMe + 1TB HDD - 32GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 17.3" HD+ (1600x900) Display, Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Built in HD 720p Webcam with Microphone - Bluetooth Version4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.1 (Data Only), 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack
- Linux Mint Cinnamon 64-Bit - 6-Row Keyboard w/ Full Numberpad
Will Linux Mint run on your computer?
Linux Mint’s published requirements are useful for screening, but they are not independent performance benchmarks or a promise of compatibility with a particular model. The project’s FAQ, checked September 30, 2026, gives these figures:
- RAM: 2 GB minimum; 4 GB recommended for comfortable use.
- Disk space: 20 GB minimum; 100 GB recommended.
- Display: 1024×768 minimum resolution.
Meeting these minimums does not establish that Wi-Fi, graphics, printers, suspend, or other hardware features work correctly on your exact computer. Before replacing another operating system, check the features you rely on in a live session or consult current reports for the precise device model.
Rank #3
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- [4G LTE - WORK ANYWHERE] Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Carrier Mobile Broadband. Stay connected to the internet in remote areas or on the road without relying on Wi-Fi or phone hotspots. True mobile freedom for field professionals
- [1200-NIT SUNLIGHT READABLE] 13.1" XGA Touchscreen with CircuLumin technology. At 1200 nits, it is nearly 4x brighter than a standard laptop, ensuring perfect visibility under direct, intense sunlight
- [LINUX UBUNTU PRE-INSTALLED] Fast, secure, and bloatware-free. Optimized for developers, network engineers, and diagnostic software that thrives in a stable, open-source environment
- [LEGACY SERIAL PORT] Features a native RS-232 Serial Port, HDMI, and USB 3.0. Essential for connecting directly to industrial machinery, CNCs, and automotive diagnostic tools without unreliable adapter
Check kernel-related compatibility before installing
Mint 22.2 and 22.3 ship with HWE kernel 6.14 to support newer AMD processors, but Mint’s 22.3 release notes flag problems with VirtualBox and older NVIDIA cards that use the unsupported 470 driver. For affected systems, Mint recommends version 22.1, which uses the LTS kernel 6.8; the notes describe a later upgrade path that does not switch to the HWE kernel. Review the 22.3 release notes if either issue may affect you.
How do you install Linux Mint?
Installation involves downloading an ISO image, creating bootable media, and starting the computer from that media to follow the installer. Mint’s official documentation links to the installation guide for the current process.
Rank #4
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- CRUSH YOUR TO-DO LIST – The AMD Ryzen CPU pairs quiet performance and enhanced operating power to crush your high-demand workday. It optimizes performance and allows for seamless multitasking.
- TRUE-TO-LIFE VISUALS – The 15.6” FHD IPS display is anti-glare with 300 nits brightness to see your best outside or in. Its 88% screen-to-body ratio makes viewing detailed applications like spreadsheets a breeze.
- SEAMLESS COLLABORATION – Lenovo Smart Appearance enhances your camera effects to protect your privacy and to make you the focus of every video conference. Intelligent noise cancelation minimizes distraction and Dolby Audio provides an elegantly sonorous experience.
- BUILT TO WITHSTAND – Built for military-grade toughness, the V15 Gen 4 is tested to withstand harsh temperatures, pressure, humidity, vibrations and more. Keep your work safe from the board room to your living room and everywhere in between.
- Choose an edition and download its ISO from the official Linux Mint download page.
- Follow Mint’s current instructions to verify the image’s integrity and authenticity before using it. Mint warns that unofficial or fake ISO images can exist; use the official documentation for verification steps.
- Use the guide’s instructions to create bootable media, then boot from it and follow the installer. If you are unsure about hardware compatibility, test the live session first and check that essential devices work.
How do you upgrade to Linux Mint 22.3?
Mint’s published procedure applies to systems running Linux Mint 22, 22.1, or 22.2. Because this is a major operating-system upgrade, follow the complete official upgrade instructions rather than skipping preparation steps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Powerful Linux Laptop: This IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux, offering fast performance, robust security, and a clean, user-friendly experience. Enjoy full customization, seamless hardware compatibility, and access to thousands of open-source apps. Whether you're working, creating, or coding, it's built to keep up with everything you do.
- A Multitasking Master: The latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor (up to 4.5 GHz) delivers powerful performance with 8 cores and 16 threads for smooth multitasking. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics provide crisp visuals for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. With smart machine intelligence, it adapts to your needs for a fast, responsive experience.
- 15.6" Full HD Display: The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a floating, edge-to-edge visual experience. TÜV Low Blue Light certification reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long work or study sessions.
- Military-Grade Durability: The smart IdeaPad Slim 3 combines portability and durability, letting you work, study, and play on the go. With a profile 10% slimmer than the previous generation, it's lightweight yet military-grade rugged, ready for anything, anywhere.
- Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy the security of a built-in webcam with a privacy shutter. Connect effortlessly with multiple ports: 2x USB A, 1x USB C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone combo. Bundle comes with Stylus Pen, 256GB Portable SSD and 5-in-1 Docking Station.
- Create a Timeshift system snapshot.
- Prepare Cinnamon spices if you have installed them.
- Refresh Update Manager and install relevant updates to mintupdate or mint-upgrade-info.
- In Update Manager, select Edit → Upgrade to Linux Mint 22.3 Zena and follow the prompts.
- Restart when the upgrade finishes.
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