Linux Mint has released Hardware Enablement (HWE) ISO images for version 22.3—based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS—featuring Linux kernel 6.17 instead of the standard 6.14. This follows Ubuntu's February 2026 HWE update for 24.04.4 LTS, providing the same kernel via updates; Mint's ISOs now ensure compatibility for very new hardware right from installation, with more HWE ISOs planned until Linux Mint 23 arrives in December 2026.
The Linux Mint team has introduced HWE ISO images for Linux Mint 22.3 to enhance support for the latest laptops and desktops during fresh installs. These ship with Linux kernel 6.17 (introduced in Ubuntu's 24.04.4 LTS HWE stack), while standard 22.3 ISOs use kernel 6.14. The core system is unchanged and fully tested Linux Mint 22.3.
Developers plan ongoing HWE ISO releases as newer kernels enter the repositories, supporting users through the long gap to Linux Mint 23—due Christmas 2026 on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.
